Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #143

A. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a transformative technology that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital file. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, which involve cutting or carving material away from a larger block, 3D printing adds material only where it is needed. This process allows for the creation of complex, customised, and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to produce with conventional techniques.

B. The process begins with a digital 3D model, typically created using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This model is then "sliced" into hundreds or thousands of thin horizontal layers by another piece of software. The 3D printer reads this file and begins building the object, depositing successive layers of material—which can range from plastics and metals to ceramics and even biological cells—and fusing them together until the final object is complete.

C. The applications for 3D printing are vast and continue to grow. In manufacturing, it is used for rapid prototyping, allowing engineers to quickly create and test physical models of new products. It is also used to produce custom tools, jigs, and even final production parts, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries where lightweight, complex components are highly valued. In medicine, 3D printing is used to create custom surgical implants, prosthetic limbs, and detailed anatomical models for surgical planning.

D. 3D printing has the potential to democratise manufacturing, allowing individuals and small businesses to produce their own products without the need for expensive industrial machinery. It could also revolutionise supply chains by enabling on-demand, localised production, reducing waste and transportation costs. However, challenges remain, including limitations in printing speed, material properties, and quality control. There are also concerns about intellectual property, as the ability to easily copy and print physical objects raises new questions about copyright and patent law.