3D printing, or or additive manufacturing is the action or process of making three dimensional physical objects from a digital model. A genre of Digital Fabrication. Typically laying down many thin layers of a material in succession with a lower cost FDM printer. Digital models can be created with a verity of software running on Apple, Linux, Windows or cloud based systems. The model geometry is exported as a volumetric file type such as a STL file. The 3D model data file then must be "sliced" into each layer that will be printed. Each layer holds the cartesian motion data for a specific 3D printer. Most printers are three axis (X, Y, Z) machines. Similar to a CNC Milling machine. A tool path is required for the for each of the layers for the printer to create the shape one layer at a time created with a verity of slicing programs.
We are not a print bureau but rather use this process in product prototyping contracts or larger projects. If you have and STL and you just want it printed there are many online services that will do this for you. If the project entails other services like 3D modeling then please reach out.
3D Printed Spiral Vases
Ultimaker 2
DIY Building a 3D Printer
Original Makerbot Thing-o-Matic
Types pf 3D Printers
- Fused deposition modeling (FDM - Most popular with plastic spool)
- Digital Light Processing(DLP)
- Electronic Beam Melting (EBM)
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Selective laser melting (SLM)
- Stereolithography(SLA)
- Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)