3D printing technologies and the RepRap project

Why 3D printing?

Cheap and fast prototyping (in the matter of hours)
Easy transformation from graphical designs to physical shapes
When we are not good enough to sculpture it
We don’t need/want mass production
Fun 8-)

Basic principle

How it all works?

All 3D printing technologies share the same principle: putting layers on top of each other - it’s called additive production. It this an opposite of machining. Instead of cutting the object out, you add it up.

3D model is “sliced” into small layers, that are being put on the top of each other. You can imagine it as if you want to create a 3D shape out of paper sheets. You cut the layers of the shape form the paper sheets and than glue them together.

Stereolithography

A method of creating an object from liquid polymer, that is solidified by waves with different amplitude. Video

Selective Laser Sintering

A technology based on layering particles and sintering the parts that are supposed to be in the model. Sintering is mostly achieved by laser, eventually by liquid polymer and UV light. SLS, DMLS

PolyJet

Similar to 2D ink printers, polymer is sprayed by little jets. Finally, the layer is solidified by an UV ray. Video

FFF/FDM/Thermoplastic extrusion

FFF (fused filament fabrication) or FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) a technology based on a principle working like a glue gun. Plastic is pushed to a nozzle, where it is heated, melted and finally deposited on the previous layer or base. Video