The 3D Printing Process
Step 1: CAD Model
The first basic requirement of any 3D printing process is a CAD Model. It is the
3D design for the product you want to print. This model can be developed from
various software (Catia, Fusion360, Solidworks, Creo, etc.) but the final output
has to be in a machine readable format, mainly STEP, STL & OBJ but a few other
formats are also used.
Step 2: Slicing
The designed model is now to be loaded into slicing software. The slicing
software or Slicer, literally slices the 3D model into multiple layers depending
on the specifications you provide. These slices (also called as layers) are then
deposited one above the other during the actual printing process. The slicer
converts the design into co-ordinates which the printer understands and the
material is deposited as per the co-ordinates.
* The output of this slicer is in the form of a text file with a file extension being ‘.gcode’. *
Step 3: Setting up the Machine
The part can be printed through various 3D printing technologies and depending
on the final application of the part, the appropriate technology & material is
chosen and machine is set up. FDM printers use filaments like PLA, ABS, PC, PET-
G, etc. while SLA & DLP printers use resins with usage-based properties (tough,
flexible, dental etc.) & SLS uses powdered material (mostly Nylon).
Step 4: 3D Printing
The next step is to simply 3D print the model. The gcode file is loaded into the
printer and the printing starts. The printer will print the object as per the
print parameters set in the slicer. These settings can be modified for every
single print. The printing time depends on different factors and can vary from
minutes to hours to even days.
Step 5: Post Processing
This is the final step in the 3D printing process. Once the printer stops, the
print has to be removed from the bed. This process varies as per the type of
technology used. In a standard FDM printer it can be easily removed with a
scrapper (it is advisable to wear gloves during this step). Even after the
removal of the print the part has to undergo some amount of post-processing. The
amount depends on the complexity of the model and printing technology used. The
most common post processing techniques include removal of support structures,
cleaning off the excess resin material on the surface of the part, brushing off
the excess powder in case of sintering technologies, extra smoothening with the
help of sand paper polishing or sand blasting, etc.
How 3D Printing Works?
3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing technology where a 3D object is
created by laying down layers of materials. The working of 3D printers is
similar to that of inkjet printers. However, unlike inkjet printers, 3D printers
do not use ink but rather use different types of materials. These materials may
include polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, concrete, bioinks, etc. The
material is deposited in layers to create a physical object.
* Below is the basic 3D printing process and the step-by-step explanation of how a 3D printer works. *
SLA 3D Printing Process
1. Laser Source: First and foremost, a laser source emits a laser beam.
This laser beam helps to solidify the liquid material to form the final three-
dimensional object.
2. The Elevator: The main function of this elevator is to help lay the
layers. This elevator moves up and down thereby raising and lowering the
platform in order to help lay the layers of object
3. Vat: The vat is a vessel like structure which contains or stores the
liquid material.
4. Layered Parts: This is the actual 3D printed object that is created when
the material is deposited one-by-one or in layers on top of each other
5. Material: The material (called resin in case of SLA and DLP printers) is
the substance which is used to create an object. There may be different forms of
resins used such as tough resin, dental resin, flexible resin, etc. Other
printers like FDM & SLS use different materials. Today, a lot of different
materials are used in 3D printing. Some of the materials used in 3D printing
include gold, silver, ceramics, bio-materials and food.