What is a 3D printer and what is it capable of?

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 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 created digital 3D models. Products are obtained by layering material. Thermoplastics and photopolymer resins are used as the basis, but with the development of technology, the number of materials used as raw materials increases.

The procedure for manufacturing products looks like this:

1. The process of creating a 3D model, i.e. developing a visual image of the future product while maintaining all proportions. The model is created using specialized software.
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2. After creating the model, you must process the file. Processing consists of converting the file into digital code, which divides the whole model into many parallel layers. Thus, commands are generated for the 3D device, which distribute the material to create the object.
3. The final step is 3D-printing of the product, i.e. the process of creating a product by layer-by-layer application of material. The process is carried out using a print head (extruder), which moves along the axes 0Y and 0X, i.e. the material is fed only horizontally in accordance with the program code of the layer. To apply the next layer, the extruder moves along a vertical guide (along the 0Z axis) at a distance equal to the size of the layer. Then the next horizontal layer begins to be applied.

Reference: The printing process depending on the manufacturing technology may vary, but the general process of creating products is layered application of 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 / Directional Modeling) and SLA (laser stereolithography / laser stereolithography)

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

1. The spool or thread is installed in the extruder. Under the action of the heating device, the material begins to melt, and through the channel enters the working surface.
2. The extruder moves in 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, two materials are used: the main and auxiliary. The product is created using the main 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: Auxiliary material is subsequently removed using a special solvent, or easily breaks off.

Products made using FDM technology have good mechanical and chemical strength. Such properties are achieved through the use of industrial grade thermoplastics. Also, this technology is lightweight and suitable for use in domestic conditions.

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

1. The working surface is lowered into a container with photopolymer liquid to a depth of one layer;
2. An energy source (laser) cuts out the shape of the object at the given coordinates of the object;
3. The process of polymerization proceeds as a result of which solidification occurs in the places of contact;
4. The procedure is repeated for each layer until the object is manufactured;
5. After manufacturing, 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 accelerate the process of product formation.

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

SlS (selective laser sintering) the principle of creating an object is to supply a thin layer of material in the form of powder, which is sintered by the laser, to the working area. The main advantages of this method is the lack of need for the use of auxiliary elements, but requires additional heat treatment. It does not provide for domestic use.

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.

Three-dimensional printing includes a 3D pen. The principle of its operation is similar to FDM technology, but has a more miniature appearance and is used to create drawings with a three-dimensional effect.

What can a 3D printer do?

Three-dimensional printing today is used in almost all areas of life. There are examples of creating culinary dishes using 3D printing. Parts 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 simulators that can almost replace natural fabrics. 3D printing also helps in the joint prosthetics environment. The most common use of three-dimensional manufacturing was in dentistry. In addition to prosthetics, printers are also used for making organ models. 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 famous cases is the creation of a shell for a turtle that was injured in a forest fire. Thus, the new carapace saved the animal's life, and there are many such cases. Another unique case is a prosthetic leg for an elephant. The uniqueness of the case lies in the fact that prostheses for an elephant are practically not made due to the large weight of the animal.

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