Part One: What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a kind of rapid prototyping technology. It is a technique for constructing objects by layer-by-layer printing based on digital model files and using adhesive materials such as powder metal or plastic.
Principles of 3D printing:
3D printing is based on the computer 3D design model, which is discretely decomposed into several layers of plane slices by software. Then, the CNC molding system uses laser beam, hot melt nozzle, etc. to powder, liquid or filament metal, ceramic and plastic. Materials such as cell tissue are layer-by-layer bonded and finally superimposed to form a solid product.
First: Modeling
Download the model directly/Reverse engineering modeling with 3D scanner/Modeling with modeling software
Second: Slice processing
Cut your 3D model into pieces, design the path to print (fill density, angle, shell, etc.) and store the sliced file in .gcode format, a file format that 3D printers can read and use directly. Then, through the 3D printer control software, the .gcode file is sent to the printer and controls the parameters of the 3D printer, and the motion is finished to print. Its role is to communicate with the 3D printer.
Third: Printing process
1. Start the 3D printer, pass the STL format model slice to the 3D printer through the data line, SD card, etc.
2. At the same time, load the 3D printing material (So-called 3D printer filament), debug the printing platform, set the printing parameters, and then the printer starts working, the material will be printed layer by layer, the layer is glued by special glue, and the pattern is fixed according to the cross section. Then superimposed layer-by layer. It just like building a house, the brick is layer-by-layer, but after accumulating, it becomes a three-dimensional house.
3. In the end, after layer-by-layer printing, layer-by-layer gluing, layer-by-layer stacking, a complete item will appear in front of us.
Application of 3D printing:
It is often used in the manufacture of molds in the fields of mold manufacturing and industrial design, and is gradually used for the direct manufacture of some products.
The technology is used in the jewelry, footwear, industrial design, construction, engineering and construction (AEC), automotive, aerospace, dental and medical industries, education, geographic information systems, civil engineering, firearms and other fields.
Below are some 3D printing products:
Advantage of 3D printing:
The charm of 3D printing technology:
1. Convenient and Can print anywhere
It doesn't need to be in the factory, desktop printers can print small items, and people can put them in the corners of the office, in stores and even in the house. And bicycles, car steering wheels and aircraft parts may need a larger printer and more space.
2. Print any shape directly without any mold.
It can directly produce any shape parts from computer graphics data without machining or any mold, which greatly shortens the product development cycle, increases productivity and reduces production costs.
Compared with traditional technology, 3D printing technology has the following advantages:
1. It reduces costs by eliminating the production line.
2. It greatly reduces material waste.
3. It can also create a shape that cannot be manufactured by traditional production technology, so that people can more effectively Aircraft wings or heat exchangers are designed.
4. With good design concepts and design processes, 3D printing technology simplifies the manufacturing process and produces individual items quickly, efficiently and inexpensively.