Friday, 9 October 2015

Let us review a bit before we move forward.

Steps of 3D Printing are:

  1. Drawing of 3D Model
  2. Orientations
  3. Slicing
  4. Printing
First three steps stays same doesn't matter what kind of machine we are using. The last one will differ from one technology to another.

Today we are looking at the most popular one, most of the machines we find around us are using this method. Most of the hobby type and low budget machines are included. This method is called "Fused Deposition Modeling" (FDM). Some people call it "Fused Filament Fabrication" (FFF).
Long wire looking plastic called Filament commonly 1.75mm diameter is forced in to EXTRUDER where it is heated close to its melting temperature. The molten plastic is then purged through NOZZLE on to the machine table where it solidifies again from air cooling. The table and/or extruder moves around to print the shape as per the information sent by the SLICER software.

The file format all 3D printers accept is STL. Most CAD softwares can save your 3D models as STL files. Some features (overhangs, undercuts) of the design may need support structure to print it properly. Support is mostly calculated by the slicer software automatically. Support structure acts like supports construction-workers are using to support the building structure. Supports are removed when the structure is cured properly.





Please read a scholarly article at the link below If you want to learn more about FDM

Fused deposition modeling of novel scaffold architectures for tissue engineering applications


Refrences:
Image from "indistinguishable from science"
Video from "ZSLICE prototype"
Web "Science Alive"

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