3D printing is part of the additive manufacturing family. It utilizes similar techniques like a traditional inkjet printer, but in 3D. To design a 3D object from scratch, it requires top-of-the-line software, powder-like materials and precise tools. Here are some key steps that 3D printers utilize in order to bring your ideas to life.

3D Modeling Software
The first step of the 3D printing process is 3D modeling. Since 3D printers can’t accurately predict what you need, precision is key. Every object must be created using a 3D modeling software. Some designs are too intricate and precise for traditional manufacturing processes. This is where CAD software comes in. The ability to model allows printers to personalize their products down to the tiniest detail. It is the 3D modeling software’s capability to permit precise designs is one reason why 3D printing is being hailed as a game changer in many industries. This is especially true in an industry like dentistry where labs use three-dimensional software to design aligners for teeth that fit perfectly to the individual. It’s also vital to the space industry which makes use of the software to design some of the most complex parts of a rocketship. At pick3dprinter.com, you will find commercial 3d printer.

Cutting the Model
Once a model is created then it’s time to “slice” it. Since 3D printers cannot conceptualize the concept of three dimensions, just like humans, engineers must to break the model down into layers in order for printers to create the final product. Slicing software takes scans of each layer of an object and informs the printer what to do to create that layer. Slicers also tell 3D printers how to “fill” a model. This fill helps to shape and strengthen a 3D printed object by giving it internal lattices or columns. After the model has been cut, it is then transferred to the 3D printer to print.

3D Printing
Once the 3D object has been sliced and modelled and sliced, the 3D printer is able to take over. In direct 3D printing, the printer operates in the same way as an inkjet printer. The nozzle moves back-and-forth as the printer dispensing wax layer-by-layer. Then it waits until the wax layer is dry before applying the next layer. It essentially adds hundreds or thousands of 2D prints over one another to make a three-dimensional object.

3D Printing Materials
There are a variety of different materials which printers use to recreate objects to the highest of its abilities. Here are a few examples:

Acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS): Plastic material that is easy to shape and hard to break. The same material LEGOs are made of.
Carbon Fiber Filaments: Carbon fiber is used to make objects that require to be extremely durable, but also extremely lightweight.
Conductive Filaments: These materials are still in the phase of development and could be used for printing electric circuits without the need for wires. This is an excellent material to use for wearable technology.
Flexible Filaments: Flexible filaments create prints that are bendable, yet tough. These filaments can be used to print anything from wristwatches to phone cases.
Metal Filament: Metal filaments are made of ground metals finely sanded as well as polymer glue. They can be found in brass, steel, bronze and copper in order to get the true appearance and feel of an object.
Wood Filament: These filaments are made of finely ground wood powder as well as polymer glue. They are utilized to print wood-like objects. They may appear darker or lighter based on the printer’s temperature.

The process of 3D printing can take between a couple of hours for prints that are really basic, like a box or ball, to weeks for much larger detailed projects, like an entire home.

3 dimensional Printing Techniques
There are many types of 3D printing available depending on the project’s size, complexity and size. The way objects are printed will vary between printers.