The advent of 3D printers has ushered in a new era. If earlier products developed on the basis of high technologies in households made it possible to solve familiar problems, then in the case of three-dimensional printing a new way of using devices is proposed. Of course, it is new only for the average user, since similar technologies have been used for a long time in industry and production enterprises. But in any case, printing on a 3D printer significantly expands the consumer's capabilities, which, as practice shows, not all are ready. This is largely due to the complexity of the technological implementation of the devices, as well as to the nuances of their operation.
But the most interesting questions concern the benefits of such printers. What products allows you to create this device? For what purposes can its products be used? And how does a 3D printer work? These are important issues, since 3D printing is still an expensive pleasure. Therefore, to acquire the appropriate equipment for the sake of curiosity, to put it mildly, is impractical. At the very least, it’s worthwhile to get a deeper understanding of the printing work processes and find out what benefits can be expected from them.
What is a 3D printer?
This is a device for three-dimensional printing, through which it is possible to generate volumetric objects that duplicate a previously prepared virtual model of an object. Compared to traditional printers that output electronic text on paper, 3D devices provide the output of three-dimensional information, that is, they create objects with real physical parameters. Actually, to understand how a 3D printer works, you should consider the stages of manufacturing solid objects with its help.
General operating principle
Work begins with the creation of a virtual template on the computer using a special program. Next, the model is processed programmatically with the aim of dividing it into layers. After that, the technical part of the printer comes into operation, layer by layer forming a mass of composite powder for further manufacture of the item. As the special chamber is filled with material, the axis of the printer distributes the mass over the working surface. After the formation of each layer, the head of the device imposes an adhesive base. This process is repeated until the object developed in the program for printing is completed. It is important to consider that manufacturing on a 3D printer can be performed using different technologies. Accordingly, the printing technique and the properties of the material used are changing, as well as approaches to the software implementation of the task.
Rapid Prototyping Technology
Despite the differences in the nuances of the manufacturing process, almost all devices for three-dimensional printing work on the principle of rapid prototyping. In accordance with this concept, production is carried out by the rapid formation of experimental models for preliminary demonstration of the possibilities of a future product. Technology was conceived back in the 1980s with the goal of creating samples and blanks. Today, this method is known as additive manufacturing, the understanding of which will give an answer to the question of how a 3D printer works and what distinguishes its function from traditional approaches to manufacturing objects. So, if in the process of milling, turning and EDM , the material is removed, and forging, pressing and stamping change the shape of the workpiece, then additive production involves increasing the mass of the material by building layers. In other words, the 3D printer changes the phase state of substances within certain boundaries of space. Today, three-dimensional printing is developing in several directions, among which one can distinguish stereolithographic technologies (STL), methods of applying thermoplastics (FDM) and laser sintering (SLS).
Thermoplastic layering method
This is perhaps the most popular three-dimensional fabrication technique. The prevalence of FDM-devices contributes to several factors. First of all, relatively inexpensive plastics are used in the operation of the devices. A simple operation technique is also important, which is especially important when working with such equipment. As a rule, this type of 3D printer technology involves working with thermoplastics, one of which is polylactide. Among the advantages of this material, environmental friendliness is noted, since this plastic is obtained from sugar cane and corn.
The main element in the printer itself should be called an extruder, which performs the task of the print head. However, in this part, not everything is so simple, since the element is a complex of individual components. If we consider the term "extruder" in the usual sense, then only part of the head in the form of a feed mechanism will refer to it. One way or another, the print base feeds plastic to the 3D printer by applying molten filament. The movement of the mechanical part is provided by an electric motor. As a result, the mechanism directs the thread into the heated tube of the nozzle, which forms the final object.
Stereolithographic installations
Laser stereolithography technology is now widely used in dental prosthetics. This is the second most popular type of printer for 3D printing. A distinctive feature of stereo lithographic devices is to obtain an unsurpassed high quality of objects. Such results are achieved thanks to the resolution of the devices, which can be calculated in single microns. Therefore, it is logical that the work of a 3D printer based on laser stereolithography is highly appreciated not only by dentists, but also by jewelers. The software part of the device is much like FDM-analogues, but there are a number of technology features. Despite the fact that the principle of printing is called laser stereolithography, the function of such equipment is increasingly based on LED ultraviolet projectors.
Projection models are more reliable than laser ones and cheaper. They do not need delicate mirrors that provide deflection of the rays, which simplifies the design. At the same time, printing on a 3D printer with projectors is characterized by high productivity. This advantage is achieved due to the fact that not sequential, but complete illumination of the contour of the layer occurs.
Laser sintering
Another application of the laser method. In this case, fusible plastic is used. A powerful laser draws a cross-section of the object on a plastic basis, which leads to melting and sintering of the material. This happens with each layer until a complete model is prepared, which the program for the 3D printer prepared as a blank. The remains of the plastic powder are shaken off from the obtained object at the end of the work process. A significant drawback of such devices is the creation of objects with a porous surface. On the other hand, this does not affect the strength of the products. Moreover, the models that came out of such printers are the most durable. The installation itself has a complex structure and, as a result, high cost. At the same time, the manufacturing process is time-consuming compared to other types of 3D printers. As users note, the speed of formation of the model is several centimeters per hour.
Expendable materials
The main material for creating models by three-dimensional printing is thermoplastic. In addition to the varieties already mentioned, it is worth noting the plastic for a 3D printer in the formats ABS and PLA. Nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene and other types also used in industry are also used. However, some installations allow mixing of materials, as well as the use of auxiliary substances that improve the quality characteristics of the future product. For example, polyvinyl alcohol is used for this purpose , which is essentially the same kind of PVA plastic. By dissolving it in water, the user can create complex geometric shapes.
The most exotic material for use in such tasks is metal. To obtain such a product, 3D models are also used for printing on a 3D printer, and the differences in technology are reduced to the function of the print head. With its help, a adhesive adhesive mass is applied to the places indicated by the computer program. Next, the head applies a thin layer of metal powder to the entire working area. That is, the metal does not melt, as is the case with plastics, but is superimposed and glued in layers in the form of the smallest particles.
Printer Management
To begin with, it is worth noting operations that are controlled by the user through a computer. This adjustment of the temperature of the nozzle and the working platform, the feed rate of the material and the operation of the electric motor, which ensures the positioning of the print head. All these actions are controlled by electronic controllers. As a rule, modern models of such devices are based on the Arduino system with an open architecture. As for the programming language, printers use the so-called G-code, built on commands for managing printing equipment. At this stage, we can proceed to consider slicer programs that provide the translation of a 3D model for printing on a 3D printer into a code that the controllers understand. It must be said right away that such software is not directly related to the development of graphic models.
Software
The list of basic tasks of slicers includes setting parameters according to which printing will be carried out. The choice of a specific program is determined by the type of printer. For example, RepRap devices involve the use of open-source slicers. Among these can be distinguished Replicator G and Skeinforge. However, there are many manufacturers who recommend using only proprietary software from specific companies. This, in particular, applies to Cube devices from 3D Systems. As for product modeling, this is a special program for a 3D printer, designed for three-dimensional design. Typically, CAD editors are used for these purposes, which, however, require some experience with 3D design.
What products can I get?
The range of capabilities of three-dimensional printers is actively expanding, which allows you to create products for a variety of market segments. If we talk about construction and architecture, the possibilities of making models are very much appreciated here, for which, in fact, the concept of additive production was developed. In the engineering industry, a 3D printer is also widely used. Products in this case can be represented both by consumer products and by individual elements for concepts. As already mentioned, the high accuracy of manufacturing parts was highly appreciated by medical workers. In addition to prosthetics, a 3D printer is used in the manufacture of models and samples of organs.
3D Printer Reviews
Despite the active popularization of this printing method, the mass consumer is still skeptical about this direction. This is partly due to the high cost of equipment, but for the most part, even sophisticated consumers of new gadgets do not find truly important tasks that 3D printers could solve at home. Owner reviews meanwhile note the ease with which you can solve basic problems in everyday life. For example, the device allows you to quickly make the missing part for the installation of a furniture set, decorate the design, make a toy for the child or the original stand for the phone. According to users, while working with equipment, although it requires expenditure on consumables, in the long run it justifies all investments.
Conclusion
Three-dimensional printing devices are a curiosity in their own right and require separate consideration to understand the differences within the segment. But even knowledge of the general principles of how a 3D printer works allows us to talk about the great consumer potential of such devices. Theoretically, with the help of such equipment it is possible to establish a home waste-free production. Another question is what exactly to produce on such a printer? But each user gives an answer individually, based on their needs. For a pretty impressive amount, you can get a real conveyor. At this stage, its capabilities are mainly evaluated by specialists who use 3D printing in solving their professional tasks.