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3D printers – what they are and what they are used for

Despite the widespread use of 3D technologies, not everyone knows how 3D printers work. Expert3D will help you understand this topic and answer frequently asked questions. Most often, users are interested in what a 3D printer is.

There are various methods of 3D printing, but their principle generally boils down to one thing. The essence of the technology lies in the gradual (layer-by-layer) reproduction of a digital 3D model in three dimensions from a specific material. These materials can vary depending on the technology used. A 3D printer is a device that creates a three-dimensional product based on digital data. In a special program, this data is converted into control code for the printer (G-code), which allows it to perform the necessary movements. This is the most accessible answer to the question “How does a 3D printer work?” Next come the details of specific techniques, which we will not go into in depth. We will only consider the most common 3D printing technologies in detail.

What does a 3D printer print with?

In the previous section, we did not fully answer the question “What does a 3D printer print with?” Below, we will give the most complete answer possible. Special materials are used to reproduce products on a 3D printer. Desktop 3D printers use 3D plastic and photopolymer resins, but it is also possible to print with rubber, flexible, and reinforced materials. More serious, professional devices allow you to print with metal and plaster, which makes them ideal for mass production. As a result, industrial 3D printers are already widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries.

What can be done on a 3D printer

So, we have figured out what a 3D printer is. Now let's talk about what you can do with a 3D printer. The most obvious answer is everything. And it is very close to the truth. Today, in addition to the familiar FDM and SLA 3D printers, there are food, industrial, 3D bioprinters, and many other variations of such devices. 3D printing is widely used for domestic purposes, and scientists have high hopes for 3D bioprinting technology, which is expected to be used to manufacture living tissues and organs. The main advantages of 3D printing over traditional manufacturing methods are high speed, simplicity, and relatively low cost.

3D printing technologies overview

We have repeatedly touched upon the topic of 3D printing technologies in various articles. The corresponding section of “Questions and Answers” even has an article with a brief overview of each method. However, we have never described the types of 3D printing in such detail as we are about to do now. We present to your attention a section with the most detailed description of each existing additive manufacturing technology!

Before we begin, we would like to say a few words about 3D printing methods in general, which will be useful to you when studying our material. So, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping, is used to reproduce objects based on specified 3D models. 3D models can be created manually or using a 3D scanner. However, in the latter case, the digital data also requires human processing. Now let's start talking about the different types of 3D printing.

All types of 3D printing

Below are the most common types of 3D printing used today. As new techniques are developed, we will add them to the list with detailed descriptions. Each technology name is a link to a separate page with a detailed description, examples, and types of equipment used.

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Laser Stereolithography (SLA)
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
• Selective Heat Sintering (SHS)
• Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
• Multi Jet Modeling (MJM)
• Electron-beam Melting (EBM)
• Color Jet Printing (CJP)
• Digital Light Processing (DLP).

Choosing the right 3D printer

Today, almost everyone is familiar with 3D technology. Many people are becoming interested in 3D printing and exploring the possibilities of this technology. Some are even buying their own 3D printers. If you are one of those who want to become the owner of such a device, you have probably asked yourself, “How do I choose a 3D printer?” In today's article, we will try to answer this question in as much detail as possible, provide examples, and explain what you should consider. We understand that an inexperienced user does not always know how to choose a 3D printer that will serve them for a long time and delight them with the quality of the products it produces. So let's start with the basics and list the main points that affect the performance of these devices.

First of all, you need to clearly define the purposes for which you will need a 3D printer. If you need to print miniature objects with a high degree of detail, it is better to look at SLA 3D printers. FDM devices are more versatile and suitable for a wide range of tasks. Once this question has been resolved, you should begin to thoroughly monitor the characteristics of specific devices.

How to choose the right 3D printer

To choose the right 3D printer, you should pay attention to several factors. After carefully considering all the points, the question “How to choose a 3D printer?” will no longer bother you. In this section, we will not consider SLA 3D printers, since they are somewhat simpler and their areas of application are highly specialized. Instead, we will focus on FDM printers and tell you how to make the right choice. This topic is covered in more detail in another article.

To clarify, we will explain that you do not need to meticulously study all the characteristics and nitpick every little detail. It is enough to be aware of the main parameters and consider their impact on the operation of the devices. Now let's get down to business and start choosing the best 3D printer.

How to choose a 3D printer: what to look for

1. Manufacturer

To choose a 3D printer that will meet all your expectations, you first need to identify the manufacturer of the device. This point can be divided into international characteristics:

• USA. One of the major players in the 3D printing market. Many American companies have been working with this technology since its inception and offer extremely high-quality products.
• Europe. Slightly weaker than the US, but also rich in reliable manufacturers of 3D printers.
• China. Offers a wide variety of options, and many production facilities are also located here. With this option, you should be careful and carefully filter the offers. However, there are also very high-quality products, and a 3D printer purchased here can serve you for a very long time.
• USA. Our country is just beginning its journey in the 3D technology market and cannot always compete with stronger developers, especially Western ones. Nevertheless, some promising manufacturers are worth paying attention to.

2. 3D printer mechanics

One of the most important features determining the reliability of the device, smooth operation, speed, and much more is the mechanics of the 3D printer. We are referring to the actual assembly of the device and the type of guides. The latter is also responsible for working with flexible plastics. Pay attention to the type of housing the 3D printer has. An open housing is cheaper and lighter, but a closed housing allows for better control of the printing temperature.

3. Speed and accuracy of 3D printing

By and large, this parameter can be considered the most important. It is what determines the final result of 3D printing. High reproduction accuracy is one of the primary criteria for choosing a 3D printer. Accuracy refers to the layer height. At the same time, it is important to consider the accuracy/speed ratio. Don't be tempted by high speed ratings; with poor assembly, high printing speed can compromise quality. In other words, when choosing a 3D printer, look for the golden mean.

4. Build area size

As you understand, this parameter determines the possible sizes of the products you can create. The larger the working area, the larger the objects that will fit on it. Also, when printing a batch of products on a 3D printer, a large build area allows you to place more models on it at the same time. However, if you do not need to print large objects or engage in small-scale production, you do not need a large 3D printer.

5. Types of plastic

An essential parameter to focus on when buying an FDM 3D printer is the range of available materials. Basically, the types of materials are specified in the device description. But if for some reason they are not listed there, look at the extruder heating temperature and then study the melting temperature of the plastics you need. Sometimes a 3D printer is simply unable to melt certain types of materials. There can also be difficulties when working with flexible plastics, but it is best to check this with the manufacturer or distributor.

Choosing a 3D printer

Choosing a 3D printer for beginners in 3D technology is certainly not an easy task, but it is quite feasible. We understand that you want to choose the best 3D printer and are ready to help you with that. Therefore, if necessary, visit our online store, which offers 3D printers, 3D scanners, 3D pens, and a wide selection of consumables. We also offer the following services:

• 3D scanning;
• 3D printing;
• 3D modeling;
• 3D design;
• Mock-ups;
• 3D modeling from photos;
• 3D models development based on samples;
• Color 3D printing with plaster on a professional printer;
• Manufacturing products based on descriptions;
• Creating products based on drawings;
• Restoring damaged products;
• Post-processing and painting finished products;
• Small-batch production.

For all questions, please email or call us. Contact information is listed in the “Our Contacts” section. Or visit our central office in Houston or one of our representative offices (Kharkiv, Chernihiv). By the way, at each of them, you can evaluate the 3D printer you like in action and get detailed advice. In addition, we help you master the 3D printer and provide training on how to use the purchased equipment. So please contact us, we will be happy to help!

If you have additional questions that we have not covered, please email us and we will add your questions if necessary! Sincerely, the Expert3D team.

Buying a 3D printer the right way

If you have reached this point, you are most likely already firmly committed to buying a 3D printer. And you understand perfectly well that buying a 3D printer must be done correctly. We have already written extensively about the criteria for choosing 3D printing devices, and in this article we will only touch on some of them superficially. Instead, we will describe in detail the requirements for 3D printers for specific purposes. We will highlight three main groups:

• 3D printers for home use;
• 3D printers for jewelers;
• 3D printers for dentists.

Now let's begin our specific analysis.

Which 3D printer to buy for home use

Simple tasks, household items, decorative solutions... Have you ever found yourself running around stores looking for the necessary component to repair, say, a kitchen drawer, or wanting to buy an original knife holder? Such situations are not uncommon in everyday life. To save time, money, and stress, it is better to buy a 3D printer for home use. This will greatly simplify all minor home repairs and tasks. All you need to do is create a 3D model of the required product, select the optimal type of plastic, and start 3D printing.

A home 3D printer usually does not need to have any special “bells and whistles”; it just needs to be reliable and perform the tasks at hand with high quality. Those who want to buy a 3D printer for home use should pay attention to budget models with a normal build area, support for a standard number of materials, and a reliable configuration. Such “workhorses” are suitable for many diverse tasks and delight users with high-quality 3D printing.

Which 3D printer to buy for jewelers

Jewelry 3D printing is a separate and very important branch of 3D technology. Here, more than anywhere else, the quality and accuracy of reproduction of the smallest details is important. Also, in the case of mass production of jewelry, the size of the build area is important. Therefore, when choosing which 3D printer to buy for jewelers, you should first focus on the degree of detail and the dimensions of the working area. You can also look at the type of photopolymer resins used in the printer, as they vary.

Reinforced, heat-resistant, and other materials are available, suitable for a wide variety of tasks. If you are considering purchasing an SLA 3D printer for home use, it is best to weigh your options carefully, as this type of 3D printing is not suitable for every task.

Which 3D printer to buy for dentists

When deciding which 3D printer to buy for dentists, oddly enough, you will have to pay attention to the same SLA 3D printing. Its advantages are just as good for dentists. By the way, representatives of both professions would do well to pay attention to a variation of stereolithography printing known as DLP 3D printing. The principle of its operation is roughly the same, but instead of a laser, a projector is used. As a result, objects are reproduced much faster using this method. This is also an important criterion when choosing a 3D printer.

If you have any additional questions that we have not addressed, please email us and we will add your questions if necessary! Sincerely, the Expert3D team. Please contact us, we look forward to working with you!

3D printing: problems and solutions

Of course, all beginners in 3D printing want to avoid potential problems as much as possible. But this is the most difficult stage. The culprits can be incorrect print settings or hardware malfunctions. Lack of practical experience with a 3D printer also plays a role.

In addition, a 3D printer is a rather capricious machine, and you often have to find your own approach to it. As you can see, there are many possible causes of difficulties. And so that the problems that arise during 3D printing do not leave you at a dead end, we have compiled this section. In it, we will try to list the most common problems in 3D printing and effective ways to solve them.

Problems when printing on a 3D printer

Problems when printing on a 3D printer can arise for anyone, no one is immune to this. Therefore, it is important to know about the typical difficulties in 3D printing and be able to solve them. Users can solve almost all problems with 3D printing on their own without any particular difficulty. Only in the case of physical damage is it advisable to contact a special service center without trying to fix the problem yourself. But below we will look at common problems with 3D printing that absolutely any user may encounter.

Problems with 3D printers

FDM 3D printing has certain characteristics. Problems with 3D printers are often caused by these characteristics, and they should be solved with this in mind. Let's not delay any longer and get down to business.

1. Insufficient adhesion (the model does not adhere well to the 3D printer table)

To build a high-quality object, it is extremely important to ensure that the plastic adheres well to the work platform. Otherwise, the sample is unlikely to print properly. Possible causes of insufficient adhesion:

• Large gap between the nozzle and the 3D printer bed;
• The working platform is not calibrated;
• The printing speed of the first layer is too high;
• Incorrect temperature or cooling settings.

How to solve it: If the problem is with the 3D printing settings, change them according to the requirements for the specific plastic. Be sure to calibrate the 3D printer platform according to all the rules. This is a very important step in the printing process. It is also possible to apply special materials to the platform for better adhesion: Kapton, blue tape, or special glue.

2. Under-extrusion or over-extrusion

These terms refer to insufficient or excessive plastic feed, which leads to poor-quality prints. Although these problems are diametrically opposed, they have the same root cause. Reasons:

• Incorrect plastic filament diameter setting;
• Incorrect extrusion ratio;
• Mechanical problems.

How to solve: Set the optimal 3D printing settings or check the plastic feed unit and pressure mechanism.

3. Overheating during 3D printing

During the 3D printing process, plastic is fed at a very high temperature onto an equally hot platform. If the cooling parameters are set incorrectly, the model will overheat, leading to deformation.

The main causes of this problem are high printing speed and insufficient cooling. The solution is to determine the optimal parameters for a specific material. After all, the melting and cooling temperatures differ for different plastics.

4. Thin plastic webs on the model

This is a common phenomenon that is quite difficult to get rid of. Small plastic webs in several places on the object are normal. But if there are too many of them, it is worth digging into the 3D printing settings. Most often, the correct setting of the plastic retraction parameter helps to get rid of such threads. Check the values of the distance and retraction speed. Basically, after a few trials and errors, you will understand how to set this parameter correctly. Also pay attention to the temperature regime. Too high an extruder temperature will cause excessive melting of the plastic and its leakage.

5. Layer offset

This is a fairly serious problem in 3D printing, the occurrence of which should alert the user. Such failures can signal problems with the electronic or mechanical components of the 3D printer. However, you may have set the print head movement value too high. Try lowering this parameter. You should also place the printer on a flat, stable surface and not touch it during operation. Excessive movement can cause the print head to shift.

6. Plastic is not feeding

This happens quite often, and it is no cause for concern. Possible causes:

• Low extruder temperature;
• Print speed too high;
• Clogged nozzle;

First, try pushing the plastic through manually. If that doesn't help, reload the filament. Still no luck? Try changing the 3D printing settings and restarting the model. If that doesn't work either, it's time to clean the nozzle. Special needles of the required diameter are available for this purpose.

7. Cracks and layer splitting

This can happen both during and after printing. Sometimes it is due to poor-quality plastic, but more often the reasons lie elsewhere. Namely:

• Too low printing temperature;
• Too high layer height.

As you may have guessed, correcting these settings will help solve this problem.

Defects in 3D printing

We have listed the main problems in 3D printing. Of course, there are many more possible difficulties, but most of them can be solved by setting the correct values in the slicer. This is something you need to learn. With experience, you will understand how to adjust the required parameters and learn how to eliminate defects in 3D printing. That concludes our article. If you have any additional questions that we have not addressed, please email us and we will add your questions if necessary!