3D printing resources Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about 3D printing What is 3D printing? 3D printing is the process of adding material to a structure, using an extruder or printhead that adds material by heating, melting, or applying pressure, building an object one layer at a time. 3D...
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that has long transitioned from a futuristic concept to a practical tool with a wide range of applications. This advanced manufacturing technique is driving innovation across various industries and is enabling the production of numerous products and ...
CAD and 3D printing go hand in hand. CAD software (which stands for Computer Aided Design) is a central part of any 3D system as it enables you to create a 3D model from the ground, up. There are many types of CAD software, each with its own benefits. AutoCAD, created by Autodesk,...
3D printing, also known asadditive manufacturing, is a method of creating a three dimensional object layer-by-layer using a computer created design. 3D printing is an additive process whereby layers of material are built up to create a 3D part. This is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing ...
In 3D printing, software plays two important roles. First, a “slicing” program likeUltimaker Curais essential for preparing a design file (such as an STL) for print. Load the file into this software, choose your desired print settings (such as fast or extra detail), and it will “slice...
Every object printed on a 3D printer starts with a 3D model. These are usually made in a CAD program designed for working on real-world 3D models, like TinkerCAD, Fusion360, or Sketchup. A digital 3D model is sliced into hundreds of thin layers by dedicated software to export in G-code...
A print’s level of detail is impacted by the 3D printer's resolution in all three dimensions. In 3D printing and additive manufacturing, there are three dimensions to consider: the two planar 2D dimensions (X and Y) and the Z dimension that makes it 3D printing. Since the planar and Z...
What is 3D Printing?14 07 , 2015 12 Comments Share You may have heard a lot of buzz lately about 3D printing and 3D printers, and for good reason. This exciting technology, which has actually been around for more than 30 years has been rapidly improving and gaining traction in both ...
2. Slicing or file preparation Special software “slices” the 3D model into thin horizontal layers that are stacked on top of each other. The model is then converted into a set of instructions that guide the 3D printer on how to create each layer. 3. 3D printing The 3D printer begins ...
But 3D printing didn’t have a linear journey from its creation to now, and it wasn’t as complete and accessible of a process as it is today. A Brief History of 3D Printing Back in 1986, a guy named Charles W. Hull filed a patent for stereolithography, which became the first known...