3D printing is a growing technology that has already been used in a variety of industries from healthcare to construction. It involves designing a digital representation of an object, which is sent to a 3D printing machine. The result is a physical object that meets the specifications of the digital representation.
It’s essential to understand the process by which a 3D printer operates. It creates each object by building up layers, which means you have to have an underlying surface for it to build upon. Due to the angle at which the printer builds the object, it’s wise to limit any overhang on the surface material. The bottom layer of the object will have a rougher surface, which can affect the overhang.
Additionally, you will have to be conscious of the limitations of the printer. While you are unlimited in designing the digital representation of the object, there are restrictions to what can be printed. You will run into problems in attempting to print a layer that’s too thin, so try to make sure you have a thickness of at least 0.8 millimeters. This can help you avoid structural issues in printing your object.
When you print an object, the printer doesn’t create the object out of thin air. It uses material, which is superheated and melted, so that it can be scanned with a laser. Once the layer is formed, the printer cools the material until it hardens. Depending on the settings of your printer, and the project you are undertaking, this process can cause the material to warp. This is more common when printing large flat surfaces, though warping can be eliminated with the correct settings. As long as you have good surface adhesion between the print bed and your object, you should be able to print without the material warping.
Finally, the quality of your printer will determine how detailed you can get in designing your object. Each printer has a minimum feature size, and going beyond that capability may compromise the quality of the print job. It’s also wise to consider layer height in choosing the details of your object. These factors can help you create the ideal piece, but they also restrict what you can do with your printer. Additionally, keep in mind that more detailed objects will take longer to print, and will cost more to create.
