How Do 3D Printers Work?

Introduction

     What is a 3D printer? A 3D printer is just like a regular printer, except it doesn't print flat objects on flat paper. Instead it prints 3D objects using material such as plastic. 3D means three dimensional, like a cube or any solid object.

    So how does a 3D printer actually make a 3D object? If you have one, then you will know that you can't just tell the printer, "Print a Lego!" (or any other object). 

    So what do you have to do? Well, you're going to find out. 

Filament and the Printer's Head

     A 3D printer's head or plate can move in 2 directions, usually the XY plane. The XY plane (the print bed / heated bed) is a flat surface, like the ground or the top of a table.

     As the head moves around following the computer instructions, the melted plastic is extruded on the heated bed. Extruded means to flow out.

     There are over 1200 different filaments that are used in a 3D printer. The filaments  come in many different colors and are made out of different types of materials, such as plastics that are melted to form different shapes.  Filaments often come in spools and look like cables.

     It is very important to choose the right filament depending on what kind of object you want to print. Some types of filaments are PLA, ABS, PEFG, TPO, or more exotics. PLA and PETG are the most common filaments used.

All About Layers    

     A 3D printer follows a set of instructions that tells the machine which axis (X , Y , or Z) to print. The x-axis goes horizontally left to right. The y-axis goes forwards and backwards.

     The third dimension is the z-axis. The z-axis goes vertically up and down, and makes the object three dimensional by creating layers on top of other layers.

    The instructions of a 3D printer can also tell it to do a specific action, like to change the temperature of the printer's head or plate. When the first layer is cooled, the head or plate moves on the z-axis and then starts to print another layer. 

     The layers that are printed by the 3D printer are then fused together. This process will repeat again and again until finally the complete 3D shape is made. 

3D Modeling

     Software like CAD (Computer Aided Design software) can give you tools to help anybody create a 3D model from scratch. The CAD software helps to create the instructions for the printer. 

      Some software can allow people to have a file made for slicing software. The 3D slicing software translates the 3D model into code called G-code that will instruct the 3D printer about all the steps to complete to make the 3D object.  The information is processed, sliced and then sent to the 3D printer so your object can be printed.

         G-code is a programming language which can control equipment like CNC machines (machines that use lasers like laser cutters) and 3D printers. Now the 3D printer is able to make the real object that you created and sliced.    

Printing Big and Printing Small   

      Did you ever wonder how 3D printers are helpful for houses and jewelry ? You're going to find out. 

      You can PRINT BIG. For example, a 3D printer that makes houses works like a desktop 3D printer. But instead of using plastic, it pours concrete that goes around again and again. In less than 24 hours it can make a house! Check out the video to see how it works!  

     You can also PRINT SMALL. For example, a 3D printer can be used to make jewelry. 3D printers can go faster than making jewelry by hand. Also, the metal in hand-made jewelry is sometimes uncomfortable and heavy to wear, but plastic is more comfortable.  3D printed jewelry can also be made to look the same as metal, but be more lightweight and have more detailed designs.