The popularity of 3D printing is soaring. Just a few years ago, 3D printers cost several thousand pounds and were only useful for industry and trade. Today, in comparison, makers and hobbyists can buy 3D printers for a few hundred pounds. Here, our special feature explains more about the technology and how to get started.
It is not too long ago that the production of a product was only economical if it was manufactured in series. Prior to this, costs were mainly incurred in the production of prototypes, since components and tools were expensive to produce – only to be no longer needed afterwards.
3D printing has transformed this, producing a variety of products easily and cost-effectively. Now this technology is useful in schools and households, after its beginnings in industrial engineering and prototype production.
What is 3D printing and how does it work?
Although the idea of 3D printing still seems fairly new: the technology is mature. In fact, the first patent for 3D printing was registered back in 1984. Today, professional 3D printers are used in many areas. Car manufacturers use them to create individual components for their vehicles, and they are also helping to build the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona. SpaceX, run by Tesla-founder Elon Musk, even produce small rocket engines using a 3D printer.
3D printers for the private sector use the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) method.
In this case, molten plastic is applied layer by layer. Polylactides, referred to as PLA for short, are used for this. These lactic acid-based plastics are biocompatible, so they are therefore not harmful. However, be careful not to swallow them – even though they are not poisonous, PLA plastics are not good for your body. In addition, polylactides are biodegradable (in industrial composting plants, not in nature). They are used industrially because of their safety for the production of straws or teabags. Printers for home use can help with all sorts of projects. They allow hobbyists to produce special components from the screw nut right down to the dowel itself. Creatives can use them to make jewellery, for example, too.
If you lose your battery compartment cover for a remote control, a replacement can be made easily with a 3D printer, or even a collection of chess pieces. Helpful websites, Shapeking and Thingiverse, offer inspiration on 3D printing projects, with ready-to-print files to use at home.
3D printers are also being used more often in schools. Students can create 3D structures to help with mathematics, molecular structures in chemistry, or multi-dimensional models in astrophysics, making them much more intuitive than a two-dimensional image in a textbook. 3D printers are also handy in art lessons, for example, with topics such as architecture, design or sculpture.
More versatile than manual work
A chess piece can, of course, also be made by hand. However, the advantages of a 3D printer are clear, as the sawing and filing of a single figure by hand is far more complex. Sixteen chess pieces are needed for a complete set. Conventionally, this would mean producing sixteen identical figures by hand; with a 3D printer, it is one process that is executed sixteen times. Production in the printing process takes significantly less time and costs less money.
3D printing: what do you need?
To work a 3D printer, besides the device itself, you’ll also need a computer and the printing software.
Depending on the printer and the computer operating system, driver software must also be installed. Set up and connection is simple for most 3D printers; they are usually connected to the computer via USB, and many devices can also be accessed via WLAN.
The printing software itself is also referred to as “slicing” software. It processes the STL files used in 3D printing and cuts the model into wafer-thin disks, which are then layered by the printer one after the other. If necessary, the software adds necessary support elements to the printed object.
Some manufacturers, such as Makerbot, can provide this software directly, or it is available on their homepage free of charge.
Alternatively, you can also use the free Slic3er software for Windows, Mac OS and Linux.
If you want to design your own objects, as well as print finished STL files, you’ll need a CAD program. CAD stands for “Computer-Aided Design” and designs three-dimensional objects using a PC.
CAD programs that support the STL format include FreeCAD for Windows, Mac OS and Ubuntu Linux or the 3D Builder included in Windows 10.
Which 3D printer is right for you?
Different models vary considerably, not only in terms of price but also in how they are used. The size of the printer also approximately determines the maximum size of your printed objects.
The layer thickness during production is important: a printer with a very low layer thickness takes longer to print, but can print particularly high-resolution. Current 3D printer models you will find here.
A good printer for beginners is the Da Vinci Minimaker. The handy device produces objects up to a size of 15cm x 15cm x 15cm.
Despite its low price, its print quality is comparable to other, more expensive printers. Its variable layer thickness is between 0.1mm and 0.4mm, so provides a good compromise between high resolution and printing speed.
The included XYZmaker software for Windows and Mac is easy to understand, which makes the Da Vinci Minimaker particularly suitable for schools.
For larger objects of up to 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm, we’d recommend the Da Vinci 1.0PRO. The device operates in a very compact, closed space, meaning it makes less noise.
The built-in WLAN interface ensures that it can be installed and operated almost anywhere. The XYZware Pro software included allows a variety of settings, which had previously only been seen in 3D printers in professional fields.
Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Ultimaker 2 Go is the ideal 3D printer to take out and about. The layer thickness of only 0.02mm allows high-resolution printing of objects up to a maximum size of 12cm x 12cm x 11.5cm.
Since it does not need a heated bed, the printer is instantly ready for use when travelling, as it is wirelessly connected via WLAN. It comes with its own printing software and can be operated under Windows, Mac OS and Linux.
The Makerbot Replicator + prints larger objects up to 29.5cm x 19.5cm x 16.5cm. The production of items of this size can take a long time, so with this printer progress can be followed from afar thanks to its integrated camera.
Thanks to its WLAN and Ethernet interfaces, it is also suitable for use in a network. The Makerbot Replicator + offers companies a professional 3D printer for the production of even larger components.
Where should I put my 3D printer?
There are several things to consider when choosing a location for your 3D printer. The production of an object can be noisy, and take considerable time. Ultrafine particles are also released during printing.
In the case of 3D printing with bioplastics (PLA), the lactide particles emitted into the air are non-hazardous. Nevertheless, a 3D printer should ideally be operated in a ventilated place, ideally in a hobby room with an open window. If this isn’t possible, most opt for using a guest room or study.
Of course, a 3D printer with WLAN offers greater flexibility than one that is connected via USB.
