The Science Behind: 3D printing (Cover- Sara Chaudhari)

Fifty years ago, no one thought we would ever create a machine that could print something 3D. The idea seemed so novel and visionary. The first computer was created only about a decade ago. How could we possibly pioneer something that could do what a human can?

But today it’s a reality.

Even so, I still wonder about it. How is a 3D printer able to do such a thing?

So today I’m going to be explaining the science behind 3D printing.

How does 3D printing work?

A 3D printer has three main parts: the CAD system, the computer program, and the machine. CAD is simply a code that enables you to create a design. It is used in many different 3D printing apps. The app is where the design of the object is created.

After you make a design, you save it as a .stl which is a file format for 3D-printing.

The computer program takes the file and translates it to G-code, which is a language that 3D printing machines can understand.

The machine prints the object in two parts, the base and the rest of the design, using hot plastic. The hot plastic comes from a nozzle that moves left to right, in layers, slowly creating the base. Once the base is completed, it begins the rest in the same left-right layer motion.

Isn’t that cool?

I hope all of you enjoyed my article this week. I have always wondered about 3D printing, so it was great to research and write about it!

Thanks so much for reading!

See you until the next dive into science,

Anish Baghel

Sources:

https://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/