Changes

Note that ''<u>a proper mechanical fit between components demands a good tolerance on form, feature position, and surface finish</u>'', such that it is typically impossible to obtain a proper fit when 3D printing, and that if you are considering the 3D printing of critically interfacing components, 3D printing should not be used unless post processing <u>''is built into the design''</u>. For mechanical designs, you will notice that a main application is brackets. This is because brackets only need good positional tolerance on holes and mating faces, which 3D printing can almost always provide (the tolerance on form for holes is not that important since they are typically clearance holes). However, since some brackets are easily laser cut, 3D printing brackets is only done under certain specific conditions. It certainly has shown its commercial use in cost cutting by replacing intricate multi-part assemblies by ''generatively designed'' (we'll say computer generated for now) parts, as shown in the picture to the right.

Note that ''<u>a proper mechanical fit between components demands a good tolerance on form, feature position, and surface finish</u>'', such that it is typically impossible to obtain a proper fit when 3D printing, and that if you are considering the 3D printing of critically interfacing components, 3D printing should not be used unless post processing <u>''is built into the design''</u>. For mechanical designs, you will notice that a main application is brackets. This is because brackets only need good positional tolerance on holes and mating faces, which 3D printing can almost always provide (the tolerance on form for holes is not that important since they are typically clearance holes). However, since some brackets are easily laser cut, 3D printing brackets is only done under certain specific conditions. It certainly has shown its commercial use in cost cutting by replacing intricate multi-part assemblies by ''generatively designed'' (we'll say computer generated for now) parts, as shown in the picture to the right.

[[File:Design for 3D Printing Generatively Designed Bracket.jpg|alt=3D printed bracket|thumb|A metal 3D printed generatively designed bracket, likely replacing a multitude of other parts that would have been manufactured using traditional manufacturing methods which would lead to a heavier and more expensive bracket.<ref>CarrusHome (2021). GM Explores 3D printing, generative design for next gen parts. Consulted on 05/05/2022 at https://www.carrushome.com/en/gm-explores-3d-printing-generative-design-for-next-gen-parts/</ref>]]

[[File:Design for 3D Printing Generatively Designed Bracket.jpg|alt=3D printed bracket|thumb|A metal 3D printed generatively designed bracket (computer generated from load data), likely replacing a multitude of other parts that would have been manufactured using traditional manufacturing methods which would lead to a heavier and more expensive bracket.<ref>CarrusHome (2021). GM Explores 3D printing, generative design for next gen parts. Consulted on 05/05/2022 at https://www.carrushome.com/en/gm-explores-3d-printing-generative-design-for-next-gen-parts/</ref>|450x450px]]

===Supports===

===Supports===