In the past, prototypes were carved out of wood, or pieces of cardboard or plastic were glued together. It took a long time to do this and the cost was very high. Not to mention after the modifications, they were difficult and it took days to make them. With the arrival of the 3d printers, the work was becoming easier.
El rapid prototyping (RP) It is what has made it possible for prototypes and models to be automated and done in just hours and not weeks as was the case before. These printers make prototypes quickly, because they are sophisticated machines, whose function is very similar to traditional printers.
What are 3d printers
They are machines that print a design from the one created on a computer, usually has volume, that is, width, length and height (3d). This 3d design goes from being on the computer (where it was previously created) to a physical (real) design.
An example of the above is when a simple coffee cup is designed using a CAD program, which can be printed in reality with a 3d printer, thus obtaining a real object, which would be the cup itself.
It not only prints simple objects, but also more complex ones, such as airplane parts or human organs from human cells. When speaking of a printer, it refers to a machine that is connected to a PC, and is capable of producing what is stored on that PC, such as documents, graphics, images, and text.
It is the way to transfer what is digital to physical, although the 3d printer goes further, because it prints and creates complete objects. These printers are a true technological revolution.
What are 3d printers used for?
Next, we will tell you the practical uses that are given to these 3d printing machines.
limb prostheses
Perhaps it is one of the most innovative uses in terms of 3d printing and it comes from medicine. Most parts of the human body can be created in 3d, with certain requirements and dimensions. This generates a great impact on technology and medicine, because now lives can be improved with them.
3d mockup printing
The architecture area is also favored with the printing of 3d models, giving a real and sophisticated style of how the project will be built in reality. With these models you save time and you can see even the smallest detail, something that is not possible with a traditional model.
Mechanical parts
Regarding the design of industrial engineering, with these 3d printing machines build mechanical parts, reducing labor time and, if there are more pieces, money is saved.
jewelry design
The big jewelery manufacturers create prototypes of their jewelry in 3d printing. It is very practical to use and no matter how complicated jewelry work is, it could be completed in a single day using this type of printer.
clothing creation
This practice is just taking its first steps, although in the world of entertainment they are already doing it. Can you imagine having a 3d printed jacket? It would be sensational!
firearms design
In the United States, this type of printing is used for the manufacture of weapons. The idea is not to encourage you to create weapons illegally using them, be careful! but you know that it is possible to create even this type of objects.
How 3d printers work
These machines create an object in 3 dimensions and they do it through successive layers until they complete them and achieve the desired object. We could say that the steps to follow are these:
- It all starts with a 3d design using a CAD program on the computer.
- The printer's program then divides the design into two-dimensional layers that are transformed into machine code for it to carry out.
- From this moment on, the function of the printer will depend on the type of work that it has to do. For example, the operation of an FDM printer is different from what SLS industrial machines do, despite the fact that both are 3d printers.
- The 3d parts that come out of the machine are not always ready to be used, sometimes some time is needed to refine their finishes.
How much do 3d printers cost?
The cheapest price for a FDM printer It can be around 200 euros and the best around 400 euros, but there are models that are around 2000 to 3000 euros. While the cheapest price for a SLA is 250 euros and the best quality can cost between 4.000 to 7.000 euros.
Best 3d printer models
Some of the printers that you will find in the market are the following.
Longer LK4X
It has a 16-point leveling system, precise distance between the nozzle and the platform. Use a direct extruder for better filament control, generating less motor power. The Longer LX4X It features a 32-bit motherboard equipped with 4 ultra-iron drivers.
ELEGO Mars 4
It has a 9.1-inch LCD screen and a 5760 x 3600-inch resolution, the glass is tempered and has a hardness of 9H. Its refractory light source is COB+ for a more precise beam. The ELEGO Mars 4 printer It features a large build volume 7.71 x 4.81 x 5.9 inches, which is a large space for building. It also has faster air circulation and higher heat dissipation efficiency.
Comgrow Creality Ender 3
This printer has the ability to resume printing even after a power failure, which is a great advantage, especially for businesses. It comes with some assembled parts, so you will only need about 2 hours to put it together. The extruder is improved, so there is less risk of connecting and bad extraction. It moves without noise, thanks to the fact that it has a V groove with POM wheels.
La Comgrow Creality Ender 3 It has a reliable power source, and it takes 5 minutes to reach 230º F.
There are other models, like the HP Smart Tank 5105 We already talked about it in another post and that is that the options multiply as time goes by.
Now you know everything about 3d printers. Do you really want to have one?