What Is 3D Printing? What Is a Low-Cost 3D Printer?

What is a low-cost 3D printer? What is 3D printing?

Many different rapid prototyping technologies have been developed around the world, but all of them follow the same basic 5-step process.

(1) Create a CAD model (with common 3D design software: Inventor, SW, ProE, AutoCAD…). (2) Convert (export) the 3D CAD model to a high-resolution STL file. (3) Slice the file, processing the STL into cross-sections suited to the machine. (4) Build the model on the machine; in 3D printing this means adding layer by layer. (5) Clean, finish the surface (if needed), assemble, … and complete the part.

The clearest picture of the 3D printing rapid prototyping process

CAD Model Creation:

First, the object is modeled with computer-aided design, building a solid model in software such as Solidworks or ProE. Designers can use an existing CAD file or create a new one for the prototype. This step is the same for every type of RP technique.

Conversion to STL format:

Different 3D programs use different algorithms to represent a solid part. To keep things consistent, the STL (stereolithography) format was adopted, and it has become the standard of the rapid prototyping industry. The format is a set of flat triangles joined edge to edge that describe the surface of an object in 3D space. Because STL uses planar triangles, it cannot represent curved surfaces exactly. Using more triangles makes curved surfaces smoother, but the file grows and can become extremely heavy. Large, complex parts need more time for pre-processing and STL creation. So the designer has to balance time, file size and accuracy to get a high-quality STL file.

Slice the STL file:

In this step, a pre-processing program prepares the STL file. Several programs are available, and most let the user adjust the size, position and orientation of the model.

Choosing the orientation matters for several reasons:

– The properties of the finished part change with its orientation. For example, a part is weaker and less accurate along the Z axis than in the XY plane. – Orientation determines build time. Place the shortest dimension of the object along the machine’s Z axis to reduce the number of layers and shorten the build. – Each slice (layer) is 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm thick, depending on the 3D printing technology and machine. Today, Objet/Stratasys Polyjet technology can reach a layer thickness of 0.016 mm. The program also creates an auxiliary structure to hold the model up during the build (called support material). Support is useful for features such as unsupported overhangs (beams), internal cavities and thin walls. Each 3D printer maker supplies its own proprietary software.

Building the model (layer by layer):

Beautiful multi-color 3D printing

This is the core step of prototyping. It uses one of several RP techniques (described in detail in a later article). The system builds up layers of material such as polymers, liquid resin, paper or metal powder. It is mostly automatic, with little human input.

Cleaning and finishing:

This step removes the support structures (mentioned in step 3). Several small 3D printed parts may need to be joined to reach the size of a large model. The prototype may also need cleaning and surface finishing, such as sanding or painting, to improve its look and durability.

Low-cost 3D printers are an investment choice for many businesses. Imported low-cost 3D printers that run reliably and meet environmental standards are drawing even more interest. The Cubicon low-cost 3D printer imported from South Korea is one of them:

The world’s first low-cost 3D printer with a toxic fume filtration system.

An auto-leveling, heated print bed makes printing much easier and safer. Other low-cost 3D printers simply do not have this.

Enclosed build chamber.

Industrial design.

Sleek touch screen

Source: chuyentaomau.com

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY ADVICE

Nguyen Van Cuong

Tel 0975 008 728

Hotline 0975 008 728

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Contact CT3D Group

CT3D Group – professional 3D printing, 3D scanning, design and rapid prototyping services nationwide.

CT3D Thu Duc – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong: in3d.edu.vn – Hotline 0975 008 728 (Mr. Thai)
CT3D District 6 – Ho Chi Minh City: 3dmaker.vn – Hotline 038 7798308 (Mr. Phuc)

See also: what 3D printing is and how it works from CT3D Group for detailed advice.

Frequently asked questions

How is 3D printing different from traditional machining?

3D printing is an additive process that builds an object by stacking layers of material, while machining starts from a large block and removes the excess. This lets 3D printing make complex and hollow shapes and save material on small runs.

What are the drawbacks of STL files?

STL describes surfaces with flat triangles, so it stores no color, material or unit information, and curved surfaces are only approximated. Newer formats such as 3MF fix these limits and are more and more widely supported.

Why does part orientation affect the strength of a 3D print?

Bonds between layers are usually weaker than bonds within a layer, so printed parts tend to be weaker in the direction perpendicular to the layers. Orienting the part so the main load runs parallel to the layers makes it stronger.

What should a beginner learn about 3D printing?

Learn the basics of one 3D design program, how to export a proper STL file, and how to use slicing software to set layer height, infill density and support. Knowing materials such as PLA, ABS and PETG helps you pick the right one for each part.

Related services at CT3D Group

Custom 3D printing service
High-accuracy 3D scanning service
Custom 3D design service
CT3D Group network: ct3dgroup.com · in3d.edu.vn – Hotline/Zalo 0975 008 728

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