A 3d printer is a machine that makes a product by adding the raw material in a layer-by-layer fashion on the machine bed. The most popular types of 3d printers are the FDM 3d printers, which are the cheapest, and the SLA 3d printers, which are very accurate.
Types of 3D Printers
There are 8 types of 3d printers, as follows:
- Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Printers
- Stereolithography (SLA) Printers
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Printers
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) Printers
- Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ) Printers
- Digital Light Processing (DLP) Printers
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Printers
The first two types of machines can also be used by individuals, enthusiasts, and hobbyists, as they also come in small sizes. You can do prototyping on them, test your designs, etc. This is the reason behind the increasing popularity of FDM and SLA printers.
How Does A 3D Printer Work?
The working of a printer can be explained in the following steps:
3d modeling: A 3d model is prepared for the product that has to be made. This can be done in any 3d modeling software like onshape.
Slicing of 3d model: This 3d model is then put in a slicing software, which is converted into a digital program. This is a code that contains instructions in G and M codes. This code file is in the .gcode format. [G code stands for geometrical code & M code stands for miscellaneous code.]
Printing: The digital program (.gcode file) is put into the machine where the final product is printed. This can be done via a USB drive, memory card, or directly from a PC/laptop.
Removing extra material: Any additional material used while printing and not required, like rafts and supports, are removed. Sometimes strings are also formed in FDM printing; a heat gun/hair blower or cutters can remove them.
Finishing: Finishing is done with sandpaper, filer, and other finishing tools if it is required.
FDM 3D Printers
FDM 3d printers use plastic filaments (wire) as raw material. This filament comes in spools, which are held on a spool holder. From the spool holder, this filament is put into an extruder, which pushes the filament through the Bowden tube to the hotel, where it melts and finally comes out from the nozzle. The hotend and machine bed is moving according to the code to make the desired product on the machine bed.
SLA 3D Printers
These machines use liquid resins as their raw material. A laser is used to solidify this resin in a layer-by-layer fashion according to the digital code or program. This digital code or program is made by slicing a 3d model in slicer software. Read more —> Best SLA 3D Printers
3D Printer Models
There are several brands and models are available to choose from. Here is a list of some of the popular brands and their models:
| Brand | Model | Type |
| Creality | Ender 3 | FDM |
| Ender 3 Pro | FDM | |
| Ender 3 S1 | FDM | |
| Ender 5 | FDM | |
| Ender 5 Pro | FDM | |
| Ender 5 Plus | FDM | |
| Ender 5 S1 | FDM | |
| Ender 7 | FDM | |
| CR-10 | FDM | |
| Prusa | Prusa Mini | FDM |
| Prusa XL | FDM | |
| Prusa MK3 | FDM | |
| Prusa MK4 | FDM | |
| Anycubic | Kobra 2 | FDM |
| Kobra 2 Max | FDM | |
| Kobra 2 Pro | FDM | |
| Kobra 2 Neo | FDM | |
| Kobra 2 Plus | FDM | |
| Vyper | FDM | |
| Photon | SLA | |
| Photon Mono | SLA | |
| Elegoo | Neptune | FDM |
| Mars | SLA | |
| Saturn | SLA | |
| Jupiter | SLA | |
| Mercury | SLA | |
| Artillery | Sidewinder SW-X2 | FDM |
| Sidewinder X3 Pro | FDM | |
| Hornet | FDM | |
| Genius | FDM |
FAQ’s
Do 3d printers last?
Yes, with proper handling even stock 3d printers can last upto 5 to 8 years. You can always replace the damaged parts to make its life even longer.
Do 3d printers have a future?
Yes, 3d printers have a very bright future espacially in India. They are being used in batch manufacturing, prototyping, housing making, jewelry making, sculptures, architectural models, miniatures etc.
Can I 3d print my face?
Yes, anyone can 3d print his face. To 3d print your face first you have to 3d scan your face, you can do it by a 3d scanner.
Can I 3d print myself?
Yes, anyone can 3d himself or herself. To 3d print yourself first you have to 3d scan yourself, you can do it by a 3d scanner.
Do all 3d printers use stl files?
Not all 3D printers use STL files, though STL is the most widely used format in 3D printing. Here’s a simple explanation:
STL Files
Most Common Format: STL, which stands for “stereolithography,” is the standard file type used by most 3D printers. It represents the shape of a 3D object without including color, texture, or other details.
Wide Compatibility: Almost all 3D modeling software can export to STL, and most 3D printers can read STL files.
Other File Formats
OBJ Files: OBJ is another popular format. Unlike STL, it can store information about color and texture, making it suitable for more detailed prints.
3MF Files: The 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF) is a newer format that includes more information than STL, such as color, material, and texture. Some advanced 3D printers support 3MF.
AMF Files: Additive Manufacturing File (AMF) is another format that, unlike STL, can handle multiple colors and materials.
Printer-Specific Formats
G-code: Most 3d printers use G-code, a format that provides specific instructions to the printer, including movement paths, temperature settings, and more. G-code is usually created from an STL or other 3D model file using slicing software.
In short, while STL files are the most common in 3D printing, some printers also support other formats like OBJ, 3MF, AMF, or their own formats like G-code.
Defects in FDM 3D Printing
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