3D printing was invented by Charles Hull, an American inventor who brought us a technology that changed the engineering landscape forever. As 3D printing technology becomes more accessible to newcomers, we only continue to benefit.
So how does 3D printing work? What are the benefits of 3D printing? We hope to answer that and more today.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
First, let’s answer the primary question many people have. 3D printers are machines that use materials, usually plastic, to print a 3D object layer by layer.
The specifics of these machines vary, especially in terms of size and precision. At the same time, the basics of most machines are similar.
Most printers use a small nozzle that layers material in the desired shape. This also means the process is not always fast. The plastics being used need time to settle, and not all printers can handle complex or large shapes.
A human user does not directly control this process. Instead, 3D printing software is used to tell the machine what you want. You can make your own designs, if you have the will, or can download other people’s designs online.
That said, there are some mistakes to avoid if you want the best result. The most obvious is avoiding help. Newcomers should ask the community all the questions they have; it can only help.
Don’t feel you need to buy the most expensive printers available if you’re curious. Smaller models can do plenty. Some libraries and similar locations even let you use theirs for free or at a very low cost.
The Benefits of 3D Printing
3D printing comes with many benefits. One interesting example is that it is very useful in space.
Something like a rocketship or space station has little access to outside resources. It takes a long time to send materials and is expensive. But what if they need a tool they don’t have?
With a 3D printer onboard, this is less of an issue. The crew can print much of what they need. They can also print temporary parts, like screws or bolts, until metal ones are shipped.
For home users, there’s a whole world to explore. You can print models, like minifigures for games, or puzzles. Some people make toys or, much like astronauts, print out tools and parts.
People who use prosthetics can have often them printed. This is usually vastly cheaper than traditional prosthetics. If you can make something with plastic, you likely can print it with the right machine.
Notably, the plastics most machines use come in many colors. Many printed objects use many colors for the same object. It all depends on what materials you have and your creativity.
Utilize 3D Printing Today
How does 3D printing work? Using principles decades-old, originating from Charles Hull. From there, people innovated and innovated until the technology is now highly accessible to home users.
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