A 3D printer is a device that reproduces a virtual three-dimensional model in the real world, using additive manufacturing, one of the most widely used printing techniques. The additive manufacturing process consists of depositing several layers of molten material one on top of the other: the material solidifies to reproduce the various layers of the model. Thanks to new discoveries and innovations that technology brings to this sector, today there are numerous materials usable in 3D printing, available in different forms (powder, filaments, pallets, granules, resins, etc.) and which vary according to their intended use.

Origins of 3D Printing

3D printing is one of the technologies that most represents technological progress in the last millennium, as it has been used for a long time. The first steps were taken only in the 1980s.
One of the pioneers of the technology was Chuck Hull, who first had the idea of overlapping very thin layers of laminate, working them with the help of ultraviolet rays, to obtain a finished object. This technique was the starting point for what would later become 3D printing. Since then, the technology has undergone significant developments, now finding application in a wide variety of areas.
 

Components of a 3D Printer

A 3D printer is a device that uses additive manufacturing technology to create three-dimensional objects from a digital model. The main components of a 3D printer are as follows.

• Extruder: This is the heart of the 3D printer. It deals with the three fundamental phases: the passage of the polymers from the tank to the heating phase; the melting of the filaments; and finally, the exit of the filaments from the nozzle to manufacture the object.
• Print bed: This is the surface on which the object is printed. It is usually a heated work surface that allows printing on materials such as ABS and PLA. Essential for all hydrocarbon-based filaments, it is generally recommended to heat it up to 110°C.
• Frame: This is the backbone of the printer;
• Electronics: This is the brain of the printer, controlling the movement of the print head and build platform, as well as regulating the temperature of the build platform and print head.
• Motion axes: These are used to control the position of the print head and print bed while printing the object.
• Motor: The motors are responsible for the movement of the print head and print bed. Most 3D printers use stepper motors, which allow for precise control of movement.
• Display: Almost all 3D printers include a display that allows you to view print status, print settings, and other information.

How a 3D Printer Works

A 3D printer uses three axes of motion to control the position of the print head and the build platform as the object prints. These three axes are called the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis controls the horizontal movement of the print head, generally from left to right; the Y-axis controls the horizontal movement of the print head from front to back; and the Z-axis controls the vertical movement of the print head, up and down relative to the build plate.

Precise control of the axes of motion is essential. Precision is essential for achieving accurate, high-quality 3D printing. Most 3D printers use stepper motors to control the movement of the axes, while limit switches are often used to determine the start and end positions of each axis.

Before starting a 3D print, however, it is necessary to create the object to be printed and perform some preparatory operations. The entire printing process is summarized in the following steps.

1. Creating the digital model: The 3D printing process begins with the creation of a three-dimensional digital model using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software or other 3D modeling software.

2. Preparing the model for printing: Once the digital model is created, it is exported in a format the 3D printer can understand. At this stage, some adjustments can be made to the model to ensure it is suitable for 3D printing.

3. Loading the filament:The print filament is loaded into the 3D printer's print head.

4. Print platform calibration: The print platform is calibrated to ensure it is correctly positioned relative to the print head.

5. Print start: Once the print platform has been calibrated and the print filament has been loaded, printing begins. The print head moves along the X, Y, and Z axes, depositing the print filament onto the print platform in thin layers that build up to form the three-dimensional object.

6. Cooling and finishing: Once printing is complete, the object is cooled and then removed from the print platform. At this point, it can be finished. The object can be finished, such as removing any print media or polishing the object.