What is a 3D Printer?

What is a 3D printer? It is a printing machine that uses a 3D digital model of a physical object to produce a tangible, three-dimensional object. These objects are built up on top of the 3D printing rafting and layers of material are used to create a complete 3D structure. The concept of 3D printing was developed when Hideo Kodama invested in two methods for fabricating 3D models with his early work of laser cured resin rapid prototyping which led to stereolithography in 1984 and the first 3D printer in 1987. 

3D printing creates less material wastage which is opposed to the subtractive manufacturing process that cuts out the final design from a much bigger piece of material. The range of 3D printing materials is numerous including thermoplastics, metals, resins, ceramics, and food. Examples of these printed materials include; Titanium 3D printing which is suited for medical implants and manufacturing automotive components as well as polystyrene plastic 3D printing by which 3D printing toys such as Warhammer 40k 3D printing. This technology has increased in popularity over the past few years because it can easily create prototypes and reduce production time. It can be used for various purposes, which are not limited to designing toys or making jewelry. The three main 3D printing technologies include sintering, melting, and stereolithography. 

 

Types of 3D Printers and Tools

When it comes to 3D printing stocks, there are three major types of 3D printers: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers, Stereolithography (SLA) printers, and Polyjet printers. While FDM is the most popular type since it’s the cheapest and easiest to use, SLA 3D printing and Polyjet offer more accurate prints with finer details. A 3D printing pen assists in repairs during 3D printing. Many people also follow the Fusion 360 3D printing tutorial to improve on 3D printing tips and tricks.

 

3D Printer Reviews

Reading reviews are essential as they inform you of the best 3D printers that will print the correct prototypes and products that you want to create. They will also teach the correct materials and technologies to operate. 

Writing 3D printer reviews will enlighten other consumers on how architects and mechanics used 3D printers for mockups and tools which will essentially be valuable to their knowledge about the 3D printing process.