What is 3D printing technology? Many people have heard of 3D printing technology. Earlier this year, this new technology was very popular, but many friends did not know what 3D printing technology is! Here, I will share with you what 3D printing technology is!
What is 3D Printing
3D printing (3DP) is a type of rapid prototyping technology that is based on digital model files, using powder-like metals or plastics and other adhesive materials to construct objects through layer-by-layer printing.
3D printing is usually implemented using digital technology material printers. It is often used in mold manufacturing, industrial design, and other fields to create models, and has gradually been used for the direct manufacturing of some products, with components already printed using this technology. This technology has applications in jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), automotive, aerospace, dental and medical industries, education, geographic information systems, civil engineering, firearms, and other fields.
The 3D printing technology appeared in the mid-1990s and actually utilizes the latest rapid prototyping devices based on technologies like photopolymerization and paper lamination. Its working principle is basically the same as that of ordinary printers, where the printer is filled with liquid or powder “printing materials”. After being connected to a computer, the printer uses the computer to control and layer the “printing materials” to turn the blueprint on the computer into a physical object.
Ordinary printers used in daily life can print flat items designed on a computer, while the so-called 3D printer works on a similar principle to ordinary printers, but with different printing materials. The printing materials of ordinary printers are ink and paper, while 3D printers are filled with different “printing materials” such as metals, ceramics, plastics, and sand, which are real raw materials. Once connected to a computer, the 3D printer can layer the “printing materials” to turn the blueprint on the computer into a physical object. Simply put, a 3D printer is a device that can “print” real 3D objects, such as printing a robot, a toy car, various models, and even food. It is commonly referred to as a “printer” because the layering process is very similar to inkjet printing. This printing technology is called 3D stereoscopic printing technology.
There are many different technologies in 3D printing. Their differences lie in the types of materials used and the ways in which layers are constructed to create parts. Common materials used in 3D printing include nylon fiber, durable nylon materials, gypsum materials, aluminum materials, titanium alloys, stainless steel, silver-plated, gold-plated, and rubber-like materials.
Now that everyone understands the principles of 3D printing, let’s start printing.
1
Prepare the Blueprint
The design process for 3D printing is: first, create a model using computer modeling software, then slice the completed 3D model into layer sections to guide the printer in printing layer by layer.
2
Start Printing
3
Complete Printing
The resolution of 3D printers is sufficient for most applications (it may be rough on curved surfaces, resembling the jagged edges of images). To achieve higher resolution items, you can use the current 3D printer to print a slightly larger object and then polish the surface to obtain a smooth “high-resolution” item.
Some technologies can use multiple materials for printing simultaneously. Some technologies also require supports during the printing process, such as when printing objects with overhangs that need easily removable supports (like soluble materials).
Development Directions of 3D Printing Technology
Standards and Standardization Bodies
When a laboratory produces a blueprint that needs to be shared, they find that there are too many formats and standards, making the field of 3D printing prototypes seem to grow wildly without any standards.
Open Source Designs, Configurations, and Software
Once unified standards are established, the 3D printing industry will welcome open source. Currently, too many teams focus on improving their own 3D printing levels, developing in a closed loop. In fact, the industry needs open source for equipment and software, generating more useful, efficient, and open innovations under unified standards.
Prototype Laboratories
Prototype printing is not given enough attention, so many medical device companies place their printing equipment in dirty, dusty environments. In fact, there are now commercially operated 3D printing laboratories to help these companies print higher quality prototypes.
-End-
☞Source: Liaoning Science and Technology Museum
☞Article Editor: Joe
☞Submission Email: tougao1950@126.com. Articles or tips adopted will be rewarded!
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