3D modeling is a very popular, developing and multitasking direction in the computer industry today. The creation of virtual models of something has become an integral part of modern production.
Modern technologies do not stand still and new items are invented every day in various fields of science. One such know-how is a 3D printer. The invention of this device makes it possible to create unique 3D models, the use of which is possible in any industry, from construction to medicine.
The history of the 3D printer and what is it?
In fact, industrial 3D printers appeared a long time ago, but their existence was not so advertised for the general population. The first 3D model appeared back in 1985. The printer was slightly functional and printed in black and white. Already in 1988, the production of color models began. At the moment, there are a huge number of models that work on a wide range of materials. Back in 2000, 3D printers could only work with ABC plastic. And today the range of materials has expanded to several hundred materials. These include: acrylic, concrete, hydrogel, paper, gypsum, ice, etc.
Already in 2005, a printer model appeared, which made it possible to create color models. This device could print most of the model's components. In 2014, the first printer with a huge print area appeared. This development allows the creation of models of unlimited size. There has already been an attempt to print a concrete house in its full size.
It took no more than a day to erect such a structure. Already in 2016, the first 3D printed building was presented in Dubai. In February 2017, Russia also unveiled a house printed entirely at the construction site. This year, a six-axis printer was also developed, with which complex elements will be much easier to print without the need for supporting structures. At the moment, the development of printers that can print human organs, prostheses, implants, car bodies and even food are in full swing.
So what is a 3D printer and what functions does it perform?
A 3D printer is a special device for creating three-dimensional models. With this machine, you can create three-dimensional models of various sizes. Due to the output of information in three-dimensional form, all the objects obtained have real physical parameters.
How does a 3D printer work and how are real 3D models created?
If we describe the work of a 3D printer in general terms, there are several main stages of its work:
- Creation of a 3D model in a graphics program. At this stage, the model is created on the computer using special virtual templates.
- Dividing the model into layers.
- The next stage is related to the operation of the printer itself. It forms a mass of a special powder layer by layer, which is used for the further formation of the model. A special chamber is created, which is filled with plastic material.
- After each layer, the material is lubricated with an adhesive layer, which gives the future model strength.
Types of 3D modeling
In this area, modern technologies are developing in several directions:
- stereolithographic technologies, which are abbreviated as STL. A file format widely used for storing three-dimensional models of objects for use in additive technologies.
- thermoplastic application methods - FDM. Modeling of models using material layer-by-layer deposition.
- laser sintering - SLS. Technology (SLS) involves the use of one or more lasers (usually carbon dioxide) to sinter particles of a powdery material to form a three-dimensional physical object.
Today, the method of layer-by-layer deposition is the most popular and widely used in the industry.
The main advantages of this method are:
- use of high quality and inexpensive materials;
- simple operation technique;
- environmental friendliness of the materials used.
Laser stereolithography
This type of 3D modeling is widely used in dental prosthetics. A distinctive feature of this type of printing is the production of high quality objects. Such results are achieved thanks to the use of equipment that works in a dimensional grid, which is calculated in unit microns.
How does such equipment work?
The functional part of such equipment is based on LED ultraviolet projectors. Inside these 3D printers are delicate mirrors that provide precise deflection of the beams. due to this, not sequential, but complete exposure of the contour layers occurs.
Laser sintering
Laser sintering, or SLS technology, is another type of laser modeling. For operation, such devices use low-melting plastic. The basis of the unique development is a powerful laser that traces the contours on a plastic base, fusing the material. The process is repeated until a complete model is obtained. a significant disadvantage of laser sintering is the porosity of the resulting models. however, this does not affect the strength in any way. it is believed that the models obtained by this method are the most durable. An installation for laser sintering has a rather high cost, and the process of forming a model itself takes a long period of time.
What materials are used to create 3D models?
As already mentioned, the main material used in 3D printers is thermoplastic. It comes in two formats: ABS and PLA. In addition, such materials as nylon, polyethylene, polycarbonate and other types of materials that are used in industry have become widespread.
Many 3D printers involve mixing several types of materials, combining their physical and chemical properties.
Installations that use metals for their work are more complex in their structure. The difference in technology comes down to the functions of the print head, which operates on the basis of a computer program. With its help, a bonding adhesive mass is applied to the places where the computer program points. Next, the head applies a thin layer of metal powder to the entire working area. That is, the metal does not melt, as is the case with plastics, but is applied and glued together in layers in the form of tiny particles.
Interesting facts about 3D printers
- 3D printing is used not only in industry, it is widely used in medicine, cooking and even space.
- Every year the price for 3D printers becomes lower and more affordable. Soon, this technology will be available to almost everyone.
- The first 3D model was created in 1984. It was obtained by Chuck Hill as a result of stereolithography.
- Not so long ago, artificial organs were created using a 3D printer. Ear prostheses were the first models.
- In the near future, scientists are going to print the first human model.
- 3D modeling will help reduce production costs, so factory production will soon become unprofitable.
- 3D technologies have been used in cinematography for a very long time to create realistic models.
- Scientists suggest that with the help of 3D modeling it is possible to create robots that will instead of people explore space.
- 3D models of dresses have already been shown to the world. Model Dita Von Teese became the first star to wear a 3D printed dress.
