Did you know that 3D printing began in the 1980s? Many people see this printing as a new concept, but it has been around for quite some time. There are many 3D printing techniques that you can learn about. We’re sure you’ve heard of 3D printing, but how does it work?
Learn more about how does a 3D printer works.
How Does a 3D Printer Work?
Before you reach the process of printing, you have to have a workable file. This is a file that you have which is the item you’re going to be printing.
Once you have this, you need to think about the competition of your 3D item. This comes down to thinking about if it needs to be flexible, should it be strong and sturdy, the beginning questions can go on and on.
The 3D printer is then able to create your image based on layers. It uses multiple layers to create the 3D image. When it comes to 3D printing designs, the 3D product will be build layer by layer.
Types of Printers
There are so many different kinds of printers you’re able to purchase. If you know you’re in the market for a 3D printer, Stratasys FDM has printers you’re able to purchase.
Depending on your end goal is, how many items you want to print, and the material you’ll be using is how you’ll decide which is your best investment.
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Plastic Printers
When using a plastic printer, the substance it is using is in a powder-like form. It is heated to almost melting point. The laser within the printing system can mold and cut the powder.
Once this happens, the plastic is being melted and pushed through a nozzle layer by layer. The plastic then hardens to create the perfect design you were looking for.
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Metal Printers
In metal printing, the temperature is around 1510 degrees Celsius to 16000 degrees celsius. Since the temperature is high, the laser that does the cutting needs to be high wattage.
In this process, there is metal powder and a roller. The laser is continuously cutting the metal before moving onto the next layer.
The next layer is added, which is the powder, it’s cut, and the printer keeps repeating this process. Once this happens, you will have your product.
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Resin Printers
This process is slightly different from the above printers because it uses a digital light projector and a UV-transparent window. A resin bath starts creating the object.
This process works by spraying small layers of the resin within the bath area. This eliminates using too much product that would typically go to waste.
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Multicolor Printers
Just like the other printers, this printer uses a layering system too. In this process, a sandstone-like powder is being used. In this process, two printing heads work together to adhere the project together and color it simultaneously.
This is beneficial if you also need your project to be painted a different color when it is finished. You can save half the time because this printer is doing both.
Uses of 3D Printing
If you’re unsure of 3D printing ideas, here are some examples:
- Movie props
- Furniture
- Eyewear
- Dental products
- Prosthetics
- Reconstructing of fossils
Read More Today
There are so many printers when it comes to creating 3D projects. You learned how does a 3D printer works, and you’re now able to educate others interested in this kind of work. Be sure to check out more of our blogs on tech, science, and lifestyle.
