3D Printing

Introduction

For decades, 3D printers costed thousands of dollars and were not available to the average consumer. Today, they are affordable and user-friendly.

How it Works

3D printers melt down plastic filament through a heated nozzle. This molten plastic is then extruded through the nozzle onto a heated bed (the heat on the bed helps with adhesion). The nozzle and bed will move around while extruding, "drawing" a layer of plastic. Once the layer is completed, the nozzle moves in the upwards direction and does another layer. This process continues until the print is completed.

GIF of a 3D printer printing a globe — 3D printer printing a globe

Usage

3D printers have a wide variety of uses. Before they were available to consumers, they were (and still are) used in industrial settings. For consumers, usage can range from custom replacement parts for broken objects to small desktop toys that are just fun to look at. 3D printers can make a wide variety of products that can serve different functions.