3D Printing the future: 3D Printing Technology, Process explained in 6 steps and what can be made

Most of them think that 3D printing is to print photos or print newspapers. But it is not so, it’s three dimensional part been made on a 3D Printer. The difference between conventional machining and 3D printing is that in conventional machining we remove material and make a part, whereas in 3D printing it's an additive process thereby layer by layer material is deposited and parts are made. Following are the few Parts made by 3D Printing.

To know more about 3D Printing Technology, its Process, and what can be made please read my blog till the end.

I myself Ravindra Gavde, NextGen 3D Guide, founder of the Facebook group "Mission 3D for Generation Next" and my mission in the coming 3 years is to prepare career-seeking 10000 students for future opportunities in 3D Printing.

Let us understand the 3D Printing process in 6 steps.

Step No. 1 - CAD Model

First to make a part 3D Model is to be made with all actual dimensions. This 3D CAD Model can be done by 3 types of most commonly used software. The first is Google Sketchup, the second one is Autodesk Fusion 360 and the third one is Solidworks. Out of this Google Sketchup is a free software available on the net. In this software, you can see how the part will look actually. If you want you can change any dimension or shape at this stage.

Step No. 2 - STL FILE (STEREOLITHOGRAPHY - STANDARD TRIANGLE LANGUAGE)

After 3D CAD Model is made, STL File has to be extracted from this and saved. In this file, only part shape is considered and not it's colour nor its texture. This file is automatically created on the Software used during CAD modeling. This STL file is send to Slicing Software.

Step No. 3 - Slicing Software

Then STL file is processed in the Slicing software where CAD Model is sliced into layer after layer. This is done because the 3D Printing will be making the part layer by layer. To have an idea it is shown in the above images of CAD Model and Slicing the Model. The most commonly used Slicing Softwares are Makerware, CURA, and Simplify 3D. Out of this CURA is free software available on the net.

Step No. 4 - Layer Slices and Tool Path

In Slicing software, it is decided how much thickness of the material is to be deposited in each layer, how much temperature of wire filament should be kept depending upon the filament used, and the rate of depositing the material is decided. Also, it is defined how the part orientation should be as it should not be overhanging while the material is deposited. Necessary supports are decided at this stage. These supports are removed after the part is made completely on a 3D printer. All this is in G-Code and this G-Code file is sent to the printer to print the part.

Step No. 5 - 3D Printer

Finally, this G-Code file is copied on a Pendrive and connected to the printer. The most popular 3D Printers are Ultimaker and Makerbot. Here the colour of the wire is attached to the printer and the printer is started and the part is generated layer by layer. These layers get attached to each other and dry immediately because of their properties. In this process after each layer, the table moves down and layer after layers are deposited. Finally, the part is made.

Step No. 6 - 3D Part

After the part is made on a 3D printer it has to be finished manually by removing supports if given. Also, polish paper is applied wherever necessary. Modern 3D printers almost print finished parts and not much finishing is needed.

After getting to know how 3D printed parts are made in 6 steps, let us now watch a video of how a 3D printer makes an Eiffle tower.

If you like this blog, please comment below. Also if you are from 8th Standard to Graduation or a Parents of those kids join Facebook Group Mission 3D for Generation Next to know more about 3D Printing Technology and the latest updates.