How does 3D printing work?
3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) is any of various processes of making a three-dimensional object from a 3D model or other electronic data source primarily through additive processes in which successive layers of material are laid down under computer control. A 3D printer is a type of industrial robot.
1
Design
Come up with an idea and start sketching.
2
Draw in 3D
Carefully choose the best design and start drawing it in a CAD software (3D modelling software).
3
Check printability
When the CAD model is finished, check if the design can be printed by making sure the CAD model is solid and scaled right.
4
Choose material
Every printer and material has different design guidelines. You may have to change material or fix your CAD model in order to make your design printable.
7
Ready product
When the printing is finished, the model may need some finishing touches. This could for example be polishing, coating or dyeing.
6
Wait
The printing has started. Printing time depends on the size of the model and what type of material and printer is chosen.
5
Send design to printer
Send, transfer or upload your CAD model to the printer. Remember to export your CAD model to a file the printer can print.