3D Printer

Overview

A 3D printer is an additive manufacturing technology that enables automated construction of complex sub-assemblies via layered deposition. The technology is similar to a traditional printer, but with an additional z axis. As a central backbone of Digital Fabrication, the end goal of 3D printers is to be able to print anything.

Details

While 3D printers are additive, they bear a close resemblance to subtractive manufacturing CNC milling machines.

Product Ecology

Product Ecology
3D Printer

From	Uses	Creates	Enables
3D Scanner CAD Laser Cutter Bioplastic Extruder Components XYZ Table Motors Controller Spindle Extruder Feeder Tool Changer	Bioplastic	3D Prints	Metal Casting Digital Fabrication

Status

See past work related to Factor e Farm at RepRap Build.

Currently 3D printer designs are being researched, with the goal of full integration into the Product Ecology of GVCS technologies.

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.

See Also

• Comparison of 3D Printers
• RepRap Build
• RepLab
• 3D Ceramic
• Stepper Motor
• MIT Machines that Make
• Electron Beam Melting
• Sintering

The Global Village Construction Set
Habitat	CEB Press	Cement Mixer	Sawmill	Bulldozer	Backhoe
Agriculture	Tractor	Seeder	Hay Rake	Well-Drilling Rig
	Microtractor	Soil Pulverizer	Spader	Hay Cutter	Trencher
	Bakery Oven	Dairy Milker	Microcombine	Baler
Industry	Multimachine	Ironworker	Laser Cutter	Welder	Plasma Cutter
	CNC Torch Table	Metal Roller	Rod and Wire Mill	Press Forge	Universal Rotor
	3D Printer	3D Scanner	CNC Circuit Mill	Industrial Robot	Chipper Hammermill
	Drill Press	Induction Furnace
Energy	Power Cube	Gasifier Burner	Solar Concentrator	Electric Motor Generator	Hydraulic Motor
	Steam Engine	Heat Exchanger	Wind Turbine	Pelletizer	Universal Power Supply
	Nickel-Iron Battery
Materials	Aluminum Extractor	Bioplastic Extruder
Transportation	Car	Truck
Key	Design	Planning	Prototype	Almost done	Full Release