What is a 3D printer

One of the most promising areas in the modern world is the creation of three-dimensional objects using 3D printing. Printing technology allows you to create quite complex and detailed products. Today, the use of three-dimensional printing is possible not only at the production sites, but also at home; for this it is enough to purchase a 3D printer.

What is a 3D printer?

A three-dimensional printer is a device capable of forming objects based on digital 3D models created. Products are obtained by layering the material. Thermoplastic and photopolymer resins are used as the basis, but with the development of technology, the amount of materials used in the role of raw materials increases.

The procedure for manufacturing products looks like this:

1. The process of creating a 3D model, i.e. a visual image of the future product is being developed with preservation of all proportions. The model is created using specialized software.
2. After creating the model, you must process the file. Processing involves converting a file to a digital code that divides the entire model into multiple parallel layers. Thus, commands are generated for the 3D device, which distributes the material to the creation of the object.
3. The final stage is the 3D printing of the product, i.e. the process of creating products through the layering of the material. The process is performed using a printhead (extruder), which moves along the 0Y and 0X axes, i.e. the material is fed only along the horizontal plane in accordance with the program code of the layer. To apply the next layer, the extruder shifts along a vertical guide (along the 0Z axis) at a distance equal to the size of the layer. After that, the next horizontal layer begins to be applied.

Reference: The printing process may vary depending on the manufacturing technology, but the overall process of creating products consists in layering the material.

Types of 3D printers

Devices are divided according to the uniqueness of the printing process, i.e. from the technology used. The most common printing methods are FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling / Direction Modeling) and SLA (laser stereolithography / laser stereolithography)

Directional modeling technology is one of the first printing methods to appear. As a matter for the manufacture of objects used thermoplastic in the form of wound spokes or threads on the coil. The printing method is as follows:

1. The coil or thread is installed in an extruder. Under the action of the heating device, the material begins to melt, and through the channel enters the working surface.
2. The extruder performs the movement at the given coordinates in accordance with the digital code. Production takes place in layers relative to the horizontal plane.
3. In the manufacture of complex products used two materials: the main and auxiliary. The product is created using the base material. Auxiliary material is intended to create temporary supports, as well as to fill the hollow space of the product. Because the printer is not able to print an object in the air without any reason.

Reference: The auxiliary material is subsequently removed with a special solvent, or is easily broken off.

Products made using FDM technology have good mechanical and chemical strength. Such properties are achieved through the use of thermoplastic production class. Also, this technology is easy and suitable for use in domestic conditions.

SLA technology or stereolithography prints products using liquid photopolymer resins, which freeze under the influence of an energy source in the form of a laser. With this method, products have high accuracy (up to 15 microns). Printing objects is as follows:

1. The working surface is lowered into a container with a photopolymer liquid to a depth of one layer;
2. The energy source (laser) cuts the shape of the object according to the given coordinates of the object;
3. The process of polymerization proceeds as a result of which solidification occurs at the points of contact;
4. The procedure is repeated for each layer until the object is manufactured;
5. After production, the model is immersed in a container with a special solution for cleaning from auxiliary elements;
6. The final stage is ultraviolet irradiation in order to speed up the process of product formation.

Stereolithography is one of the most modern technologies, but it needs expensive materials. There are also lesser known types of printing:

SlS (selective laser sintering) the principle of creating an object is to feed a thin layer of material in the form of a powder onto the work area, which is sintered under the action of a laser. The main advantages of this method is the absence of the need to use auxiliary elements, but it requires additional heat treatment. Does not provide for use in domestic conditions.

EBM (electron beam melting). The technology is similar to selective laser sintering, but the product is created in a vacuum and does not require additional heat treatment.

By 3D printing can be attributed 3D-pen. The principle of its operation is similar to FDM-technology, but it has a smaller look and is used to create drawings with a three-dimensional effect.

What can a 3D printer?

Three-dimensional printing today is used in almost all spheres of life. There are examples of creating culinary dishes using 3D printing. Details of any complexity are created for more complex structures in all industries. But the most relevant and necessary area is still medicine.

Several companies are developing organic imitators that can practically replace natural fabrics. Also, 3D printing allows you to help in the prosthetic environment of the joints. The most common use of three-dimensional manufacturing has received in dentistry. In addition to prosthetics, printers are used to make mock organs. The possibilities of three-dimensional printing are increasing every day and becoming more accessible.

3D printers help not only people, but also animals. One of the known cases is the creation of a tortoise shell, which was injured in a forest fire. Thus, a new shell has saved the life of an animal, and there are many such cases. Another unique case is the prosthetic leg for an elephant. The uniqueness of the case lies in the fact that prostheses for the elephant are practically not made because of the large weight of the animal.

Modern printing technology allows you to create even a whole building. During the construction of a small house (37 sq.m.), the researchers spent only 24 hours, and it turned out to be two times cheaper than the usual method.