3D Printers & 3D Printing Technology

What is 3D Printing?

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the term used to describe the technology used to create 3D objects through adding material layers. The material used in 3D printing varies from one technology to another. However, there are common features with all the 3D technologies such as the use of 3D modeling software and computers.

How to Get Started

For you to get started, you need to create a CAD sketch. The AM device will use the CAD file to read its data. It will then proceed to build a structure using the printing material that can be liquid, plastic, paper sheets, or powdered filaments. The term Additive Manufacturing holds for all the technologies that concern Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM), Rapid Prototyping (RP), 3D Printing, and Layered Manufacturing. There are numerous 3D methods of printing that were developed to build 3D objects and structures.

3D Printer Buying Guide

There are various factors you should consider when selecting a 3D printing device. They include:

Print Speed

As you might be thinking, printing 3D objects and structures often take a considerable amount of time. In a real sense, the object that has more details will take a longer time to print it in 3D than one that has fewer details. With various printing materials, the speed of printing can also vary. Most of all, the speed always depends on the printing device you are using to output the 3D objects and structures. If you want to print items that will contain a wide range of precision as well as details, you must consider the speed factor of a printer before you invest your hard-earned cash.

Print Resolution

Print resolution is one of the paramount things you need to consider when you are looking for a 3D printing device that will serve your needs without parallelism. Unlike the conventional 2-dimension printers, which are defined in resolution through the clarity of images they output when printing, the 3-dimensional printer resolution is concerned with the layer thickness measured in microns. When you have a 3D printer with a lower micron cunt, it means that the 3D printer can produce thinner layers. Therefore, they are good for capturing a greater detail entity. Most of the latest 3D printers also offer an adjustable resolution. This means that you can alter the print speed, as well as the quality of output, based on the detail level that is needed for each job you are developing. 3-dimensional printers have varying resolutions. This means that finer printers can produce lower micron counts.

Filament Types

When selecting a printer, you must consider the filament type the 3D printer uses to produce objects and structures. While there are quite a many materials that can be used by the 3D printers to produce objects or structures, the filament is one of the most common types of material that most printers use for this purpose. While there is a wide range of filament types in the industry, each of them has a wide range of special properties that come with these filaments. The most common form of the filament is the Polylactic acid (PLA) filament. PLA is biodegradable, elastic, corn starch-based material that can be suitable for most consumer uses as well as printing jobs. The Acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament is a heat-resistant option that is more durable. It is commonly used to develop objects that can withstand tear and wear. The Polycarbonate (PC) filament is used for items that may face higher impact situations because it is steadier. Choose one that offers the filament you need.

Apps and Software

There are many options available in the app and software market for your 3D printing experience. Choose a printer that comes with a wide range of apps that can be used for designing functional and beautiful items even if you are not an engineer or an artist. Some apps can enable printing from a tablet or phone. An important consideration is the CAD software.

3D Printing Services Online

There is a wide range of 3D printers and 3D printing services at our website. Click on the product you want or service you need and find it near you.