How does 3D printing work?

Three-dimensional printing (also known as 3D printing) is an additive manufacturing process that is widely used across a diverse range of sectors to create a vast range of physical objects, from a digital design.

If you have ever wondered how 3D printing works, you’ve certainly landed in the right place. Here is our guide to everything you need to know.

How does a 3D printer work?

All 3D printing processes start with a CAD model that is sent to specialist software to prepare the design. Once the design has been prepared, the 3D printer will then turn the whole object into thousands of tiny layers, which are merged together, from the bottom-up, one layer at a time. These layers then stick together to create a solid object.

Types of 3D printing

3D printing encompasses several different manufacturing technologies and printers that have been expertly developed to build objects, layer by layer. As a result, there is a range of different types of 3D printers, all of which come complete with their own unique functions and properties.

Here are just some of the 3D printers that are widely used across the industry:

• Stereolithography
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering
• Electron Beam Melting
• Selective Laser Sintering
• Fused Deposition Modeling
• Digital Light Process
• Multi Jet Fusion
• PolyJet

The vast majority of these printers have been designed to optimise creativity, performance, and efficiency. And remember, the type of 3D printer that is right for you will depend on your needs, so it is always worth seeking professional advice if you’re unsure which printer is suitable for you.

For more information, check out what else you can do with a 3D printer.

3D Printing Materials

In the world of 3D printing, plastics are the predominant material. However, there are other 3D printing materials too, including filament, granule, resin, and powder forms.

3D Printing Pens

If you’re looking for an alternative to 3D printers, 3D printing pens are also a great option. Designed to draw physical objects in thin air, they are incredibly compact and versatile.

Advantages of 3D Printing

3D printing offers a whole host of benefits, including:

• Flexible design
• On demand printing
• Rapid prototyping
• Compact and strong
• Allows for the design and print of more complex designs compared to other traditional manufacturing processes
• Fast design
• Super speedy production
• Minimise waste
• Cost effective
• Easy to get to grips with

Why choose Perfect Colours?

Here at Perfect Colours, we have a range of 3D printers that will ensure you receive high quality printing no matter what 3D printing material you use. If you would like to find out more about our 3D printers, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Our team is always on hand to answer any of your questions.