What is 3D printing and how does it work?

3D Printing is a process where you can design and create (in a way, print) 3-dimensional products of any shape and style. The technology came into existence in 1984 and was invented by Chuck Hull, who presently works for the popular 3D printing company, 3D Systems. The additive method uses a process, where an object’s design is broken down into multiple layers and put on top of the other to form a final structure. The product can be designed completely based on a 3D model created on a computer. 3D printers for home use more or less the same technology as industrial grade printers but are very simple to use. They are connected to a PC just like a conventional printer. The process of taking a print is also more or less the same. The design of the product you want to print is created on a CAD (Computer-aided design) software. These software let you create and decide the structure of the model right from its size, dimensions and looks. Once the design is complete, the software then incorporates the final design into layers and sends that information to the printer to convert this virtual product into a physical prototype. 3D printers like inkjet printer use nozzles, but instead of ink these nozzles dispense filaments of material to form the structure. Filaments are like cartridges of the 3D printer; they carry material which is bound to harden immediately after being ejected from the nozzle. Thermoplastics like PLA (Polylactide) or ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are the most popularly used materials in 3D printing. ABS is also used to make Legos. Apart from these, 3D printers also use other materials such as rubber, plasticine, modelling clay, porcelain and even some metal clay. Different 3D printers use different materials. These materials differ in terms of strength and temperature properties. It is also possible to get different colours of filaments for 3D printers. This helps in getting variety out of your printer. Based on the information sent from the PC, the nozzle of the printer moves back and forth on the printing surface and shapes the design layer-by-layer, from bottom to the top. Remember that depending on the complexity of the design, a printer can take hours before presenting the final product.

Applications

3D printers have endless possibilities. The biggest feature they have to offer is customisation. 3D printers can be used to create almost anything we use on a daily basis, the way we want it. Starting with artistic and decorative structures like lamps or vases specifically to suit your home aesthetics. Apart from that, your kids can also use them to create their own toys and bring their own imagination to life. It’s also possible for you to design various accessories like a customised smartphone case or a wrist band that is designed specifically to fit your arm. Besides building complete structures, you can try making individual components of a design and put them all together to construct something even big with mechanical elements. You can also use 3D printers to replace or fix certain things you use at home. For example, the wheel of your chair, a spanner handle missing from your tool kit or a protective case for your hard drive. With the right dimensions, it’s possible to create almost anything you like. Many manufacturers provide their own CAD software that you can buy online. These software are specifically designed for their models. Some are related to designing a specific type of product. For those who don’t want to design their own products, there are plenty of readymade options available online for a whole lot of stuff. You can download and print the ones you like. It’s even possible to improvise on those designs to meet your own individual style.

Types of 3D printers

3D printing technology today has evolved over time into an industry where companies like Printrbot, 3D Systems, Makerbot, XYZ Printing da Vinci exist. These companies provide a range of 3D printers that can cost from a mere Rs. 15,000 to whooping 1 Lakh rupees. 3D printers usually differ in the size of 3D print they can create. The material they use and the time they take to complete a print also varies from model to model. Some printers also feature a hot printing bed. These hot beds improve the overall print quality by stopping the plastic from getting warped. Besides that, printers can be distinguished in terms of their size, weight and their make. You can even find printers with enclosed or open bodies. These factors are also known to affect the print quality. Some printers are also available in DIY kits that you can choose to assemble at home. These printers offer more flexibility, as in some cases you can choose every individual component of the printer to make it more efficient or reduce the cost. With all of that said, 3D printers come with a number of features today. LCD panels are also becoming a trending feature in 3D printers. There are also high-end printers that support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet. Some even support multiple filaments that can render multi-colour prints.

What’s trending in the world of 3D printers

There are many 3D printers being launched, and if you’re interested, these are just some of the more interesting ones.

• Buccaneer 3D Printer: Buccanner is a good looking 3D printer. It’s one of the more popular 3D printers available today because it offers good print quality and also comes packed with Wi-Fi connectivity. Above all, the printer is priced affordably and with that design, it won’t tend to look out of place in your home.

• Printrbot Simple Maker’s Kit: Printerbot Simple Maker is an easy-to-use, affordable printer one can buy for daily use. The printer is priced affordably and is made for DIY enthusiasts. It even needs to be assembled at home by the user. You can also order the readymade verison, if you don’t want to do it on your own.

• RD Ord Bot Hadron 3D Printer: RD Ord Bot Hadron 3D Printer is another one of the 3D printer that needs to be assembled. This makes it quite flexible. The price of the printer depends completely on the parts that you want in it. Based on your requirement, you can even customize it so it’s not a large investment.

• Cubify Cube: This printer is probably the simplest 3D printing solutions out there. It’s because the printer involves a software that gives the printing process an easier approach. The Cube also offers wireless connectivity and is capable of dual-colour 3D printing. It’s the whole package. The only downside is that you would have to buy Cubify’s own filament, which can cost a little more than general filament rolls.

• Makerbot Replicator mini: Makerbot Replicator mini is the smallest variant from the Makerbot Replicator series of 3d printers, yet it is as powerful as the larger models. It has the same components used on the much expensive Replicator 5th generation. The printer supports Wi-Fi and can also be used by a tablet or a smartphone via an app. The printer also features a built-in camera that lets you monitor the progress of your print on your phone.