3D Printing is one of the ways we can turn virtual 3-dimensional models into real world objects. It is an Additive manufacturing (AM) process, building models layer by layer. AM is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing which takes a block of material, and works it down to the desired shape, this term encompasses CNC routers, lathes, laser cutters and the like.
New 3D printers are popping up left right and center, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. This influx of products makes 3D printing is an exciting technology to be a part of. Here at Core Electronics, we are in the know with 3D printing and we’re bringing the important, cool and functional knowledge behind this process to our community.
“Where there's a will there's a way” -Some guy
What can you print? Well, it could be a bust of your favorite video game character, a replica weapon for your next cosplay event, desktop Knick-knacks, modifications to your existing appliances, custom home decorations or even just a couple of replacement keycaps for your beloved keyboard. There aren’t many of limitations in the realm of 3D printing.
How does 3D printing work?
The process itself is quite simple. We load our printer with a roll of filament, this is the “ink” for our print. The printer’s extruder heats to a temperate where the plastic filament will become liquid-like and then traces out a 2D 'slice' of your model to the print bed.
Once that layer is complete, the printer moves up a certain distance known as the layer height and proceeds to trace the next 2D layer of your model. This is repeated for as many layers as required to complete your model.
This entire process is dictated to your printer via a G-Code file, which is a file written in computer control language that tells your printer how to move, how hot to be, how fast to go etc.
Slicing software creates this G-Code file and can be run on most computers. There are free and paid slicers available, depending on how advanced you are willing to get, the software is out there to enable you to produce prints of the finest quality.
That's our simplified take on the process known as FDM or Fused Deposition Modelling. While there are many methods for 3D printing, FDM is the most widely used in consumer 3D printers. It was originally developed back in the 1980s, however, the patent on FDM technology has since expired. That expiration leads to massive price drops, allowing 3D printing to enter the everyday consumer market.
How do you get a 3D model to print?
How do you get a 3D model to print?There are so many online repositories of 3D models where you can simply download someone else’s design, usually as an STL file, ready for print. All you would need to do is find a model of something that looks fun/relevant, download it, import that STL into your slicing software, set a few parameters for quality and then send the G-Code output to your printer.
Then you kick back and wait the allotted time to get your print. After that, you might want to use some finishing techniques to make it come up picture-perfect.
It’s actually that easy to do if that’s all you want to do.
If you are getting into 3D printing to generate something for a more specific purpose, it’s going to be your best bet to venture into the world of computer-assisted drawing, or CAD. This way you can create what you need, exactly how you need it.
Just like printers, 3D model libraries, and slicing software, there are a great number of CAD programs out there, all tailored for different needs. It’s a decision you get to make as to which you use, and it can be a daunting one if you are swamped with all the different options at once.
Our recommendation would be to first nail down what you are looking to create, then find out what programs exist that will make your CAD experience as easy as possible. You will find that some programs are perfect for one type of modeling and not so great for others and this research will help you identify, design and create 3D models whenever you need them as easily as possible.
Navigating the 3D printer market.
When you finally decide you are going to get into any hobby, you need to have the right tool for the job. When it comes to 3D printers, it can be a pretty big investment and we want to make certain you are armed with the best printer you can find.
I know personally that this buying process can be almost as exciting as the hobby itself, but it can be equally as intimidating if you don’t know the jargon. We have come up with some essential lingo you should understand when venturing out into the printer market.
Material – This refers to the types of filament the printer is able to print successfully. Having a printer that allows to you to print multiple filament types is a great option. ABS and PLA are the most widely available however hundreds of different types are being developed as time goes on.
Resolution – This relates to directly to your print quality, smaller is better. You will be looking at horizontal and vertical resolutions. The vertical resolution is the layer height, it’s how thin a layer can be. The horizontal resolution is how wide a single line can be printed on the printer. While the differences may seem small, a .1 change in these values can make all the difference when trying to print a perfect looking model.
Build area – This value is usually represented as a volume, and refers to the maximum dimensions the printer can print. Depending on space limitations, budget and of course intended use, you are going to want the right sized printer for your needs.
Extruder – Your extruder is what controls the flow of the filament onto your print surface. Single extruders were the norm for quite a while, however, companies are now supporting dual extruders enabling multicoloured prints.
Print Bed Type – You can get heated beds or non-heated beds. This will allow your first layer to stick to the bed better and significantly lower the chance of warping in your prints. A heated bed is a clear winner here, opt for this type if you can.
Our choice for 3D printers
We aren’t interested in printers that make the 3D printing process hard for you. Spending more time setting up, calibrating and troubleshooting your machine means less time printing. Not to mention, the soul-crushing feeling of your printer screwing up an 18-hour print is disheartening, to say the least. For these reasons we tend to opt for quality when it comes to our products and as such, we have partnered up with LulzBot to bring the best 3D printers to Australia.
LulzBot is an American 3D printer company, deeply rooted in open-source design. They are working constantly to improve their printers with their customers for their customers. Ease of use, reliability and outstanding customer support are pillars of the LulzBot experience. Your printer is calibrated for you right out of the box by LulzBot staff. The first thing you do when you get your LulzBot is plugging it right in and print a badass looking rocktopus to ensure everything is up to scratch.
We are extremely satisfied customers of LulzBot ourselves, leaving their Mini and Taz printers running for 20+ hour prints, knowing they will be of a fantastic quality. We don’t just resell their products either; as we use them every day, we offer advice, education, and support for your printing needs too!
If you are interested in our 3D printers or learning more about it, visit our 3D Printer Tutorials section!
