3D printers are pretty similar to inkjet printers. Inkjet printers use ink and print one layer but 3D printers print layer by layer from the bottom to top which method is known as fused depositional modeling. 3D printer operated from a computer that makes a digital 3D CAD model. The printer turns this model into lots of two-dimensional cross-sectional models. these two-dimensional layers are printed layer by layer – one layer goes on to form the base for another layer.
The material used by three 3D printers
3D printers use thermoplastic. A thermoplastic is a plastic, which melts when it is heated and gets solid again after being cooled. Technically this plastic is called ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Acrylonitrile is a hard and tough plastic and butadiene styrene is a synthetic rubber. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a composite of acrylonitrile and butadiene styrene.
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It is used for 3D printers because its glass transition temperature is approximately 105℃ (221℉), hence no much heat is required. Another reason to use ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is its availability in various colors. The pigments can be added to it for coloring it in various colors.
Step by step 3D printing process
- The computer makes a digital format of the object in computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Computer turns this digital data into a language which is compatible with 3D printers
- System check the requirement of materials and safety measures
- Machine proceeds to process
- After printing the object, it required to clean the surface of the object because it is covered with the remains of the additive materials.