3D printing knowledge

Below we answer some questions about 3D printing in general. We would also be happy to add your questions to our list of questions if they have not yet been answered in this article.

When was 3D printing developed and how does the principle work?

In 1983, the American Charles W. Hull invented a process known as stereolithography (abbreviated SLA). In this process, a light-curing plastic, also known as epoxy or acrylic resin, is solidified using a computer-controlled laser beam and built up layer by layer. A construction platform is gradually lowered into a resin tank, while the laser beam follows the contours of the programmed model and hardens the liquid resin on the surface of the liquid. After the 3D printing process is complete, the model is lifted out of the resin tank and separated from the construction platform.

What processes now exist in 3D printing?

Since its invention, 3D printing has evolved into many different processes. In addition to the newly developed processes, the original stereolithography process also plays a significant role.

The most common method currently used is the Fused Deposition Modeling method (FDM method for short) . In this method, a plastic thread is heated and liquefied in a nozzle. The liquid plastic is then applied layer by layer to a construction platform inside the 3D printer and hardened until the final model is completed. The printing process can be carried out in an open construction space or in a construction space that is closed to its surroundings.

Other processes that have now become established are selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM) . Both processes use a powdery consistency as the starting material, which is hardened layer by layer by a laser beam. The laser irradiates a powder bed that is evenly distributed on the construction platform and fuses the powder particles together. The difference between the two processes lies in the powder material used. While selective laser sintering (SLS) works with plastics, selective laser melting uses metallic materials.

Selective electron beam melting (EBM) is similar to selective laser melting, as it is also a process that uses a powder bed for production. The energy source is an electron beam that hardens metallic powder material layer by layer until the object is finished. A squeegee smoothes the surface of the powder bed after each irradiation process of a layer and the build platform lowers evenly to the final dimension of the model.

The so-called Multi Jet Modeling (MJM) or Poly Jet Modeling (PJM) uses liquid acrylic polymers that are applied layer by layer to a construction platform using a print head, similar to conventional inkjet printers. Each layer is cured using UV radiation and the construction platform is gradually lowered. The UV lamps are usually integrated directly into the print head and cure the liquid material directly after it is applied to the construction platform.

Continuous Liquid Interface Production , also known as the CLIP process , is a 3D printing principle in which a photosensitive synthetic resin is cured by continuous UV irradiation and is drawn from a liquid resin tank. The irradiation with UV light takes place underneath the resin tank, which has a fine membrane layer on its bottom that prevents the resin from settling and solidifying prematurely. The construction platform is continuously lifted upwards out of the resin tank.

Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology is a projection method in which a light beam projects an image onto the surface of a resin tank via digital micromirrors. A matrix of square micromirrors can allow the light beam to penetrate through the individual micromirrors at specific points or reflect them again. This allows individual images to be reproduced, similar to a home cinema image projector. These image projections are then reflected onto a tank made of liquid photopolymer resin and continuously lifted out of the tank. With this process, the projection can take place either from the bottom of the resin tank - the model is lifted out of the resin tank, or from the top - the model is continuously lowered into the resin tank.

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LAM) is a process that uses foil technology to build a model. The foils are placed layer by layer on a construction platform and the surface to be modeled is heated and solidified by a laminating device. The contours are separated layer by layer using a cutting device until the model has reached its final shape.

There are other innovative 3D printing processes and new processes are being developed regularly. We have based this list on the most common processes in order to present them briefly and in a way that is easy for you to understand. If you have any questions about other 3D printing processes, we are happy to help and advise you.

How can the 3D printing process best be described?

3D printing has revolutionized the way we make objects, allowing us to create complex designs and objects that would have been impossible without the technology. Although 3D printing technology has been around for some time, it has only become widely available to consumers and businesses in recent years. The printing process of a 3D printer is surprisingly simple, but incredibly versatile and capable of producing a wide variety of objects.

At its core, 3D printing is a relatively simple process in which a computer controls a print head that deposits layers of material on top of each other to create the desired object. The print head is typically moved in three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) to create the object. This process is often referred to as additive manufacturing because it involves the addition of material to create the desired object.

Before the printing process can begin, the 3D printer requires a 3D design file. This design file is created using 3D modeling software and contains the information needed to properly construct the desired object. Once the design file is created and loaded onto the printer, the printer begins to build the object layer by layer.

The 3D printer first lays down a layer of the desired material, such as plastic or metal, on the printer bed. The printer then builds the next layer on top of the previous one, and so on until the entire object is complete. During this process, the printer uses a heated nozzle to melt and deposit the material, or a laser may be used to cut and shape the material.

Once the object is ready, the 3D printer stops printing and the object is ready for use. The object can now be used for any purpose it was designed for, such as prototyping, production, or just for fun.

3D printing is an incredibly powerful and versatile technology that has revolutionized the way we create and manufacture objects. The printing process of a 3D printer is surprisingly simple and can be used to create a wide variety of objects. With this technology, the possibilities are almost endless and the only limit is your imagination.

What are the components of an FDM 3D printer?

3D printers are quickly becoming a popular technology for creating physical objects from digital designs. They are incredibly versatile devices that can produce everything from simple toys to highly complex components for industrial applications. But what exactly does it take to build a 3D printer that can do all of that?

The answer is a combination of electrical, mechanical and IT components. These components work together to produce a 3D printer capable of producing intricate, high-quality designs. Let's take a closer look at each of these components.

Electrical Components: 3D printers require a number of different electrical components to function. This includes things like motors, controllers, power supplies, wiring, and circuit boards. All of these components work together to control the movement of the 3D printer's print head, as well as the temperature of the heatbed and the speed and direction of the printing process.

Mechanical Components: The mechanical components of a 3D printer are responsible for the physical movement of the printer. These components include things like the frame, bed, extruder, and fans. The frame is the basic structure of the printer and is responsible for the stability and support of all other components. The bed is the surface that the 3D printer prints on, and it needs to be flat and level to produce accurate prints. The extruder is the part that deposits the filament onto the bed, and the fans are used to cool down the components during use.

IT Components: The IT components of a 3D printer are responsible for processing the digital designs used to create 3D prints. This includes things like the software, processor, and memory. The software is used to create the digital design used to print the object, while the processor is responsible for interpreting the software's instructions and controlling the 3D printer. The memory is used to store the digital designs and the instructions for the printer.

These are the three main components used to create a 3D printer. Each of these components plays an important role in the functioning of the printer, and they all need to work together in order for the printer to produce accurate prints. It is important to understand how each of these components works to ensure your 3D printer produces the best prints possible.

What different designs are there for FDM printers?

3D printing is one of the most innovative technologies in recent times. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers can be used to create plastic objects by depositing material layer by layer. These printers come in a variety of designs.

The first type is the Cartesian FDM printer . This printer follows a Cartesian coordinate system, where X, Y and Z represent the axes of movement of the printer. This type is the most commonly used because it has the simplest structure and most FDM printers of this type are inexpensive and easy to assemble.

The second type is the Delta FDM printer . This printer has a delta robot design where 3 arms are linearly driven to move the printing material. This allows this printer to print faster than the Cartesian FDM printer. However, this type is harder to assemble and also requires more maintenance and care.

The third type is the Core XY FDM printer . This printer follows a Cartesian coordinate system but uses a different principle to move the printing platform. The Core XY FDM printer can print very quickly, but it is also more complicated to construct and maintain.

What are the different advantages and disadvantages of the construction methods?

Each type of FDM printer has its own advantages and disadvantages . It's important to choose a printer that best suits your specific needs. Choosing a printer that's right for you will make your 3D printing experience even more enjoyable and productive.

Cartesian 3D printers:

Although the Cartesian 3D printer offers some great features, they can also have some disadvantages. In this post, we will discuss the pros and cons of a Cartesian 3D printer.

Advantages:

A Cartesian 3D printer is a very affordable alternative to more expensive 3D printers. Since the linear motion system is easy to use and maintain, it is a good option for beginners who need a 3D printer.

Cartesian 3D printers are very precise and allow you to print complex objects in a short period of time. Since they offer high repeatability, you can be sure that your prints will remain at the highest level.

Cartesian 3D printers are also very flexible. There are different configurations that allow you to print different surfaces and also use multiple materials.

Disadvantages:

One of the biggest disadvantages of a Cartesian 3D printer is that it cannot print more complex objects because the linear motion system is not as flexible.

Another disadvantage is that Cartesian 3D printers are not compatible with all 3D printing materials. Since they only use a linear motion system, some materials cannot be printed with a Cartesian 3D printer.

Finally, Cartesian 3D printers are not as powerful as other 3D printers. They are not as fast and cannot print as many objects at once as other 3D printers.

Overall, a Cartesian 3D printer offers some great advantages, but there are also some disadvantages that you should consider before purchasing. When choosing a Cartesian 3D printer, you should make sure that it can meet all of your requirements.

Delta 3D printer:

One of the latest developments in the field of additive manufacturing is the Delta 3D printer. Delta 3D printers are specialized 3D printers that feature a unique design similar to a delta robot. They are faster and more precise than other 3D printers, but there are some disadvantages to consider.

Advantages:

One of the biggest advantages of a Delta 3D printer is its precision and speed. These printers use three axes to produce extremely precise parts. This allows them to work faster as they can print more parts at once. The Delta 3D printer can also print more complex parts as it can perform movements in multiple directions at once.

Another advantage of the Delta 3D printer is that it is very affordable. Since most Delta 3D printers are open-source hardware, they can be manufactured at a very affordable price. In addition, they are also easy to use, as most models have a simple user interface.

Disadvantages:

Unfortunately, delta 3D printing also has some drawbacks. One problem is that the software used for these printers is quite complex, meaning it is harder to learn and understand. Additionally, these printers are not as powerful as some other 3D printers, meaning they can only print parts of limited size and shape.

Overall, the Delta 3D printer is a powerful and affordable tool for 3D printing. It has its pros and cons, but for those looking for a powerful and affordable 3D printing experience, the Delta 3D printer can be the right choice.

Core XY 3D printer:

One of the most popular 3D printers is the Core XY 3D printer. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of this printer to help you decide if this is the right printer for you.

Advantages:

The main advantage of the Core XY 3D printer is its simple and extremely efficient mechanics. The printer features two independent X and Y axis systems that are designed to slightly overlap when operating on a central plane. This allows the printer to reach the desired position of the extruder faster than other 3D printers. This results in faster printing speeds and less material wastage.

Another benefit of Core XY is that printing speed improves not only due to the increased speed of the extruder, but also due to the improved accuracy of the printer. Since the printer has two independent motors operating on a central plane, it can produce much more precise prints.

Another key advantage of the Core XY 3D printer is its reliability. Since the printer has two motors, both motors have to work together to start the printing process. Therefore, it is very unlikely that one of the motors will fail or experience any other type of failure. Therefore, the Core XY 3D printer is very reliable in terms of reliability.

Disadvantages:

The only downside to the Core XY 3D printer is its price. The printer is a bit more expensive compared to other 3D printers. While there are some inexpensive models, they are not as powerful as the more expensive models, so you will need to consider whether the Core XY 3D printer is right for you.

Overall, the Core XY 3D printer is an excellent printer that offers fast and accurate print quality. Its simple mechanics and reliability make it a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable 3D printer. The only downside to the printer is its price, but if you're willing to spend a little more for a powerful printer, the Core XY 3D printer is an excellent choice.

We hope that with this entry in the 3D printing knowledge we have been able to help you a little in choosing the right 3D printer system. However, if you still have concerns and are undecided as to whether the printer will meet your requirements, we are available to help and advise you.

What are 3D printing nozzles?

The 3D printing nozzle is an important part of a 3D printer setup. It is the part that dispenses the molten, liquid material (filament) used to create 3D printed objects. 3D printing nozzles come in a variety of sizes and materials, allowing a wide range of details and textures to be printed. However, it is important to choose the right nozzle for your project, as the wrong nozzle can cause problems such as clogging or poor surface finish.

At first glance, 3D printing nozzles may seem like a relatively simple component. However, they are quite complex and can have a significant impact on the quality of your prints. The size of the nozzle determines the width of the filament deposited, while the material of the nozzle determines how quickly the filament can be deposited (and how much heat it can withstand). The shape of the nozzle also affects the spread of the filament, which in turn affects the quality of the final product.

What does “bed leveling” and especially “autobed ​​leveling” mean?

We will give you a brief explanation of what these two terms mean in detail.

Bed leveling

Bed leveling is an important prerequisite for successful and precise 3D printing.

This is the manual alignment of the print bed with respect to the 3D printing nozzle in terms of their distance from each other. The distance should remain constant across the entire 3D printing platform to avoid warping of the 3D printed part.

Basically, if the selected distance between the 3D printing nozzle and the print bed is too large, the 3D printing model will not adhere sufficiently to the build plate.

This can cause the component to detach from the build plate during the printing process and the print process to have to be aborted.

The classic method of leveling a print bed involves placing a piece of paper between the nozzle and the print bed. The adjustment screws for raising/lowering the build plate are then turned until the paper can be pulled with a little resistance. The adjustment is made at various positions on the entire print bed. The difficulty of the method lies in estimating what the resistance should actually be.

Autobed ​​leveling

3D printers with a so-called auto-leveling function can help. As the name suggests, the 3D printer levels itself by aligning the print plate so that prints are not printed at an angle. Especially with larger projects, this affects the adhesion of the print bed and in the worst case, the print head can damage the base plate.

Distance sensors are used in the 3D printers to determine the distance to the base plate and thus unevenness. These are then corrected by raising and lowering the base plate in a targeted manner. Depending on the model, there is also something in between manual and auto-leveling. In such models, the distance is measured, but the leveling itself is done manually.

What are the advantages of a heated print bed?

A heated print bed has many advantages that make it a valuable tool.

The most important points are listed below:

1. A heated build plate makes it possible to set the print bed to a specific temperature , which improves the quality of the printed object . ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
2. Improved adhesion between the print object and the build plate , resulting in better print quality . ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
3. Reduces the formation of cracks and warping that can occur due to uneven heating of the printing object . ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
4. Increases the printing speed as the heat is transferred to the printing object more quickly . ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
5. Allows the printing of materials that require a higher temperature to melt them , such as ABS . ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

What is a 3D printing extruder?

The 3D printing extruder is an essential element of a 3D printer. In the extruder, the 3D printing filament is heated and transported through a material conveyor to the 3D printing nozzle. After melting in the hotend, the filament is pressed through the nozzle and applied to the build plate.

The extruder consists of the following components:

1. Heating element
2. Motor
3. Nozzle system
   

The heating element heats the material to the required temperature, the motor drives the heating element and the nozzle system controls the pressure with which the material is extruded.

When do you need support structures? And how are they printed?

Support structures are needed to give the 3D printed models the desired shape and the right support. They allow to increase the printing speed and improve the print quality. The support structures are usually printed from the same material as the object, but they can also be made from a different material, such as Washable and breakable support structures . The printing process for support structures is usually an FDM or FFF printing process, where a filament is deposited on a print bed in layers.