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Technology Behind the 3D Printer

3D printing or Additive manufacturing is the process of creating the solid object from the digital model. It is very similar to inkjet printer that people usually uses in offices and homes. But, instead of cartridges full of ink, this desktop 3D printers use special plastic threads called ABS filament, in different colors.
How it works:
- First of all, the machine reads the design from an .stl file created by the user and lays down successive layers of liquid, powder, paper or sheet material to build the model from a series of cross sections. The machine uses high heat to melt ABS filaments and then, creates the desired three-dimensional object drop by drop and layer by layer. This process of building up objects by aggregating drops of molten material is called 3D printing. Industrial machines use metals and polymer with which one can 'print' many more items like door handles, guitar, bicycle, motor parts, furniture etc. Printer resolution describes layer thickness and X-Y resolution in dpi (dots per inch),or micrometres.

How to use 3D printer:
- Using a 3D printer is very similar to using a conventional computer printers. It should be connected to your computer or you can connect memory car/USB pen drive with drawing file in it. It also works with command 'print' which you usually gives in inkjet printers. But, the creation of model takes days to get printed and complex designs and shapes can take weeks. But, everything will happen automatically, you no need to disrupt any process.
How to get 3D printer for yourself:
- If you want 3D printer for home or office, you could consider the Makerbot (www.makerbot.com) or do-it-yourself printer from the RepRap Wiki (www.reprap.org). You might be able to get it from shop right now, but you will be able to do so after one year. However, DIY kit starts at around $1500 + duties and shipping and ready printers starts at $2000 + duties and shipping. Now, you will be required ABS filament which costs $45.5 per kg on Amazon and Ebay store with colors such as red, blue, green and yellow. Whereas, Industrial 3D printer costs around $15,000 + duties and shipping.
How to create 3D model for 3D printer:
- If you are going to print out small objects, there are enough 3D model available on Internet to download at free of cost. So, just download the one you love and give the command to create a 3D object.
But, if you want to design your own stuff, you can download free modelling software such as AutoCAD 123D from www.123dapp.com The software is fairly easy to use and one can easily generate the 3D model by drawing it, add features whatever you want and then, give the print command.
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