To ensure the smoothest possible 3D printer experience, understanding the fundamentals correctly will help enhance your skills and maximize your benefits. What is a 3D printer , and how does it work? We've compiled all the information to share. Let's learn more about it!

What is a 3D printer ?

3D printers , or Rapid Prototype (RP) machines , have been in use for over 40 years, but were initially confined to limited circles such as large labs or corporations. However, their popularity and increasing use have led to lower prices. Today, they are widely available across all industries, used for creating parts, components, models, prototypes, and more.

A 3D printer is a type of CAM (Camera -Assisted Communication) machine that can create tangible objects with width, height, and depth, unlike typical 2D printers that only print ink onto paper. If you print a ball with a 3D printer, you get a sphere that can roll on a surface, but if you print it with a 2D printer, you only get a ball on paper.

What are the basic principles of how a 3D printer works?

1. How a 3D Printer Works .

The basic working principle of almost all 3D printers is to print 2D layers in a planar XY plane (aspect ratio) first. The printed area is a cross-section of the object. Because it's a 2D print , the machine gradually moves the bed to print the next layer. This process involves printing hundreds or thousands of layers until a 3D shape is achieved. The up and down movement of the printing bed creates the 3D image .

2. Ink used with 3D printers.

The inks used with 3D printers vary. Some spray resin that hardens layer by layer, while others extrude plastic filaments. There are also types used for injecting cement to build houses, making desserts, and , for example, printing organs using 3D printers for stem cell production .

3. 3D Printer Printing Resolution

The printing resolution of a 3D printer is generally measured in microns ( 100 microns or 0.1 mm ) per layer. This means each layer is 0.1 mm high. If a model is 10 mm high, the printer will print 100 layers. If the printing resolution is set to 50- microns , the printer will print 200 layers. Naturally, the result of 50- micron resolution is more detailed and aesthetically pleasing, but it also takes approximately twice as long.

4. Files used with a 3D printer.

For 3D printers, the files used are 3D files instead of image files like with regular paper printers. These files can be obtained from programs such as AutoCAD, 3Ds Max, Zbrush, SolidWorks, Maya, SketchUp , or even newer versions of Photoshop. 3D printer support is now available.

There's no denying that 3D printers have allowed everyone to visualize various tasks more clearly, thanks to their precise width, height, and depth. If you're interested in 3D printing or have a business plan related to it, understanding these tools is essential to increase your future growth opportunities.

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