Emma Radebaugh
The term “3D printing” is a rather broad one. 3D printing is portrayed in the media, particularly mainstream marketing, as a magical futuristic technology capable of duplicating complicated objects. However, this makes it difficult to pin down exactly what 3D printing is in terms of technology. To help you understand more about this interesting process, here is what you need to know to get started with 3D printing!
How Does 3D Printing Work?
The simplest way to understand how FDM works is to learn the components of an FDM 3D printer. Before we get into specific pieces, keep in mind that most 3D printers can move in three directions: X, Y, and Z. The X- and Y-axes control left, right, forward, and backward movement, while the Z-axis controls vertical movement.
How Does a 3D Printer Print?
The procedure starts when you send a 3D model file to the printer. As soon as the printing process begins, the nozzle begins to heat up. When the nozzle reaches the right temperature to melt the filament, the extruder pulls the filament into the hot end in preparation for deposition. The printer is now ready to start printing the part in 3D. The hot end lowers to the build platform and begins depositing the melted filament, which cools and hardens swiftly after leaving the nozzle thanks to the component cooling fan(s). The filament is then deposited layer by layer, and when one is complete, the print head moves up a little amount in the Z-axis, and the process is repeated until the part is complete.
How Can I Prepare My Models?
To produce 3D models for 3D printing, special software is required. The model is converted into machine instructions using this software. To do so, slicing software, also known as a slicer, is used. Three-dimensional models are fed into a slicer, which “slices” the model into layers. G-code files are essentially a long set of instructions for the 3D printer to follow in order to construct the model.
We hope you have enjoyed our recap of the things that you need to know to get started with 3D printing! If you are looking to learn more about 3D printing, be sure to reach out to those around you who have already started experimenting. In most cases, they will be your best resource for help!
