Have you ever considered making your own 3D designs into tangible objects? If so, now is the time to take action. It is now possible to transform 3D designs into actual 3D objects thanks to the rapid advancement of 3D technology. Therefore, let’s take a look at how we can move from an idea to our first 3D print. To start, you’ll need a design that can be printed in three dimensions. After that, you can either buy a 3D printer or use an online service to bring your idea to life.
A 3D model, which is a mathematical representation of any object’s three-dimensional surface, is the first requirement for 3D printing. Computer-aided design (CAD) software like Blender, SketchUp, and AUTODESK 123D Design are used to create these. Therefore, let us begin by comprehending 3D printing! A method of additive manufacturing known as 3D printing is used to create a physical object from a digital design.
The process by which a digital model is transformed into a solid, three-dimensional physical object by layer by layer adding material is shared by all 3D printing technologies and materials. How is 3D printing carried out? Like a physical object’s blueprint, a digital 3D design file serves as the foundation for every 3D print. Similar to trying to print a document on a sheet of paper without a text file, printing without a design file is impossible. This design file is sent to the 3D printer after being cut into thin layers.
From this point on, the technology used in the printing process varies, from desktop printers that melt plastic and lay it on a print platform to large industrial machines that use a laser to melt metal powder selectively at high temperatures. Depending on the size, printing can take hours to complete, and printed objects frequently undergo post-processing to achieve the desired finish. What are the workings of the various 3D printing technologies? Each 3D printing technology employs its own exclusive method to layer digital designs into physical objects.
The following is a discussion of the most prevalent 3D printing technologies: 1. Modeling of Fused Deposition (FDM) The FDM printing process begins with a string of solid material known as the filament. This string is then directed from a reel that is attached to the 3D printer to a heated nozzle inside the printer that melts the material.
The material can be produced following a predetermined path established by computer software once it has melted. On this path, the material is made as a layer of the object and immediately cools and solidifies, laying the groundwork for the next layer of material until the whole thing is made. FDM is a great option for fast, low-cost prototyping that can be used for many different things. The ability to produce functional end products with embedded electronics and mechanical parts, such as drones, is one of the more recent innovations in FDM 3D printing.
2. Digital light processing and stereolithography (SLA and DLP) Using a light source to solidify the liquid (photopolymer) resin, these technologies produce 3D-printed objects. A build platform is placed in a transparent tank filled with liquid resin to make a 3D-printed object. A light inside the machine maps each object layer through the tank’s bottom after the build platform is submerged, solidifying the material. The platform lifts up after the layer has been mapped and solidified by the light source, allowing a new layer of resin to flow underneath the object once more.
Layer by layer, this procedure is repeated until the desired object is completed. For highly detailed sculptures, jewelry molds, and prototypes, SLA and DLP 3D printers are frequently utilized. These printers produce parts that are extremely accurate and have smooth surface finishes. 3. Sintering with a Selective Laser (SLS) Using a laser, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) melts and solidifies powdered material layers into finished products.
The pistons, or beds, of these printers are two. A laser maps the object’s first layer in the powder before selectively melting or sintering it during the printing process. A roller spreads a new layer of powder on top of the object after a layer has solidified and the print bed moves slightly down while the powder bed moves up. The laser melts successive layers one at a time as this process is repeated until the desired object is completed. SLS is widely used to make functional prototypes, parts, and some finished goods.
4. Material Jetting (Modeling with PolyJet and MultiJet) Similar to inkjet printing, Material Jetting (Stratasys PolyJet and 3D Systems MultiJet Modeling) is a type of 3D printing that applies layers of liquid photopolymer to a build tray and immediately cures them with ultraviolet light. When the printer jets the liquid material onto the build tray, the build process begins. UV light follows these jets and instantly cures the liquid photopolymer droplets.
These minuscule layers build up on the build tray over time to form a precise object. These are the current technologies for the most precise 3D printing, printing with layers as thin as 16 microns—the same thickness as a human hair.
5. Jetting of Binder The printer uses thin layers of powdered material to build up an object using the binder jetting technology, which is similar to SLS in that these printers use a binding agent extruded from a nozzle rather than a laser to sinter the layers together. The process begins with a nozzle binding the powder together and spreading the binding agent over the object’s first layer. After the binding agent and the first layer have fused, the printing bed moves slightly down and a thin layer of new powder is spread over the object.
this procedure is repeated until the final product is the desired object. The object is cleaned of any excess powder and coated with an adhesive glue after it is removed from the print bed to give it strength and resist discoloration. It is less expensive than SLS because the printing process uses less energy, but the printed objects are weaker. Sandstone has become popular for architectural models and lifelike sculptures due to its ability to print in full color. The Benefits of Using 3D Printing: • Develop intricate designs • Make each and every item unique. • No need for molds or tools • Ease of prototyping and speed • Reduced waste The Consequences of 3D Printing: • More expensive large production runs • Fewer options for colors, finishes, and materials • Limited endurance and strength • Lower accuracy
