3D printers: Difference between revisions
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==Types of 3D printers== | ==Types of 3D printers== | ||
The printing techniques one is likely to see in personal use are almost all <i>material extrusion</i> (FDM) or <i>vat polymerization</i> (MSLA and DLP). There are numerous other methodologies (see this [https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/ All3DP article]), but these make up the vast majority of printers intended for the home. | The printing techniques one is likely to see in personal use are almost all <i>material extrusion</i> (FDM) or <i>vat polymerization</i> (MSLA and DLP). There are numerous other methodologies (see this [https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/ All3DP article]), but these make up the vast majority of printers intended for the home. Sadly, all known methodologies are cursed. | ||
* Fused Deposition Modeling printers push filament (usually thermoplastic) through a hot nozzle to melt it. It is then extruded, where it cools and solidifies. The nozzle is moved in the xy plane until a layer is completed, at which point it moves up to deposit the next layer. The printing proceeds from the bottom to the top of the model, with the bottom resting on the buildplate (which stays at the same height throughout). <i>"Fused" in the context of 3D printing never means nuclear fusion; the only fusion going on is molten materials solidifying atop cold materials.</i> | * Fused Deposition Modeling printers push filament (usually thermoplastic) through a hot nozzle to melt it. It is then extruded, where it cools and solidifies. The nozzle is moved in the xy plane until a layer is completed, at which point it moves up to deposit the next layer. The printing proceeds from the bottom to the top of the model, with the bottom resting on the buildplate (which stays at the same height throughout). <i>"Fused" in the context of 3D printing never means nuclear fusion; the only fusion going on is molten materials solidifying atop cold materials.</i> | ||
* Masked StereoLithogrAphy (sometimes just SLA) and Digital Light Processing printers shine light into a vat of photoactive resin (a photopolymer), using e.g. a laser or an array of LEDs. The original SLA traced each xy layer using a laser and mirrors. DLP likewise uses mirrors, but they form a mask allowing a plane to be drawn as a single unit. MSLA uses an LCD mask, eliminating the need for a mirror layer (the light is blocked wherever the mask is activated; where it gets through, it solidifies the resin). The light source is underneath the mask, which is underneath the vat. The printing proceeds from the bottom to the top of the model, with the bottom attached to the buildplate. This buildplate rises as printing continues, so the bottom of the model ends up the furthest away from the vat (and thus at the highest point of the print). | * Masked StereoLithogrAphy (sometimes just SLA) and Digital Light Processing printers shine light into a vat of photoactive resin (a photopolymer), using e.g. a laser or an array of LEDs. The original SLA traced each xy layer using a laser and mirrors. DLP likewise uses mirrors, but they form a mask allowing a plane to be drawn as a single unit. MSLA uses an LCD mask, eliminating the need for a mirror layer (the light is blocked wherever the mask is activated; where it gets through, it solidifies the resin). The light source is underneath the mask, which is underneath the vat. The printing proceeds from the bottom to the top of the model, with the bottom attached to the buildplate. This buildplate rises as printing continues, so the bottom of the model ends up the furthest away from the vat (and thus at the highest point of the print). | ||