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Intro to 3D Printing

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Let’s Learn 3D Printing!

  • Overview of the 3D Printing Technology
  • Empower you to explore and answer your own questions.

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What is 3D Printing?

A digital model is transformed into a physical object, by laying down thin layers of material.

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How does a 3D Printer Work?

Digital Blueprint

Sliced into Layers

Sent to the Printer

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Brief History

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  • Invented in 1983
  • FDM Patent expired in 2009
  • $200,000 3D Printers became $2000
  • number doubles every year

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Why 3D Print?

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Various Materials and Technologies

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Complex Shapes

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Customization

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Single Tool Low Cost

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Rapid Prototyping

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Why Not 3D Print?

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Limited Material Choice

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  • 50 Shades of PLASTIC
    • PLA
    • ABS
    • PETG

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Can Be Unreliable

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Low Precision and Strength

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Who Uses 3D Printers?

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Aerospace

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Medical

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Designers & Entrepreneurs

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Artists

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Students

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Getting 3D Models

Create Your Own

  • 3DSlash
  • TinkerCAD
  • Fusion 360
  • Inventor
  • 3DS Max
  • Blender
  • Maya
  • Onshape

Find Design Online

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Slicing Into Layers

Cura

Simplify3D

Slic3r

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Printing

Printability

  • Check Minimum Wall Thickness with 3D Hubs - at least 2mm

Size Limitations

  • Size of print is limited by size of 3D Printer
  • Scale down
  • Divide into multiple parts