甘比写作-3d打印-vivi

3D printer, another human’s creative invention in 20th century, has made objects be automatically repeated within hours or days possible. Now let’s come to see how this magical machine works for us.

Before we get to the printer, firstly, we need to build a 3D digital model of the object using CAD(computer-aided design) on computer and then “cut” the model into lots of 2D cross-sectional layers. After that, based on these sectional drawing data, the 3D printer can begin its work.

Its basic principle overlaps 2D printing as printing 2D cross-sectional layers is also necessarily involved in 3D printing process. But rather than using ink as raw material, 3D printing entails molten material, typically, a kind of thermoplastics ABS or solid powder, which hardens and sets reasonably quickly. Here we set ABS plastic 3D printing as an example. When printing, ABS plastic, looking like whiteish-yellow glue in its raw form, is extruded through a tiny nozzle and melted at print head. According to the 3D model drawing made before, with each cross-sectional layer drawing on computer, the print head prints one layer at a time; meanwhile, the plastic is steadily melting and depositing, and then these deposit layers will be fused together with adhesive or ultraviolet light, from the bottom up, until a 3D model is formed.

Not all ABS plastics are in the form of filament, some types of printer with small pellet; Plastic or powder are also not necessarily used since chocolate can be melted and turn solid as well when you cool them down.