3D Printing Basics: A Beginners’ Guide
3D printing is a process in which a solid object is created from a digital file. The process begins with a 3D model being designed in a 3D modeling software then 3D printed by typically laying down layers of materials successively. The 3D Object is made by adding layers of material sequentially until the final design is completed. Every single piece of these layers is seen as a thin horizontal cross-section.
You might be wondering how 3D works; I will give you all the details stepwise in this article.
How 3D printing Works
The 3D model is created from scratch using a 3D modeling software like SelfCAD. The model then goes through a process of slicing into a series of layers that contain instructions for the 3D printer. Once the model is sliced, the instructions are then saved in a form called G-Code, which is then sent to the 3D printer for 3D printing.
The quality of the 3D model created is distinctive, dependent on the type of 3D printer used. There are three types of 3D printers, but we are going to look at two of them
Fused-Deposition Modelling (FDM) — this is the most used because it is the most efficient for 3D printing plastic objects. The material goes down into the nozzle, where it’s filament is heated, then the layers are laid down, one on top of another successively, on a building surface. It fuses, cools, and solidifies to create the object.
Stereolithography Technology (SLA) — this type of printer is best suited for printing materials with intricate detail by using an ultraviolet laser to create the object in hours. That is how the stereolithography apparatus made a printed design by transforming liquid material.
Benefits of 3D Model Printing.
With rapid and emerging technology, 3D printing has offered solutions to many areas and different sectors in the world. I am going to discuss how it has been of importance to the various sectors of the world. 3D printing has given these sectors an opportunity for endless tailoring of objects and material.
The health sector, where 3D printing has given it an excellent opportunity for medical companies to create increasingly efficient tools like medical implants. Other areas that have benefited from 3D Printing include financial, aerospace, logistical, and environmental sectors.
The Aerospace sector, with intricate parts that take a considerably significant amount of time to assemble, has found solace in the 3D printing sector. All these parts can now be printed as a whole in much less time. Therefore, this has reduced the amount of time one would use to assemble all those parts, hence decreasing its costs. The Aerospace sector has now been granted a chance to print more products in a shorter time.
Many schools in the education sector are incorporating 3D printing into the curriculum. This technology prepares students for the future as they can be able to create prototypes without the need for expensive tools. The students will be able to create 3D models that they can even 3D print and hold. This helps improve their creativity.
The prototyping and Manufacturing sector has utilized 3D printing in creating prototypes. With the traditional methods, it might cost hundreds of dollars and many weeks too to produce them. 3D printing has greatly reduced the time taken to produce prototypes. Though for large volumes, traditional manufacturing is the best, and 3D printing is effective where mass volume isn’t required.
3D printing allows artists to experiment with the designs that were earlier hard with the traditional method. It also allows the design of unique and customized pieces of jewelry at a lower cost. It’s possible to use 3D printing materials like gold, platinum, and even PLA. The artists are now also even able to create intricate and beautiful pieces.
Finally, 3D printing has dramatically impacted the environmental sector by creating more efficient material that is somewhat useful for all farmers.
Farmers have been able to use tools and products made by 3D printing that are biodegradable, renewable materials as an alternative to petroleum-built materials
