https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=MehariOpen Source Ecology - User contributions [en]2026-05-13T12:37:43ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.39.13https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=3D_Printer&diff=1251863D Printer2015-01-17T22:00:24Z<p>Mehari: /* Further reading */ Added link to 3D printing technology article</p>
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[[Image:3D Printerpic.png|right|400px|3D Printer]] <br />
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==Overview==<br />
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3D Printers are a subset of CNC machines: they use stepper motors to move along X, Y, and Z axes according to gCode - essentially a text file with thousands of lines of coordinates and special commands (such as "return to origin" or "set nozzle temperature"). As motors on each axis moves the nozzle through 3D space, an additional motor feeds plastic filament through a heating element, very much like an automatic hot glue gun. <br />
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The software that turns a 3D model (such as an .stl or .obj) into instructions telling the printer how to move is called a "slicer" - it slices a model into layers that will stack up to make the finished object.<br />
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Many options exist for controlling the printer with your computer - nowadays several "slicers" can also connect to the printer directly, streamlining the printing process.. As a central backbone of [[Digital Fabrication]], the end goal of 3D printers is to be able to print anything.<br />
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==Details==<br />
===Types of 3D Printers===<br />
===Software Options===<br />
===Printing Process===<br />
===Common Maintenance===<br />
==Product Ecology==<br />
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{{Product Ecology<br />
<br />
|Product = {{3D Printer}}<br />
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|From=<br />
* {{3D Scanner}}<br />
* {{CAD}}<br />
* {{Laser Cutter}}<br />
* {{Bioplastic Extruder}}<br />
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|Uses=<br />
* [[Bioplastic]]<br />
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|Creates=<br />
* [[3D Prints]]<br />
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|Enables=<br />
* [[Metal]] Casting<br />
* [[Digital Fabrication]]<br />
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|Components=<br />
* [[XYZ Table]]<br />
* [[Motors]]<br />
* [[Controller]]<br />
* Spindle<br />
* [[Extruder]]<br />
* Feeder<br />
* Tool Changer<br />
}}<br />
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==Status==<br />
See past work related to Factor e Farm at [[RepRap Build]].<br />
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Currently [[3D_Printer/Research_Development|3D printer designs are being researched]], with the goal of full integration into the [[Product Ecology]] of [[GVCS]] technologies.<br />
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3D printer technology is currently undergoing a flourishing of innovation. As a relatively new technology (2003), many experimental designs and techniques are being explored by thousands of groups worldwide.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
*[[Comparison of 3D Printers]]<br />
*[[RepRap Build]]<br />
*[[Equipment/Lulzbot_a0_101]]<br />
*[[Equipment/Taz]]<br />
*[[RepLab]]<br />
*[[3D Ceramic]]<br />
*[[Stepper Motor]]<br />
*[http://mtm.cba.mit.edu/ MIT Machines that Make]<br />
*[[Electron Beam Melting]]<br />
*[[Sintering]]<br />
*[http://reprap.org/wiki/MetalicaRap RepRap MetalicaRap subproject], investigating inexpensive, self-replicating electron beam melting machine design for 3D metal object and solar cell printing<br />
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cermet Cermets], materials that may be suitable for 3D ceramic printing techniques but give material properties superior to those of either metals or ceramics<br />
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== Further reading ==<br />
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* [http://www.absplastic.eu 3D Printing and plastic materials blog]<br />
* [http://3dprintingforbeginners.com/3d-printing-technology/ Introduction to 3D Printing Technology]<br />
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{{GVCS Footer}}</div>Mehari