Abstract
Since last year, 3D printer has been a topic of conversation in Japan. Having touched on the history of 3D printing technology development, this article describes the principles and features of typical 3D printing methods in the mainstream of industry, and introduces the application fields of printed objects by each method. In those printing methods, inkjet technology which has been widely applied as printing method for characters and images is picked up, followed by explanations of the technical points on 3D printing which differs from 2-dimensional printing. Upon listing up the current issues of 3D printers, the future direction of technology development will be described. Finally, the proposal how to utilize 3D printer into manufacturing industry in Japan, and how to tackle the tasks for its implementation, will be addressed. It concludes that intensive R & D for inkjet technology where Japan has strength should be carried out, by one Japan regardless of company name, towards the era of “3D Printer 3.0”.
