The principle of 3d printing technology is that different "printing materials" such as metal, ceramics, plastics and sand are real raw materials. After the printer is connected to the computer, the "printed materials" can be superimposed layer by layer through computer control, and finally the blueprint on the computer becomes a physical object.

Generally speaking, a 3D printer is a device that can "print" real 3D objects, such as robots, toy cars, various models and even food. The reason why it is popularly called "printer" refers to the technical principle of ordinary printers, because the process of layered processing is very similar to inkjet printing. This printing technology is called 3D stereoscopic printing technology.

There are many different technologies for 3D printing. The difference between them is that components are created in different layers in the form of usable materials. Commonly used materials for 3D printing include nylon glass fiber, durable nylon material, gypsum material, aluminum material, titanium alloy, stainless steel, silver plating, gold plating, rubber material, etc.

Extended data

By reading the cross-section information in the document, the printer prints these cross-sections layer by layer with liquid, powder or sheet material, and then bonds the cross-sections of each layer together in various ways to form an entity. The characteristic of this technology is that almost any shape can be made.

The resolution of the thickness (i.e. Z direction) and plane direction (i.e. X-Y direction) of the cross section printed by the printer is calculated in dpi (pixels/inch) or microns. The general thickness is 100 micron, that is, 0.1mm. Some printers, such as ObjetConnex series, are three-dimensional. The ProJet series of Systems can print thin layers of 16 micron.

The plane direction can print a resolution similar to that of a laser printer. The diameter of printing "ink drops" is usually 50 to 100 micron.

Depending on the size and complexity of the model, it usually takes several hours to several days to make a model by traditional methods. The technology of 3D printing can shorten the time to several hours, which of course depends on the performance of the printer and the size and complexity of the model.

Traditional manufacturing technologies such as injection molding can produce a large number of polymer products at a lower cost, while three-dimensional printing technology can produce a relatively small number of products in a faster, more flexible and lower cost way. A desktop-sized three-dimensional printer can meet the needs of designers or concept development teams to make models.

Baidu encyclopedia -3D printing