What is 3D Printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a method of creating a three dimensional object layer-by-layer using a computer created, three dimensional design. 3D printing is an additive process which is in contrast to more traditional methods of production involving subtractive methods such as drilling, milling, grinding, etc. In 3D printing layers of material are built up to create a 3D part.
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How does it work?
First, a virtual design of the object is made. This design will work like a blueprint for the 3D printer to read. The virtual design is made using computer-aided design (CAD) software, a type of software that can create precise 3 dimensional, digital models of the object. Once the virtual model is made, it must be prepared for printing. This is done by breaking down the model into many layers using a process called slicing. Slicing takes the model and slices it into hundreds or even thousands of thin, horizontal layers using special software. After the model has been sliced, the slices are ready to be uploaded to the 3D printer. When the file is uploaded to the 3D printer, it reads every slice of the model and prints it layer by layer.
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How are things actually printed?
The 3D printer will begin printing the layers of material in a process known as material extrusion. Depending on the type of 3D printer and material being used, there are several methods of material extrusion.
Most commonly, the 3D printer will have a nozzle ejecting a semi-liquid material, like molten plastic, metal, or cement. The extrusion nozzle can move in both horizontal and vertical directions as it precisely places the material, following the blueprint of the digital model layer by layer.
This process is repeated until the 3D printer has replicated every layer in the digital model with the extruded material.
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What sorts of things can be made with 3D printers?
Nearly anything you can imagine can be turned into a design that can be 3D printed. 3D printers are helping designers, engineers, and even everyday people create complex objects in ways previous manufacturing methods weren’t capable of. 3D printers are being used to create toys, phone cases, tools, clothing, medical instruments, lamps, pottery, art, and even cars and houses!
