How do 3D printers work?

3D Printers

For many years, printers were limited to printing two-dimensional planes. However, everything changed with the invention of the 3D printer.

Printers are indeed widespread and can be found in offices, schools and homes. Current printer models are relatively inexpensive, but very high quality and can even print photo-quality color images.

3D printers are different from ordinary printers. Instead of printing a simple text document on a sheet of paper, a 3D printer can "print" a real three-dimensional object! Sounds like magic, right? Of course not, it's only because of the development of science and technology.

The technology behind 3D printers dates back many years, to the mid-1980s to be precise. Chuck Hull invented the process known as solid state imaging or stereolithography. Hull's invention laid the foundation for 3D printing technology. The 3D printing process begins with computer-aided design (CAD) or animation modeling software. Models can be scale models for new engine parts, action figures, or even prosthetics. Once you've created your digital plans, you can send them directly to your 3D printer.

Unlike inkjet printers, which spray ink onto a sheet of paper, 3D printers use a similar mechanical print head to inject raw materials such as rubber, plastic, paper, metal, or other composite materials onto a substrate. 3D printing is additive manufacturing. That is, the printer creates a three-dimensional object from scratch, layer by layer.

For example, to create a simple plastic action figure, a 3D printer heats a thin plastic wire and "pushes" it layer by layer onto a substrate, slowly sculpting the toy in three dimensions from the ground up.

3D printers often use a laser or similar device to heat the extruded material. 3D printers can even create metal objects by heating metal dust with a laser.

The time it takes to "print" a three-dimensional object can vary from several hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the object. 3D printers are becoming a very popular tool in the manufacturing sector because they can create 3D printed prototypes in less time and at a lower cost, especially with traditional wood or metal prototyping.

3D printing technology is developing very fast. Several construction companies have started using 3D printers to build houses. NASA has even started testing a 3D printer that could be used on space missions, allowing astronauts to print the things they need.