So what is 3D printing ?
Additive manufacturing – commonly referred to as 3D printing – is the process of creating a solid three dimensional physical object from a digital file or design.
Unlike traditional manufacturing methods where material is removed from a solid block, 3D printing technologies build products layer-by-layer, only adding material where it is needed. A variety of 3D Printing technologies enable a wide range of materials to be processed, including polymers, resin, plastic, paper, wax, sandstone, metals, ceramics and bio-materials.
First commercialised in the late 1980s, additive manufacturing technology initially found widespread usage in producing prototypes and tooling; but is also being applied across various engineering industries, architecture & medical sector !
About TIME TO 3D :-
Time To 3D is India’s first-of-its-kind 3D printing hub located at Mumbai. While 3D printing technology has been around for three decades, it has mainly been restricted to industrial and B2B(business to business) applications. Founder Mr. Rahul Shah sensed the need to bring this technology to direct consumers, and to bridge the gap between technological advancement and public awareness. As a result, Time To 3D was founded with the aim of creating a platform to increase awareness on 3D printing and to engage directly with consumers.
This initiative is a partnership between Imaginarium (India’s largest 3D printing company) and the Time Media Group. You will find state of the art equipment at the hub that can cater to both consumers and industries.
Highlights at the hub :-
3D printing services –
Customers have a choice of bringing in their own 3D digital file or download one free from the internet.
- You can choose from a range of novelty customized products.
- 3D selfies :- Yes, you heard it right, 3D selfies ! First, you’ve to visit the hub to get scanned by their structure sensor linked with iPad. The sensor then converts the scanned file into a 3D model file & is then uploaded to the 3D printer. Voila, you’re done ! Now let the printer do rest of the job !
- 3D printing offerings :- Using latest 3D printers and software, consumers can 3D print any household item or even a school/college project in a wide range of materials. Also Time To 3D caters to clientele in the fields of jewellery, engineering, aerospace, architecture, medical, dental, fashion, interior design, automobile, prototyping, manufacturing, education, casting/moulding, entertainment and many more.
Doodle Pen Sessions –
Compact and easy to use 3D doodle pens extrudes heated plastic that cools down immediately to form a solid object. The hub offers hands on 3D doodle pen sessions for 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes.
Regular workshops and courses are conducted at the hub that are designed for anyone of any age in any field where no prior knowledge of 3D printing is required.
Birthday Parties –
At Time To 3D, a combination of fun and learning is served to young consumers. Birthdays parties are organized in a manner that children enjoy themselves while learning. Party activities include an introduction to 3D printing, hands on scanning and doodling sessions.
Other offerings –
True to their word of being a one stop shop for 3D printing, the hub also offers 3D printers, 3D doodle pens and 3D filaments for customers to purchase directly. Unlike any other platform, consumers have the opportunity to walk in and experience 3D printers and doodle pens first hand before making a purchase.
My personal experience at the hub –
You feel that you’ve entered into an entirely world the moment you enter into the hub ! There were tons of products at the display & it was hard to believe that every one of them was 3D printed ! Then they showed variety of products they manufacture. The products included from engineering sectors such as gears & exhaust manifold, buildings, medical sectors & other show-pieces which I wasn’t able to take my eyes off !
After that, I had my eyes on a little miniature Einstein. The detailing on the miniature model was unbelievably marvelous ! They didn’t fail to notice my curious mind & showed me how these types of miniature models & selfies are manufactured with their modern tech ! They also let me have a hands-on session on 3D doodle pens 😀
They handed me a goodie bag too at the end of the event ! It contained small 3D printed keychain, mobile holder & other stuff ! I recommend that you should at least visit the hub once & believe me you would like to have every one of them once you lay your eyes on them !
Time to 3D is located at Vile Parle, Mumbai; just 500m away from Vile Parle station ! If you want to dig up more information or shoot any enquiries, visit their website !