How 3D Printing Works
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3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that produces solid three-dimensional models from digital files. Additive processes are used to create 3D printed objects. Successive layers of material are deposited in an additive process until the desired object is created. Each of these layers can be seen in the horizontal cross-section of the final object.
Compared to the subtractive manufacturing process, where a piece of plastic or metal is hollowed or cut out to create an object, 3D printing is the complete opposite. It allows you to produce even a complex object with a smaller amount of material than traditional manufacturing methods.
How 3D printing works
The 3D printing process begins with the use of a computer to create a 3D model. For example, the digital design of an object can be created in a computer as a CAD file. You can use 3D modelling software or a database generated by a 3D scanner to create a 3D model from scratch. You can also create a digital copy of the object using a 3D scanner.
What are 3D scanners?
There is a wide range of 3D scanners on the market, from do-it-yourself 3D scanners for $30 to use at home to expensive, industrial-quality 3D scanners. These scanners can be evaluated based on their speed, price, software capabilities and accuracy.
3D modelling software
Nowadays, different types of 3D modelling software are used. The cost of licensing industrial quality 3D printing software can run into the thousands of dollars per year, while free software is also available. Free software is designed for beginners and is also available with instructional videos.
The software used for 3D modelling is usually designed based on the features of the industry using it. Therefore, you will find a wide range of 3D printing software depending on the suitability of a particular industry, such as the transportation industry, aerospace industry, fabric and fashion industry, and furniture industry, etc.
This is the main reason why it can be difficult to find a suitable software when looking for a software for your 3D printing project. Some of these software options are available for free and can be used to support browsers such as Google Chrome, etc. This software can also provide lessons for beginners and can be used with 3D printers to print 3D objects.
Once you have a 3D model, to make it printable, you need to prepare certain things step by step.
Slicing
This is the first step in turning a 3D model into a three-dimensional object. When slicing the 3D model that you have, you will need to use slicing software to divide this object into a large number of horizontal layers. Sometimes a 3D file can be sliced in the 3D printer or in the 3D modelling software. Some 3D printers may require you to use certain tools to cut the 3D object.
You can power your 3D printer after you have completed the process of cutting your object using Wi-Fi, USB or SD card. The quality of your 3D prints also depends on the brand of 3D printer you use. You can print your 3D object layer by layer once the file is uploaded to a 3D printer.
Start printing a 3D object
Before you start printing a 3D object, you must first decide what you want to print. It can be a material object or a finished product. Once you have decided, you can buy a suitable 3D printer, a DIY kit or a pre-assembled printer.
In addition, you can buy a 3D printer to suit your budget, as they are available from under $250 up to the expensive range of industrial grade printers.
Applications and examples of 3D printing
3D printing can be used for a wide range of applications, including the creation of architectural models and mock-ups, 3D printed film props and prosthetics, etc. The reproduction of ancient artefacts in archaeology, the reconstruction of fossils in palaeontology, the reconstruction of badly damaged evidence in crime scene investigations and the reconstruction of body parts and bones in forensic pathology are some of the other examples of the use of 3D printing in everyday life today.
Main in which 3D printing be applied Education
3D printers have been used in classrooms by teachers and students in many countries for several years. Students can materialise their ideas in an affordable and quick way using a 3D printer. In addition to upper grades in schools, 3D printers are also used in some primary schools, high schools and university classes, as well as in online courses and workshops, to better illustrate concepts to students.
Rapid prototyping
3D printing is also used by manufacturers to design and manufacture prototypes at a faster rate, which is why it is known as rapid prototyping. 3D printng is used to create prototype becauses it faster and more affordable traditioal prototype.
Rapid manufacturing
3D printing is also used by manufacturers to start making their perfect final products quickly by creating and testing their prototypes quickly.
Automotive
The automotive industry has also used 3D printing to repair and restore damaged vehicle parts more quickly. The use of additive technology in this field is expected to increase significantly in the near future.
Aerospace industry
Currently, 3D printing is used in various forms in the aviation industry. Many airlines have been using it for some time to examine aircraft and their components.
Aerospace
3D printing is widely used in the aerospace industry as it creates some of the most interesting printer and material designs to use in research and development.
Thus, in recent years, 3D printing has become popular in various industries and applications around the world. It is expected to be widely used in almost every industry in the world in the coming years.
