One of the most functional advantages offered by technology, 3D printers can quickly turn 3D designs created in a virtual environment into tangible objects. These printers, known as additive manufacturing or layered production, allow for easy printing of any required object. In this context, 3D printers, which are revolutionary for industrial fields, are highly sought-after products worldwide today.
Understanding the working principles of 3D printers provides a more informed process when using a 3D printer buying guide. Therefore, if you are in the market for a 3D printer, your primary goal should be to gather the necessary information within the scope of a 3D printer buying guide.
3D printers can perform production without the need for additional molds. Thanks to the electromechanical algorithms they contain, they can produce even highly complex materials that would otherwise require significant physical effort. The main areas where 3D printers are used include:
- Fashion Industry
- Food Industry
- Transportation Industry
- Healthcare Industry
- Education Sector
- Personal Hobbies
- Aviation Industry
- Prototyping Applications
- Jewelry Industry
Used in many more sectors and expanding into various industries day by day, 3D printers simplify the production process and significantly reduce costs in every field they are utilized. They particularly stand out in prototyping and manufacturing, serving as systems that facilitate quick solutions. As a result, they offer advantages to countless industries by allowing rapid and cost-effective adjustments to ideas, leading to their widespread adoption across sectors.
A 3D printer buying guide is extremely important for those who want to use this system as a hobby or for professional needs within their industry. Understanding the working principles of 3D printers, knowing what can be produced with them, and being aware of their advantages and features help users achieve maximum efficiency.
How Do 3D Printers Work?
For 3D printers to function, 3D designs are required first. These designs, created using appropriate computer-aided design (CAD) software, are most commonly exported in a widely recognized format called “STL.” 3D printers recognize this file format and begin the printing process. This process can be examined in three stages:
1) Modeling
As mentioned above, the modeling stage involves designing the object to be produced in a computer environment, complying with all necessary specifications. Once exported in the appropriate format, the process moves to the second stage: 3D printing.
2) 3D Printing
The printing stage is where you can understand the working principle of 3D printers in the most detailed way. The submitted design begins with layers being stacked on top of each other. These layers generally include laser sintering and plastic melting, among others. While there are many other types of layers, 3D printer systems are chosen based on the intended field of use. The heating system located in the nozzle—the head of the printer—ensures that the melted layers are deposited on top of each other. The melted layers spread over the existing surface, immediately cooling and solidifying to form a solid structure. Once all layers are applied, the desired model is obtained.
3) Surface Finishing
3D printers can sometimes cause issues when producing objects that require standardized dimensions. To prevent dimensional errors, the final stage—surface finishing—involves cleaning the surface to eliminate potential problems and perfect the design.
In the context of a 3D printer buying guide, understanding these working principles is crucial for determining which system is suitable for your intended use.
What Are the Advantages of 3D Printers?
3D printers offer numerous advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. These benefits contribute to their widespread adoption across various industries.
- Time Savings: They quickly turn digitally designed objects into tangible forms, allowing for immediate examination.
- Reduced Need for Traditional Tools: Eliminates the need for many products and processes used in conventional methods (machines, equipment, post-production cleaning, etc.).
- Complex Shapes: Can easily materialize difficult and intricate objects.
- Affordable Materials: Uses PLA filaments, which are very cost-effective in the market.
- Eco-Friendly: Environmentally sustainable production.
- Cost Reduction: Lowers expenses in various aspects, from part production to labor costs.
Before determining the criteria for your 3D printer buying guide, it is essential to thoroughly analyze the advantages of 3D systems compared to traditional printing methods. The advantages listed above provide sufficient information to guide your decision-making process.
3DDT Quality in 3D Printers
As 3 Dimension Design Technologies, with over 14 years of experience, our company provides you with the necessary information in the context of a 3D printer buying guide. Our primary focus is offering consultancy services to our customers and helping them acquire the most suitable products. Our services, which began in London in 2004, continue to export to European and American markets.
Since expanding our operations to Turkey in 2005, we have been offering the best and most comprehensive 3D printer buying guide, closely examining the 3D printer market. In this highly competitive sector, a company that has ranked first for over 12 years, adhering to the principle of “the right machine for the right customer.”
Additionally, in 2015, our company established the Cad2Parts 3D printer brand. In this regard, we introduce the globally competitive mFACT 3D printer to the Turkish market. We continue to provide services to help our customers gain more knowledge about additive manufacturing, enhance their expertise, and acquire a 3D printer buying guide.
What Are the Types of 3D Printers?
There are several main types of 3D printers, categorized based on their layer deposition methods. Knowing these types plays a crucial role in your 3D printer buying guide.
- DLP (Digital Light Processing): Uses light in the printing process, employing fluid polymers (resins) and a special projector technique.
- SLA (Stereolithography): One of the oldest and most widely known systems, similar to DLP, using fluid photopolymers (special plastics) and ultraviolet rays for rapid production.
- SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Works with lasers, using powder materials (e.g., aluminum, glass, ceramic) and is often used for rapid prototyping in industrial fields.
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Uses thermoplastic materials, melting them in the extruder and depositing them layer by layer.
- SLM (Selective Laser Melting): Uses high-power lasers to melt powdered metals (e.g., titanium, aluminum), commonly used in the aviation industry.
- LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing): Relies on pressure and heat to melt metal and plastic materials, with cutting performed via laser or blade, often used for prototyping.
- EBM (Electron Beam Melting): Uses electrons in a vacuum at extremely high temperatures, with metal as the raw material, similar to SLM.
With all this information, which you can use as a 3D printer buying guide, you can make an informed decision about 3D printers and choose the most suitable one for your needs.
