The first question that might be in your mind is what is the whole ho-hum about 3D printing. Why is it being given such importance? After all, it is simply making stuff with plastic, something that is already happening in the world all around.
As a polymer engineer let me tell you first-hand what is the process of making something from plastic. For the simplest of product, say a bucket or a mug, there is a machine that is very costly to buy and maintain and then there must be a mold of the object that you want to make.
The basic step is that you put the plastic in its raw form (say beads of polypropylene) from one end and then it is heated to melt and with force pushed into the mold. Then it gets to room temperature and solidifies.
Job done.
Yes, it is that simple. So, the question again rises, what is the big deal of a 3D printer, because in essence this printer is the same machine doing the same thing. The two differences that sets it apart are:
- No mold required. You literally print from a digital file that contains the shape.
- Very Portable compared to large molding machines
- Very easy to operate
- And most importantly, the price is a lot cheaper.
A 3D printer gives you the freedom of what you want to create and you do not have to visualize and get the mold made for creating it. This means that in a single day, you can create hundred varieties of things without creating any extra waste (useless molds etc.).
While the machines that companies have are good for mass production, they are not value for money if a person wants to use it for personal use. Think of it as the difference between a personal computer and a mainframe. Mainframe might have superiority in certain cases and might be more powerful, but for day-to-day use, it is just overkill.
Similarly, 3D printers give an individual power over what he wants to create. This has made it a rage in the world and while the prices are still higher to call them apt for personal use, this is changing fast. Especially in India, various setups are beginning to eye it as a great venture for creativity.
Navi Mumbai-based Divide by Zero Technologies is one of those firms, lead by CEO Swapnil Sansare, the company has produced Accucraft S 150 3D Printer. Using FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), the printer accurately creates the design or 3D model given to it.
The build size is 160mmx160mmx160mm with an accuracy of +/-0.2mm. 
The whole process can be seen in this video:
The most important aspect is that it is using engineering grade plastic which is durable and the products formed won’t be frivolous. Also, the printer is fast and takes only a minute to be ready for the next design. This means one can make multiple prototypes in quick successions.
All in all, this 3D printer should be apt for prototype creation and perhaps for fun as well for people with designing interests. The biggest advantage however is that as this printer is made in India, the service and parts will not be an issue, which is a huge problem for any imported item.
Launched at Plastivision 2013 (Plastic Expo), it has been well received. With other players also taking interest in 3D printing, India should soon see an interesting turn for the better in the 3D printing arena.
Here is a question to our readers; What would you print if you had a 3D printer with you..?
A Bit Difficult to Agree on the part – “India’s First Indigenously Built 3D Printer!”
Kunal Check this here : https://www.facebook.com/arun.p/posts/10151805691075904?comment_id=28367725.