What is 3D Printing?
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3D printing is a process where a digital model created using computer-aided design software (CAD) is turned into a physical three-dimensional object by adding material a layer at a time.
There are many methods of melting or softening the material to produce the layers. Whilst the technology has been around for 30 years it’s only in the last 5 years, and the rise of desktop 3D printers, that people have become aware of its game changing potential across all industries.
It is also known as additive manufacturing and is changing the way in which we manufacture and create, but not just in industry.
Innovative designs are being used to develop machine parts, prosthetic limbs and even 3D-printed medications.
How does 3D printing work?
It all starts with making a virtual design of the object you want to create. This virtual design is made in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file using a 3D modeling program (for the creation of a totally new object) or with the use of a 3D scanner (to copy an existing object). A 3D scanner makes a 3D digital copy of an object. There are also lots of online file repositories where you can download existing 3D files that will help get you started.
The 3D printing process turns an object into many, tiny little slices, then builds it from the bottom-up, slice by slice. The layers then build up to form a solid object. The process of building objects in this way is also referred to as Additive Manufacturing.
Processes and Technologies
Not all 3D printers use the same technology. There are several ways to print and all those available are additive, differing mainly in the way layers are built to create the final object.
Some methods use melting or softening material to produce the layers. Selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) are the most common technologies using this way of 3D printing. Another method is when we talk about curing a photo-reactive resin with a UV laser or another similar power source one layer at a time. The most common technology using this method is called stereolithography (SLA).
3D Printing Software
Different 3D printing software programs can vary greatly, but all have the same core elements. There are four key steps to go from a part model to a 3D printed part: importing the part file from CAD into the software, turning that imported part file into a printable file, sending one or more of these files to your printer, and managing your printer(s).
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