FAQ

3D printing is a process in which material is joined or solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional object, with material being added together (such as liquid molecules or powder grains being fused together), typically layer by layer. It’s also known as additive manufacturing, it can create a wide range of objects, including mechanical parts, jewelry, and architectural models.

There are several different types of 3D printing technology, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most commonly used types include:

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) – This is the most common type of consumer 3D printing. It involves heating a filament of plastic or other material and extruding it through a nozzle to create the desired shape.
• Stereolithography (SLA) – This type of 3D printing uses a laser to solidify a liquid resin, creating a 3D object one layer at a time.
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) – This type of 3D printing uses a laser to fuse together small particles of plastic, metal, or ceramic powder to create a 3D object.
• PolyJet – This type of 3D printing works by jetting tiny droplets of material, which instantly cure under UV light, building parts layer by layer.
• Metal 3D printing – This type of 3D printing uses metal powder or wire as the raw material, and uses techniques such as binder jetting, direct energy deposition, or powder bed fusion to create a 3D object.
• Bioprinting – This type of 3D printing uses living cells as the raw material to create living tissue, such as skin, blood vessels, and even whole organs.
  These are just a few examples of the many types of 3D printing technology that are currently in use. Each type has its own unique set of capabilities and limitations, so the choice of which one to use will depend on the specific application and desired outcome

There are many different types of materials that can be used in 3D printing, including:
Plastics: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), Nylon, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Metals: Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze
Ceramics: Porcelain, Alumina
Resins: Epoxy resins, Polyurethane (PU) resins, Acrylic resins
Composites: Carbon fiber reinforced plastics, glass fiber reinforced plastics
Bioprinting: Hydrogels, Collagen, Alginate, Gelatin
Food: Chocolate, Cheese, Dough
Others: Wood, Sandstone, Wax.
The choice of material will depend on the specific application and desired properties of the finished product. For example, if the object needs to be strong and durable, a metal or carbon fiber composite might be the best choice.
If the object needs to be flexible, a thermoplastic polymer like TPU might be more suitable.
It’s worth noting that not all 3D printers can use all types of materials, so it’s important to check the compatibility of the printer with the material before starting a print job.

Filament is a type of material that is used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) type of 3D printing, which is the most common type of consumer 3D printing. Some of the most commonly used filaments include:

• PLA (Polylactic Acid) – This is a biodegradable, plant-based plastic that is commonly used in consumer and educational 3D printing. It is easy to print with and produces low emissions, making it a popular choice for indoor use. It’s great for creating prototypes and models, as well as decorative items.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – This is a strong, durable plastic that is often used to create functional parts and objects. It is used in automotive, electronic and other industrial application.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) – This is a strong, flexible, and impact-resistant plastic that is commonly used to create parts that need to be durable and have a high resistance to heat and chemicals.
• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) – This is a flexible and durable plastic that is often used to create parts that need to be flexible and have a high resistance to wear and tear.
• Nylon – This is a strong and durable plastic that is often used to create parts that need to be strong and have a high resistance to wear and tear.
• Metal Filament – CopperFill, BronzeFill, SteelFill, etc. These filaments can be used to create metal objects, with the metallic particles in the filament giving the final product a metallic look and feel.
• Wood Filament – WoodFill, CorkFill, etc. These filaments can be used to create objects with a wood-like appearance, with the wood particles in the filament giving the final product a wood-like look and feel.
• Carbon Fiber Filament – This filament can be used to create objects that are lightweight and strong, with the carbon fiber particles in the filament giving the final product a carbon fiber look and feel.

These are just a few examples of the many types of filaments that are available for use in FDM 3D printing. Each filament has its own set of properties and characteristics, so the choice of which one to use will depend on the specific application and desired outcome.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) are all types of 3D printing technology, but they work in different ways and have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

FDM – FDM is the most common type of consumer 3D printing. It works by heating a filament of plastic or other material and extruding it through a nozzle to create the desired shape, layer by layer. FDM is relatively inexpensive and easy to use, and it can print with a wide variety of materials such as ABS and PLA. The resolution and surface finish of the printed parts is not very high but it’s suitable for prototyping and creating functional parts.
SLA – SLA uses a laser to solidify a liquid resin, creating a 3D object one layer at a time. SLA is capable of producing highly detailed and accurate parts, with a high resolution and smooth surface finish. It can also print with a wide variety of materials such as resin, but it’s more expensive than FDM and not suitable for creating large parts.
SLS – SLS uses a laser to fuse together small particles of plastic, metal, or ceramic powder to create a 3D object. SLS is great for creating strong and durable parts with complex geometries, with high resolution and surface finish. SLS is also capable of printing with a wide variety of materials such as nylon and metal, but it’s also more expensive than FDM and not suitable for creating large parts.

In summary, FDM is great for creating functional parts and prototypes, SLA is great for creating highly detailed parts, and SLS is great for creating strong and durable parts with complex geometries. The choice of which technology to use will depend on the specific application and desired outcome

Stereolithography (SLA) and LCD 3D printing are both types of 3D printing technology that use a liquid resin as the raw material. The resin is solidified by a UV light source, typically a laser in SLA and a digital light projector (DLP) in LCD 3D printing. Some of the most commonly used resins include:

• Standard Resin – This is the most common type of resin used in SLA and LCD 3D printing. It is a photopolymer resin that is clear, low viscosity and easy to work with. It is suitable for creating prototypes and models with a high resolution and smooth surface finish.
• Flexible Resin – This is a type of resin that is flexible and can be used to create parts that need to be flexible and have a high resistance to wear and tear.
• Tough Resin – This is a type of resin that is strong and durable, and can be used to create parts that need to be strong and have a high resistance to wear and tear.
• High Temperature Resin – This is a type of resin that can withstand high temperatures and can be used to create parts that will be exposed to high temperatures.
• Castable Resin – This is a type of resin that can be used to create parts that will be casted in metal, it allows to make a negative mold of the part which can be later filled with the desired metal.
• Transparent Resin – This is a type of resin that is transparent, it can be used to create parts that need to be transparent.
• Color Resin – This is a type of resin that comes in different colors, it can be used to create parts that need to be in different colors.
• High Detail Resin – This is a type of resin that is specifically formulated to produce highly detailed parts with a high resolution and smooth surface finish.

These are just a few examples of the many types of resins that are available for use in SLA and LCD 3D printing. The choice of resin will depend on the specific application and desired outcome. It’s worth noting that not all SLA and LCD 3D printers are compatible with all types of resins, so it’s important to check the compatibility of the printer with the resin before starting a print job.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a popular type of 3D printing technology, and there are several different types of FDM machines available on the market. Some of the most commonly used types include:

• Desktop FDM 3D Printer – This is the most common type of FDM 3D printer, it’s compact and affordable, making it a popular choice for home use, hobbyists, and small businesses. They are typically limited in terms of build volume and resolution but suitable for small to medium-sized objects.
• Industrial FDM 3D Printer – This type of FDM 3D printer is designed for high-volume, industrial-scale production. They are typically larger, more expensive, and have a larger build volume than desktop FDM 3D printers. They are also able to print with a wide range of materials and with high precision and speed.
• Cartesian FDM 3D Printer – This type of FDM 3D printer uses a Cartesian coordinate system, which means that the print head moves in a linear X, Y, and Z motion to create the object. This type of printer is easy to use and has a high degree of accuracy.
• Delta FDM 3D Printer – This type of FDM 3D printer uses a Delta robot mechanism, which means that the print head moves in a circular motion to create the object. This type of printer is generally faster than Cartesian printers and has a higher degree of accuracy.
• Dual extruder FDM 3D Printer – This type of FDM 3D printer has two extruders, which allows for the printing of multi-material objects. It also allows for the printing of supports with a dissolvable filament and creating overhang structures.
• Portable FDM 3D Printer – This type of FDM 3D printer is designed to be portable and easy to move around. They are typically smaller and more lightweight than other types of FDM 3D printers, and they can be powered by battery or a small generator.
  These are just a few examples of the many types of FDM machines that are available on the market, each with their own set of features and capabilities. The choice of which one to use will depend on the specific application and desired outcome.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a popular type of 3D printing technology, but like any other machine, it can have some common issues. Here are a few common issues and solutions for FDM machines:

• Clogged Nozzle – The nozzle can become clogged with debris or filament, which can prevent the filament from flowing properly. To fix this issue, you can try to clean the nozzle with a small wire or by heating it up and manually pushing the filament through.
• Warping – Warping occurs when the edges of the print bed lift up during printing, causing the print to become distorted. To fix this issue, you can try to increase the bed temperature, use a bed adhesive, or use a thicker layer height.
• Stringing – Stringing occurs when small strings of plastic are left between different parts of the print. This can happen due to an incorrect retraction setting. To fix this issue, you can try to increase the retraction distance or decrease the retraction speed.
• Layer shifting – Layer shifting occurs when the print bed moves during printing, causing the layers to shift out of place. This can happen due to a loose belt or a malfunctioning stepper motor. To fix this issue, you can try to tighten the belts or replace the stepper motor.
• Bed leveling – Bed leveling is important for a successful print, if the bed is not leveled it can cause the first layer of the print not to stick to the bed or cause the print to be distorted. To fix this issue, you can try to level the bed by adjusting the height of the bed and ensuring that it is parallel to the print head.
• Overheating – Overheating can cause the filament to soften and can cause the print to fail. To fix this issue, you can try to reduce the printing temperature or increase the cooling of the print.

These are just a few common issues and solutions for FDM machines, it’s worth noting that not all issues have a clear-cut solution and it might require some experimentation. Sometimes it’s also necessary to refer to the manufacturer’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s technical support for assistance.

Post-processing in 3D printing refers to any additional steps that are taken after the 3D printing process is completed. These steps are typically used to improve the overall quality and appearance of the printed object, and can include things such as:

• Sanding and polishing – This process is used to smooth out the surface of the printed object and remove any visible layer lines. It can also be used to improve the overall finish of the object.
• Painting and dying – This process is used to give the printed object a desired color or finish. It can also be used to create a more realistic look for the object.
• Support removal – This process is used to remove any support structures that were used during the printing process. These support structures are typically made of a different material than the object itself and can be removed by cutting, breaking or dissolving them.
• Drilling and tapping – This process is used to add threads or holes to the object after it has been printed. This allows the object to be assembled or connected to other parts.
• Heat treatment – This process is used to improve the strength, durability, or other properties of the printed object. It can also be used to remove any residual stresses in the object.
• Vapor smoothing – This process is used to smooth the surface of an object by exposing it to a vapor of a chemical such as acetone, which causes the surface to soften and smooth out.
• UV curing – This process is used to improve the surface finish and hardness of the printed object by exposing it to UV light.

The choice of which post-processing steps to take will depend on the specific application and desired outcome. It’s worth noting that not all post-processing steps are suitable for all types of materials and objects, so it’s important to research the best post-processing methods for your specific project.

3D printing technology is constantly evolving and improving, and it is expected to have a significant impact on various industries in the future. Some of the potential future applications of 3D printing include:

• Medical – 3D printing is already being used to create prosthetic limbs, implants, and surgical tools, and it is expected to play an even bigger role in the medical field in the future. Bioprinting, a subtype of 3D printing, is also being researched to create living tissue, such as skin, blood vessels, and even whole organs.
• Manufacturing – 3D printing is expected to revolutionize the way products are manufactured, by allowing for faster and more efficient production of complex objects with less waste. This could lead to more localized and on-demand manufacturing, which could reduce costs and lead to more sustainable production.
• Construction – 3D printing is already being used to create architectural models, and it is expected to play a bigger role in the construction industry in the future. 3D printing could be used to create large-scale structures such as houses, buildings, and bridges, with the ability to print on-site, which could make construction faster, more efficient, and more sustainable.
• Aerospace – 3D printing is already being used to create parts for aircraft and spacecraft, and it is expected to play a bigger role in the aerospace industry in the future. 3D printing could be used to create complex parts that are lightweight and strong, which could lead to more efficient and sustainable flight.
• Automotive – 3D printing is already being used to create parts for cars, and it is expected to play a bigger role in the automotive industry in the future. 3D printing could be used to create complex parts that are lightweight and strong, which could lead to more efficient and sustainable vehicles.
• Consumer products – 3D printing is expected to become more accessible to consumers in the future, allowing them for home use products like desk organizers and flower vase custom lighting ect.