Basics of 3D Printing: How Does It Work?

Written By: Krizia Joy Rivera

Can you imagine having an item you want for your project in just hours or days? What if a spare part of your tool gets lost and you need it immediately? Or perhaps you want to customize an object but don't know where to start? Don't worry, because this manufacturing technology will solve your problem!

3D Printing is a technology and service that can print out any type of product you can imagine, using a computer program to help you design and print the item you want. Unlike traditional manufacturing systems that cut down a block of material by carving and removing excess, this method, referred to as additive manufacturing, builds an object layer by layer using a 3D printer. Imagine how efficient it is to simply "print" an object rather than scraping or cutting it from a solid block. Not only does it use fewer materials, but it also boosts productivity by making use of every bit of material. Just think about getting out there and running with 3D-printed shoes!

To begin creating your model, you need to choose an object you want to print. Specialized software for creating 3D models, like AutoCAD and FreeCAD, can be used to create the 3D model you want for your project. However, if you're not an artist and want easy access to thousands of 3D models, you can use 3D printing websites like Thingiverse and Printables to download your choice of style and layout. These websites come with a set of instructions for 3D printing that will guide you through the process. It’s worry-free!

Once you create a model for your desired object, you need to transfer the file to slicing software, which translates your 3D drawing into a language your 3D printer can interpret. This software separates the 3D model into thin layers and generates a set of commands for the 3D printer to follow. Free slicing software like Cura and Slic3r are commonly used programs that you can try and explore.

Next, you'll need materials to make the item using 3D printing technology. Remember to choose the right material depending on what type of 3D printer you are using. For example, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers use filaments to form an object, while Stereolithography (SLA) printers use resin to create the 3D model. These printers and materials can create a wide range of sizes, shapes, and geometric patterns that can be used in different industries like fashion, healthcare, and education. For instance, 3D-printed dresses on a fashion runway—how cool is that!

Generally, filaments are plastic materials that look like USB cords. Strands of this material are squeezed out and laid down to print your model. Cost-effective filaments like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) are common types beginners use because they are easy and quick to print with great quality and strength. For a deeper understanding of different types of filaments, stay tuned for our upcoming posts!

FDM Printer

Meanwhile, resin printing traces out the pattern of the model with UV light to harden the liquid resin. This technique produces high-resolution prints and complex designs. It is also faster than FDM printing, yet more expensive and requiring professional maintenance due to signs of warping.

SLA Printer

It is also important to note that your models need proper cleaning in the post-process method to remove unnecessary layers. Excess materials are treated with various techniques that are integral to the 3D printing process, including small repairs, surface finishing, and coating. These finishing touches refine detailed parts of the material to bring out the physical quality of the object, which can be done manually by hand or with polishing equipment. Post-processing can be labor-intensive for self-regulating businesses and costly for large productions that offer computerized post-processing services.

As more businesses continue to adopt this technology, the future of 3D printing has great potential in manufacturing. Both small and large-scale industries are applying this technology to reduce production costs. This introduction to 3D printing helps you understand how this technology works. We will discuss more topics that will guide you throughout your journey in 3D printing. Don't forget to visit us on Super Pixels' Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated on our posts about 3D printing technologies!