3D Printer - what is it, why is it needed

A 3D Printer is a microcomputer-controlled mechanical device capable of producing 3D parts. An ordinary printer transfers images exactly, and a XNUMXD printer is capable of creating three-dimensional models using a similar technology.

 

What are 3D printers

 

The devices available on the market are usually divided into 2 basic categories - entry and professional level. The difference is in the accuracy of manufacturing a volumetric model. Entry-level equipment is often called nursery. It is bought for entertainment. Where a child or an adult simply creates an uncomplicated object (toy) on the computer and reproduces it in real size on the device.

Professional equipment is distinguished by manufacturing accuracy (from millimeters to microns). The more accurately the device "draws", the higher its price. On average, a professional 3D printer costs $ 500 and up. It also takes into account such a factor as the size of the resulting object. It's one thing to create an oversized piece, and another thing to print a complex dimensional structure or decor item.

 

Among themselves, all devices differ in functionality and ease of use. There are systems that work with external and embedded software. 3D printers are of open and closed type. They can work with one type of polymer or with different ones. Etc.

 

What is a 3D printer for?

 

Definitely, this is not a toy for children, but a full-fledged business equipment. And there are a great many areas of use for the device:

 

• Production. Many companies, striving to rid themselves of dependence on the supply of spare parts, come to the idea of ​​creating parts on their own. It is beneficial both in terms of financial and time costs. Industrial enterprises for the manufacture of furniture, equipment, vehicles, electronics fall into this category.
• Construction. In particular, the design of the premises and finishing works. By making components on their own, builders do not adapt to the goods on the market. Accurate miscalculation, production of models, and then of parts, helps to quickly create a structure of any complexity without the involvement of intermediaries.
• Medicine. Dentures are created with high precision, and their price for the buyer is several times less than similar solutions from professional dental clinics. By the way, all educational institutions purchase 3D printers for these purposes and demonstrate to students the structure of living organisms in real size.
• Service companies. It was this direction that was the first to react to the appearance of 3D printers on the market. When repairing equipment, machine tools, machinery, electronics, tools, it is easier to create a part by yourself than to fulfill an order from a manufacturer and wait months for the delivery of spare parts.

 

Ordinary users who are fond of radio-controlled models of cars, boats, quadrocopters resort to buying 3D printers. Hunters, fishermen, people who are fond of modeling ships, planes, helicopters.

 

What to look for when buying a 3D printer

 

All devices differ in functionality, control method and consumables used. Therefore, all factors must be taken into account:

 

• Functionality. There are models that can make microscopic parts and large objects. And it is better to buy a 3D printer that can work in any mode. Accordingly, with different settings for accuracy. Plus, we must not forget about the details themselves - the opening, with a cavity, with notches, and so on.
• Controllability. The best solution is when the 3D printer understands many file formats from different 3D modeling programs. Almost all devices with a price tag of more than $ 500 are endowed with these in-demand features. But here one more factor is still important - the autonomy of work. When the device has its own memory, into which the model is uploaded, and then, in a few hours, it is reproduced independently of a laptop or PC. It's a good idea to have an LCD screen on which you can see the manufacturing process of the object in real time.
• Expendable materials. PVA, PLA, ABS, nylon, polystyrene - ideal when the 3D printer supports all kinds of polymers. But the price of such devices will be appropriate. Therefore, it is better to select it as needed. Materials such as ABS and nylon have proven their worth. They make strong and durable structures. You can train on PLA - it has a low price and is suitable for training.

 

In general, a 3D printer is such a gadget that you need to touch with your own hands. To understand how he works and what he is capable of. If you have not had any experience with this technique before, do not rush to throw money away - start with semi-professional solutions. The LONGER LK5 PRO FDM 3D Printer has proven itself well in the market. It has a low cost and is easy to learn to model with. You can study the characteristics, see the possibilities or buy a 3D printer using the banner below.