First, let’s explore what 2D printing is. 2D defines the dimensions of height and width on a flat service (in technical terms, the X and Y axis). This is achieved by laying multiple layers of ink onto a flat surface to create the desired color. Typically, the layers of ink consist of 4-colors (hence the name fourcolorprints.com). These colors are Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black, or CMYK. More complex prints will add in Pantone or Spot colors, but we don’t need to get into that right now.
A desktop printer will combine the CMYK mixtures as it lays them down on a page. The 4 colors mix together to form a desired final color. For instance, if 1oo% magenta and 100% yellow are laid down on a page, the resulting color will be red. In offset-printing or any non-digital form of printing, each level of CMYK is broken down into 4 individual plates. These plates are then coated with ink and laid down onto the paper in a sequential order.
Quite a bit going on!
Now, 3D printing also lays down one layer at a time, but instead of ink, 3D printers use a given material like rubber, plastic, metal, polyurethane, and more, and lay down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. This is known as an additive process, where layers of the material are added on top of each other to create a 3D object.
The 3D object itself is first defined in the computer using a wide variety of 3D modelling programs. While some 3D objects can be printed in one piece, many more complex objects are printed in parts and them assembled later on.
So why talk about 3D printing on a 2D printing website? Well, because FourColorPrints.com will soon be offering 3D printing services. From design to creation, FourColorPrints can help you get your 3D object from concept to reality.
What can 3D objects be used for?
Technically, they are being used all over the globe for everything from toy design, to prosthetic limbs, to full on houses! But we here at FourColorPrints.com will focus more on the business uses of a 3D printed object for marketing and advertising.
So, lets say your an interior decorator who has teamed up with multiple Realtor offices to have your business card in their lobby. Why not stand out a bit more than just a plain old business card holder on the counter. With 3D printing, we can create a custom business card holder to display your cards. Maybe a designer couch to hold your cards. Or a room setup where your cards are the centerpiece. With 3D printing, anything is possible!
Interested in learning more? Contact us for more details and prices.