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3D printing computer parts
31 Awesome 3D Printed Computer/Laptop Accessories to Make Now (Free) – 3D Printerly
Computers and laptops are known to always come with many component parts. However, for convenience and efficiency, most computer users don’t know what cool models and accessories are out there.
Thankfully, 3D printers can help. You would be amazed at the cool and effective accessories you can print using your 3D printer. This led me to compile a list of some of the ones I find most amazing and handy. Enjoy!
Cables generally can be a bother sometimes, thus the need for a cable organizer. These were designed by Petclaud taking inspiration from the old Nokia USB cable and they come in various sizes.
Now you can pack your cord neatly when taking a trip without fear of it getting entangled.
Created by Petclaud
This is a stackable USB holder with a variation of USB types ranging from mini to USB-C and the USB 3.0 micro B. With a USB holder, you need not have USB lying on the ground.
Created by ajitam
Organization makes for an easier existence. With a mini drawer, that you can screw under your desk or any surface at all, there is a place to put your accessories. I find it most useful for putting my memory cards, earbuds, microchips, etc.
You may find it useful.
Created by quanticchaos
This stand raising the screen of your laptop to give you a better viewing and working experience. It is built to accommodate the weight and screen opening angle of your laptop.
Although the designer, designed it using the MacBook Pro Retina laptop, it can be remixed to suit other laptop models such as the 16″ MacBook Pro and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000″.
Created by Thmsdc
Ethernet clips very easily get broken but with your 3D printer, this can be resolved using a substitute. Wear it on your Ethernet cord with a broken clip, press down till you hear the tap sound, and it’s good to go.
Created by guss67
This single board computer network attached Storage was created by araymbox.
Making one of these can be quite technical but you can get a detailed step-by-step guide to put you through on Instructables.
Created by araymbox
Don’t you ever get wish your cords weren’t so long and untidy? Well, thankfully with this cable coiler that allows you coil your cables for safekeeping and also controls the length uncoiled per time, your wishes are met. Additionally, it is exceptionally easy to print.
Created by muzz64
No need for misplaced SD cards, USB cords and flash drives.
Created by rzonnie
Cord management need not be nerve racking. With this very simple but highly effective accessory you can hold and manage from as little as two cords to as many cords as possible.
Created by muzz64
This compact Box helps hold all your SD and Micro-SD cards in place. And it can be modified to also fit sim cards as well.
Created by Snipou
Design and 3D print your own keyboard, all it requires is a lot of patience and a learning curve; but in the end you would be rewarded with a keyboard that works and is peculiar to you.
Created by FedorSosnin
A PC Air stand that provides a perfect cooling system for your PC, gives you elevated cinematic view and an organized desktop space.
Created by andhag
Adjust your laptop tilt position to suit your workspace needs. Could also double as an air stand depending on the height and design you decide to print.
Created by bartnijs
This mouse was created to help special needs people. The mouse can be used on any PC using a tripod and the joystick technology. Thankfully, it doesn’t cost more than $30.
Created by 0_o
The importance of privacy cannot be overemphasized. With a cam cover, you can protect yourself from being watched through your laptop camera. It works with every laptop model and can be printed using even the most low-end 3D printer.
Created by kilian987654321
Have your HDD or SSD drives in the place as their cables. All you need is a simple cable holder and some elastic bands.
Created by Patrovite
If you find it discomfiting working with a highly elevated laptop, you can try out this Laptop Stand. With just about 15mm in clearance, this laptop stand makes typing easier.
Created by: anwilc
Leaving a cable freely lying on the floor is not only untidy; it is also very unsafe. With Cable corners, you can prevent these long cables from coming off the corners. Better still, it can be printed fast and easily.
Created by muzz64
The designer created a Raspberry Pi display case fitted with a touchscreen LCD screen and an external memory card slot.
Creator by ftobler
A self-themed stand that came with a cable hook so you can safely put away your headphones. Although the designer recommended you use a M3x10mm screw users have found that it works best with a M3x12mm screw.
That aside it has been found to be a very effective model.
Created by noyceprints
This adaptor is shaped to adapt your 2.
5 HDD to a 3.5 computer or even to an SDD. While most users found it easy to print, a few had a hard time printing it. Overall, it is a wonderful product.
Created by Clax
Sitting for long hours can be detrimental to one’s health as well as boring. With this laptop stand/table you can flex yourself and switch between sitting and standing during work.
Created by jpearce
This accessory holds cables connected to a laptop in place to prevent them from falling off. This particular model was designed using a MacBook Pro Retina; however, it can be adapted to suit any other laptop.
The Invention of biludavid
This cable tag comes with a loop that can easily fit any cable of reasonable size. It allows for better cable tracing and is reusable since it has two printable sides.
Created by mamont
If your work requires the possession of various desktop RAMs, this accessory is a perfect way to have them all neatly sorted and maintained.
Created by Studious Gluteus
Keyboard steps work exactly like laptop ramps, except that this time it’s for users of external keyboards. A must-have for people who do a lot of typing.
Created by muzz64
Tired of having you Mouse wire just messing with the aesthetic value of your worktable? You can get a mouse bungee that can hold your wire in place without restricting your mouse movement.
It was created by mer_at
The creator of this masterpiece, modeled it after the NVIDIA GeForce. However, it goes to show that you can model yours whichever way you desire.
Created by bramesh501
SD cards very easily get lost but not anymore because you can 3D print an SD Card case modeled after a toaster.
Once you can find your toaster, you can find your SD Cards; all you need do is slide into the slice slot and pull the lever down or up to either bring up the cards or take it down. Cool, right?
Created by selmo
HDDs and SSDs always have tons of valuable data that we wouldn’t want to lose.
To this end, we have to handle for them with every sense of care. With an HDD stacker you can store them in a place, conserve space and elongate its lifespan.
Created by ryang3d
If like me, the Apple Magic Mouse reminds you of an airplane, then you wouldn’t be opposed to putting it in a hanger. A lot of people believe the design is flawless, and I think so too. You should give it a try.
Created by Euro87
You made it to the end of the list! Hopefully you found it useful for your 3D printing journey.
If you want to check out other similar list posts I carefully put together, check out some of these:
- 30 Cool Things to 3D Print for Gamers – Accessories & More
- 30 Cool Things to 3D Print for Dungeons & Dragons
- 35 Genius & Nerdy Things That You Can 3D Print Today
- 30 Holiday 3D Prints You Can Make – Valentines, Easter & More
- 51 Cool, Useful, Functional 3D Printed Objects That Actually Work
- 30 Cool Phone Accessories That You Can 3D Print Today
- 30 Best 3D Prints For Wood to Make Now
3D printed computer: A dream come true?
Posted By Lucie Gaget on Sep 12, 2018 |
Additive manufacturing is a great way to develop new projects and some new innovations could even be related to computer science.
3D printing a 3D printer is possible, conductive 3D printing is now a reality, so why wouldn’t it be possible to 3D print a computer? In this blog post, we are going to see what it is actually possible to do for computer science using 3D printing, and we will take a look at the recent experiments made in this field.
What if your next computer was a 3D printed computer?
3D printing computers, is it possible?
Additive manufacturing for electronics
When looking at the applications of 3D printing, you might think that the possibilities offered by this technology are endless. We can say that you are right, regarding the amount of 3D printing news.
We recently saw new innovations in the electronics field: conductive 3D printing, a step forward, really opening up new perspectives. Indeed, if we know that it is possible to print enclosures for electronic devices, some serious research has been made about conductive 3D printing, and promising methods are already available!.
Some new electronic devices are progressively becoming printable, and computers could be next on your 3D printing checklist. Do you need a little help to start your electronic project? Take a look at our selection of design software for electronics and make the best choice possible for your project!
Offering new possibilities for the future of computer science
3D printers capabilities are improving year after year, allowing to manufacture more things of our daily life. If 3D printable computers are becoming a reality, other devices of our life could easily be 3D printed too! For example, we could start to dream about 3D printers smartphones too.
Creating electronic devices using this 3D technology is allowing to go further, making the most of 3D printing benefits. For the moment, it is not really possible to 3D print an entire and functional laptop, for example. But still, some electronic devices can be created using this manufacturing technique, and we are going to tell you about some relevant experiments in this blog post.
What has been made regarding 3D printed computers?
3D printed Raspberry Pi-based computer by Adafruit
Adafruit, is a hardware company, designing and manufacturing electronic products. They shared information about 3D printed Raspberry Pi-based computer on their website. This device costs $225 to manufacture and is looking like a small computer.
This little PC is allowing communication, showing that 3D printing a computer is possible. The technology still needs to be improved in order to print bigger projects and bigger computers, with more efficiency. However, we can say that is quite a good start!
https://3dprint.com/74317/raspberry-pi-small-computer/
3D printed liquid-cooled PC
3DSystem had the amazing idea to develop what they called the 3D printed liquid-cooled PC. It is a computer with quite an unusual cooling system, as you can see on the following picture:
photo: 3DSystem
This cooling system of this PC is inspired from the vacuum tubes of the world’s first computer.
The team started by 3D scanning PC components, in order to get CAD models. Using Geomagic Design and Geomagic Freeform design software, the team used these models to sculpt a cool unique housing unit for the PC.
The idea was to build a project for the CES. The project is using both 3D printing and traditional manufacturing techniques like CNC machining. It was the perfect match, allowing to work on the design part, and get a functional device in the end.
The ASUS 3D printing project
Asus is a computer, phone hardware and electronics company. They recently added an option for their customers: to 3D print parts in order to modify the appearance of their motherboard.
They shared STL files, allowing users to modify them and get printed and custom made computer parts. Computers are becoming customizable devices thanks to additive manufacturing. The parts that are 3D printable include tags, motherboard holders, fan holders and even cable combs.
3D printing computer cases
It is possible to get 3D printed parts, like a PC case. The Complx and Aetos projects. For the Aetos 3D printing the PC case has an amazing design, this technology is helping to work on aesthetic customization. Additive manufacturing is allowing to work on the design with a lot of freedom, creating structures in only one part, which might be really difficult to develop with traditional manufacturing techniques.
Aetos custom PC case. Image via: Maki role
What is the point of 3D printing a computer?
As you certainly know, mass customization is one of the most interesting benefits of additive manufacturing. Indeed, this manufacturing process could be a great way to make custom computers for companies, or individuals.
The price. 3D printing to manufacture computers could really be a money-saving method. First, it is only using the amount of material that you need. It is also a great way to develop new designs, make new experimentations.
3D printing could be the perfect opportunity to develop computers with better designs, better cooling systems, and at least, making more efficient computers!
For the moment, engineers are interested in this perspective of 3D printing a computer, and they try to make many iterations using desktop 3D printers to get closer to their goal.
But computer companies and electronics manufacturers are starting to consider these 3D printing benefits. They could soon include 3D printing to their manufacturing process, which could be a real asset for them! Who knows what we will be able to achieve with future powerful professional 3D printers?
The 3D printing technology is evolving faster and faster, offering new possibilities for computer science. With the evolution of 3D printing technology, and the growing use of new materials and technologies like metal 3D printing, the use of additive manufacturing for electronic is really promising for the upcoming years. There is also a huge development regarding 3D machines, there are different types of 3D printers available, and new ones are constantly unveiled, offering new possibilities for electronics.
Do you need to 3D print computer parts? If your 3D file is ready, you can directly upload it on our online 3D printing service and get your parts in a few days.
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3D printing for "dummies" or "what is a 3D printer?"
- 1 3D printing term
- 2 3D printing methods
- 2.1 Extrusion printing
- 2.2 Melting, sintering or gluing
- 2.3 Stereolithography
- 2.4 Lamination
- 3 Fused Deposition Printing (FDM)
- 3.1 Consumables
- 3.2 Extruder
- 3.3 Working platform
- 3.4 Positioners
- 3.5 Control
- 3.6 Varieties of FDM printers
- 4 Laser stereolithography (SLA)
- 4.
1 Lasers and projectors - 4.2 Cuvette and resin
- 4.3 Types of stereolithographic printers
3D printing term
The term 3D printing has several synonyms, one of which quite briefly and accurately characterizes the essence of the process - "additive manufacturing", that is, production by adding material. The term was not coined by chance, because this is the main difference between multiple 3D printing technologies and the usual methods of industrial production, which in turn received the name "subtractive technologies", that is, "subtractive". If during milling, grinding, cutting and other similar procedures, excess material is removed from the workpiece, then in the case of additive manufacturing, material is gradually added until a solid model is obtained.
Soon 3D printing will even be tested on the International Space Station
Strictly speaking, many traditional methods could be classified as "additive" in the broad sense of the word - for example, casting or riveting.
However, it should be borne in mind that in these cases, either the consumption of materials is required for the manufacture of specific tools used in the production of specific parts (as in the case of casting), or the whole process is reduced to joining ready-made parts (welding, riveting, etc.). In order for the technology to be classified as “3D printing”, the final product must be built from raw materials, not blanks, and the formation of objects must be arbitrary - that is, without the use of forms. The latter means that additive manufacturing requires a software component. Roughly speaking, additive manufacturing requires computer control so that the shape of final products can be determined by building digital models. It was this factor that delayed the widespread adoption of 3D printing until the moment when numerical control and 3D design became widely available and highly productive.
3D printing techniques
3D printing technologies are numerous, and there are even more names for them due to patent restrictions.
However, you can try to divide technologies into main areas:
Extrusion printing
This includes methods such as deposition deposition (FDM) and multi-jet printing (MJM). This method is based on the extrusion (extrusion) of consumables with the sequential formation of the finished product. As a rule, consumables consist of thermoplastics or composite materials based on them.
Melting, sintering or bonding
This approach is based on bonding powdered material together. Formation is done in different ways. The simplest is gluing, as is the case with 3D inkjet printing (3DP). Such printers deposit thin layers of powder onto the build platform, which are then selectively bonded with a binder. Powders can be made up of virtually any material that can be ground to a powder—plastic, wood, metal.
This model of James Bond's Aston Martin was successfully printed on Voxeljet's SLS printer and blown up just as successfully during the filming of Skyfall instead of the expensive original
sintering (SLS and DMLS) and smelting (SLM), which allow you to create all-metal parts.
As with 3D inkjet printing, these devices apply thin layers of powder, but the material is not glued together, but sintered or melted using a laser. Laser sintering (SLS) is used to work with both plastic and metal powders, although metal pellets usually have a more fusible shell, and after printing they are additionally sintered in special ovens. DMLS is a variant of SLS installations with more powerful lasers that allow sintering metal powders directly without additives. SLM printers provide not just sintering of particles, but their complete melting, which allows you to create monolithic models that do not suffer from the relative fragility caused by the porosity of the structure. As a rule, printers for working with metal powders are equipped with vacuum working chambers, or they replace air with inert gases. Such a complication of the design is caused by the need to work with metals and alloys subject to oxidation - for example, with titanium.
Stereolithography
How an SLA printer works
Stereolithography printers use special liquid materials called "photopolymer resins".
The term "photopolymerization" refers to the ability of a material to harden when exposed to light. As a rule, such materials react to ultraviolet irradiation.
Resin is poured into a special container with a movable platform, which is installed in a position near the surface of the liquid. The layer of resin covering the platform corresponds to one layer of the digital model. Then a thin layer of resin is processed by a laser beam, hardening at the points of contact. At the end of illumination, the platform together with the finished layer is immersed to the thickness of the next layer, and illumination is performed again.
Lamination
Laminating (LOM) 3D printers workflow
Some 3D printers build models using sheet materials - paper, foil, plastic film.
Layers of material are glued on top of each other and cut to the contours of the digital model using a laser or a blade.
These machines are well suited for prototyping and can use very cheap consumables, including regular office paper.
However, the complexity and noise of these printers, coupled with the limitations of the models they produce, limit their popularity.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Laser Stereolithography (SLA) are the most popular 3D printing methods used in the home and office.
Let's take a closer look at these technologies.
Fused Deposition Printing (FDM)
FDM is perhaps the simplest and most affordable 3D construction method, which makes it very popular.
High demand for FDM printers is driving device and consumable prices down rapidly, along with technology advances towards ease of use and improved reliability.
Consumables
ABS filament spool and finished model
FDM printers are designed to print with thermoplastics, which are usually supplied as thin filaments wound on spools. The range of "clean" plastics is very wide. One of the most popular materials is polylactide or "PLA plastic".
This material is made from corn or sugar cane, which makes it non-toxic and environmentally friendly, but makes it relatively short-lived. ABS plastic, on the other hand, is very durable and wear-resistant, although it is susceptible to direct sunlight and can release small amounts of harmful fumes when heated. Many plastic items that we use on a daily basis are made from this material: housings for household appliances, plumbing fixtures, plastic cards, toys, etc.
In addition to PLA and ABS, printing is possible with nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene and many other thermoplastics that are widely used in modern industry. More exotic materials are also possible, such as polyvinyl alcohol, known as "PVA plastic". This material dissolves in water, which makes it very useful for printing complex geometric patterns. But more on that below.
Model made from Laywoo-D3. Changing the extrusion temperature allows you to achieve different shades and simulate annual rings
It is not necessary to print with homogeneous plastics.
It is also possible to use composite materials imitating wood, metals, stone. Such materials use all the same thermoplastics, but with impurities of non-plastic materials.
So, Laywoo-D3 consists partly of natural wood dust, which allows you to print "wooden" products, including furniture.
The material called BronzeFill is filled with real bronze, and models made from it can be ground and polished, achieving a high similarity to products made from pure bronze.
One has only to remember that thermoplastics serve as a binding element in composite materials - they determine the thresholds of strength, thermal stability and other physical and chemical properties of finished models.
Extruder
Extruder - FDM print head. Strictly speaking, this is not entirely true, because the head consists of several parts, of which only the feed mechanism is directly "extruder". However, by tradition, the term "extruder" is commonly used as a synonym for the entire print assembly.
FDM extruder general design
The extruder is designed for melting and applying thermoplastic thread. The first component is the thread feed mechanism, which consists of rollers and gears driven by an electric motor. The mechanism feeds the thread into a special heated metal tube with a small diameter nozzle, called a "hot end" or simply a "nozzle". The same mechanism is used to remove the thread if a change of material is needed.
The hot end is used to heat and melt the thread fed by the puller. As a rule, nozzles are made from brass or aluminum, although more heat-resistant, but also more expensive materials can be used. For printing with the most popular plastics, a brass nozzle is quite enough. The “nozzle” itself is attached to the end of the tube with a threaded connection and can be replaced with a new one in case of wear or if a change in diameter is necessary. The nozzle diameter determines the thickness of the molten filament and, as a result, affects the print resolution.
The heating of the hot end is controlled by a thermistor. Temperature control is very important, because when the material is overheated, pyrolysis can occur, that is, the decomposition of plastic, which contributes both to the loss of the properties of the material itself and to clogging of the nozzle.
PrintBox3D One FDM Printer Extruder
To prevent the filament from melting too early, the top of the hot end is cooled by heatsinks and fans. This point is of great importance, since thermoplastics that pass the glass transition temperature significantly expand in volume and increase the friction of the material with the walls of the hot end. If the length of such a section is too long, the pulling mechanism may not have enough strength to push the thread.
The number of extruders may vary depending on the purpose of the 3D printer. The simplest options use a single printhead. The dual extruder greatly expands the capabilities of the device, allowing you to print one model in two different colors, as well as using different materials.
The last point is important when building complex models with overhanging structural elements: FDM printers cannot print “over the air”, since the applied layers require support. In the case of hinged elements, temporary support structures have to be printed, which are removed after printing is completed. The removal process is fraught with damage to the model itself and requires accuracy. In addition, if the model has a complex structure with internal cavities that are difficult to access, building conventional supports may not be practical due to the difficulty in removing excess material.
Finished model with PVA supports (white) before and after washing
In such cases, the same water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) comes in handy. Using a dual extruder, you can build a model from waterproof thermoplastic using PVA to create supports.
After printing, PVA can be simply dissolved in water and a complex product of perfect quality can be obtained.
Some FDM printers can use three or even four extruders.
Working platform
Heated platform covered with removable glass work table
Models are built on a special platform, often equipped with heating elements. Preheating is required for a wide range of plastics, including the popular ABS, which are subject to a high degree of shrinkage when cooled. The rapid loss of volume by cold coats compared to freshly applied material can lead to model distortion or delamination. The heating of the platform makes it possible to significantly equalize the temperature gradient between the upper and lower layers.
Heating is not recommended for some materials. A typical example is PLA plastic, which requires a fairly long time to harden. Heating PLA can lead to deformation of the lower layers under the weight of the upper ones. When working with PLA, measures are usually taken not to heat up, but to cool the model.
Such printers have characteristic open cases and additional fans blowing fresh layers of the model.
Calibration screw for work platform covered with blue masking tape
The platform needs to be calibrated before printing to ensure that the nozzle does not hit the applied layers and move too far causing air-to-air printing resulting in plastic vermicelli. The calibration process can be either manual or automatic. In manual mode, calibration is performed by positioning the nozzle at different points on the platform and adjusting the platform inclination using the support screws to achieve the optimal distance between the surface and the nozzle.
As a rule, platforms are equipped with an additional element - a removable table. This design simplifies the cleaning of the working surface and facilitates the removal of the finished model. Stages are made from various materials, including aluminum, acrylic, glass, etc. The choice of material for the manufacture of the stage depends on the presence of heating and consumables for which the printer is optimized.
For a better adhesion of the first layer of the model to the surface of the table, additional tools are often used, including polyimide film, glue and even hairspray! But the most popular tool is inexpensive, but effective masking tape. Some manufacturers make perforated tables that hold the model well but are difficult to clean. In general, the expediency of applying additional funds to the table depends on the consumable material and the material of the table itself.
Positioning mechanisms
Scheme of operation of positioning mechanisms
Of course, the print head must move relative to the working platform, and unlike conventional office printers, positioning must be carried out not in two, but in three planes, including height adjustment.
Positioning pattern may vary. The simplest and most common option involves mounting the print head on perpendicular guides driven by stepper motors and providing positioning along the X and Y axes.
Vertical positioning is carried out by moving the working platform.
On the other hand, it is possible to move the extruder in one plane and the platforms in two.
SeemeCNC ORION Delta Printer
One option that is gaining popularity is the delta coordinate system.
Such devices are called "delta robots" in the industry.
In delta printers, the print head is suspended on three manipulators, each of which moves along a vertical rail.
The synchronous symmetrical movement of the manipulators allows you to change the height of the extruder above the platform, and the asymmetric movement causes the head to move in the horizontal plane.
A variant of this system is the reverse delta design, where the extruder is fixed to the ceiling of the working chamber, and the platform moves on three support arms.
Delta printers have a cylindrical build area, and their design makes it easy to increase the height of the working area with minimal design changes by extending the rails.
In the end, everything depends on the decision of the designers, but the fundamental principle does not change.
Control
Typical Arduino-based controller with add-on modules
The operation of the FDM printer, including nozzle and platform temperature, filament feed rate, and stepper motors for positioning the extruder, is controlled by fairly simple electronic controllers. Most controllers are based on the Arduino platform, which has an open architecture.
The programming language used by the printers is called G-code (G-Code) and consists of a list of commands executed in turn by the 3D printer systems. G-code is compiled by programs called "slicers" - standard 3D printer software that combines some of the features of graphics editors with the ability to set print options through a graphical interface. The choice of slicer depends on the printer model. RepRap printers use open source slicers such as Skeinforge, Replicator G and Repetier-Host.
Some companies make printers that require proprietary software.
Program code for printing is generated using slicers
As an example, we can mention Cube printers from 3D Systems. There are companies that offer proprietary software but allow third-party software, as is the case with the latest generation of MakerBot 3D printers.
Slicers are not intended for 3D design per se. This task is done with CAD editors and requires some 3D design skills. Although beginners should not despair: digital models of a wide variety of designs are offered on many sites, often even for free. Finally, some companies and individuals offer 3D design services for custom printing.
Finally, 3D printers can be used in conjunction with 3D scanners to automate the process of digitizing objects. Many of these devices are designed specifically to work with 3D printers. Notable examples include the 3D Systems Sense handheld scanner and the MakerBot Digitizer handheld desktop scanner.
MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation FDM Printer with built-in control module on the top of the frame
The user interface of a 3D printer can consist of a simple USB port for connecting to a personal computer. In such cases, the device is actually controlled by the slicer.
The disadvantage of this simplification is a rather high probability of printing failure when the computer freezes or slows down.
A more advanced option includes an internal memory or memory card interface to make the process standalone.
These models are equipped with control modules that allow you to adjust many print parameters (such as print speed or extrusion temperature). The module may include a small LCD display or even a mini-tablet.
Varieties of FDM printers
Professional Stratasys Fortus 360mc FDM printer that allows printing with nylon
FDM printers are very, very diverse, ranging from the simplest homemade RepRap printers to industrial installations capable of printing large-sized objects.
Stratasys, founded by Scott Crump, the inventor of FDM technology, is a leader in the production of industrial installations.
You can build the simplest FDM printers yourself. Such devices are called RepRap, where "Rep" indicates the possibility of "replication", that is, self-reproduction.
RepRap printers can be used to print custom built plastic parts.
Controller, rails, belts, motors and other components can be easily purchased separately.
Of course, assembling such a device on your own requires serious technical and even engineering skills.
Some manufacturers make it easy by selling DIY kits, but these kits still require a good understanding of the technology. RepRap Printers
And, despite their "homemade nature", RepRap printers are quite capable of producing models with quality at the level of expensive branded counterparts.
Ordinary users who do not want to delve into the intricacies of the process, but require only a convenient device for household use, can purchase a ready-made FDM printer.
Many companies are focusing on the development of the consumer market segment, offering 3D printers for sale that are ready to print “right out of the box” and do not require serious computer skills.
3D Systems Cube consumer 3D printer
The most famous example of a consumer 3D printer is the 3D Systems Cube.
While it doesn't boast a huge build area, ultra-fast print speeds, or superb build quality, it's easy to use, affordable, and safe: This printer has received the necessary certification to be used even by children.
Mankati FDM printer demonstration: http://youtu.be/51rypJIK4y0
Laser Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithographic 3D printers are widely used in dental prosthetics
Stereolithographic printers are the second most popular and widespread after FDM printers.
These units deliver exceptional print quality.
The resolution of some SLA printers is measured in a matter of microns - it is not surprising that these devices quickly won the love of jewelers and dentists.
The software side of laser stereolithography is almost identical to FDM printing, so we will not repeat ourselves and will only touch on the distinctive features of the technology.
Lasers and projectors
Projector illumination of a photopolymer model using Kudo3D Titan DLP printer as an example
The cost of stereolithography printers is rapidly declining due to growing competition due to high demand and the use of new technologies that reduce the cost of construction.
Although the technology is generically referred to as "laser" stereolithography, most recent developments use UV LED projectors for the most part.
Projectors are cheaper and more reliable than lasers, do not require the use of delicate mirrors to deflect the laser beam, and have higher performance. The latter is explained by the fact that the contour of the whole layer is illuminated as a whole, and not sequentially, point by point, as is the case with laser options.
This variant of the technology is called projection stereolithography, "DLP-SLA" or simply "DLP". However, both options are currently common - both laser and projector versions.
Cuvette and resin
Photopolymer resin is poured into a cuvette
A photopolymer resin that looks like epoxy is used as consumables for stereolithographic printers. Resins can have a variety of characteristics, but they all share one key feature for 3D printing applications: these materials harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. Hence, in fact, the name "photopolymer".
When polymerized, resins can have a wide variety of physical characteristics. Some resins are like rubber, others are hard plastics like ABS. You can choose different colors and degrees of transparency. The main disadvantage of resins and SLA printing in general is the cost of consumables, which significantly exceeds the cost of thermoplastics.
On the other hand, stereolithography printers are mainly used by jewelers and dentists who do not need to build large parts but appreciate the savings from fast and accurate prototyping.
Thus, SLA printers and consumables pay for themselves very quickly.
Example of a model printed on a laser stereolithographic 3D printer
Resin is poured into a cuvette, which can be equipped with a lowering platform. In this case, the printer uses a leveling device to flatten the thin layer of resin covering the platform just prior to irradiation. As the model is being made, the platform, together with the finished layers, is “embedded” in the resin. Upon completion of printing, the model is removed from the cuvette, treated with a special solution to remove liquid resin residues and placed in an ultraviolet oven, where the final illumination of the model is performed.
Some SLA and DLP printers work in an "inverted" scheme: the model is not immersed in the consumable, but "pulled" out of it, while the laser or projector is placed under the cuvette, and not above it. This approach eliminates the need to level the surface after each exposure, but requires the use of a cuvette made of a material transparent to ultraviolet light, such as quartz glass.
The accuracy of stereolithographic printers is extremely high. For comparison, the standard for vertical resolution for FDM printers is considered to be 100 microns, and some variants of SLA printers allow you to apply layers as thin as 15 microns. But this is not the limit. The problem, rather, is not so much in the accuracy of lasers, but in the speed of the process: the higher the resolution, the lower the print speed. The use of digital projectors allows you to significantly speed up the process, because each layer is illuminated entirely. As a result, some DLP printer manufacturers claim to be able to print with a vertical resolution of one micron!
Video from CES 2013 showing Formlabs Form1 stereolithography 3D printer in action: http://youtu.be/IjaUasw64VE
Stereolithography Printer Options
Formlabs Form1 Desktop Stereolithography Printer
As with FDM printers, SLA printers come in a wide range in terms of size, features and cost.
Professional installations can cost tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars and weigh a couple of tons, but the rapid development of desktop SLA and DLP printers is gradually reducing the cost of equipment without compromising print quality.
Models such as the Titan 1 promise to make stereolithographic 3D printing affordable for small businesses and even home use at around $1,000. Formlabs' Form 1 is available now for a factory selling price of $3,299.
The developer of the DLP printer Peachy generally intends to overcome the lower price barrier of $100.
At the same time, the cost of photopolymer resins remains quite high, although the average price has fallen from $150 to $50 per liter over the past couple of years.
Of course, the growing demand for stereolithographic printers will stimulate the growth in the production of consumables, which will lead to further price reductions.
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Application of 3d printers in modern world
AT Currently, 3D printers are used quite widely.
AT areas such as industry and architecture, they have become are simply irreplaceable because they are an important part of the process of creating prototypes of objects in three dimensions. Prices on this technology is constantly declining, and already now it available not only to large companies, but also to individuals. Therefore, it is to be expected that the 3D printer business will become very successful due to increased demand for 3D printing.
Having a 3D printer makes it easy print a three-dimensional image in digital format. The cost of some Chinese-made models is less than two thousand dollars. At the same time these devices are getting smaller. All this gives an opportunity not only to organize a business on 3D printers, but also to engage in creativity using 3D printing.
Business idea, by use The capabilities of a 3D printer are not limited to one printout of graphics. Consumers can offer other services. For example, creating 3D models, after all, not every person has for this the necessary skills.
Purchasing an additional equipment, such as a 3D scanner, will greatly expand the range of modeling and 3D printing services various objects. In this case, the business will definitely successful, which has already been proven by the experience of many entrepreneurs from different countries of the world.
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Appearance bulk printers has become a revolution not only in industry, but also in the arts. Now the masters artistic compositions reach a new level implementation of your ideas. Most people still don't even imagine what a jewelry 3D printer is, and at the same time time, tens and even hundreds already own printed decorations. In addition to direct printing of the finished product on plastic jewelry printer, you can use it in as a manufacturer of molds for subsequent casting, or buy a jewelry 3D printer to create wax models of the future product.
Among jewelers, such printers called "plants" - according to the principle of creating waxes for future castings by extension method.
Most Popular 3D printer for jewelers of the American company Solidscape, attracting high construction accuracy, familiar to jewelers with a material based on foundry wax, and low cost of consumables for one model. At this is the “printing” speed that a jewelry 3D printer gives, up to 10 rings per day. Planned in the future the use of clays containing gold and silver, already now there are printers that can work with metal.
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3D printers, although they are in the stage of rapid development, but already able to compete with conventional production technologies. This is especially true for small scale manufacture of products for which it is not only unprofitable, but not the entire production line is needed, requiring both time and and funds. Home, relatively inexpensive 3D printers significantly simplified, giving out reduced object accuracy, low overall quality. Industrial 3D printer, on the contrary, it is distinguished by high accuracy, speed of the process printing, the quality of the finished "prints", which allows use it both to create models for casting, and to produce fully functional parts.
The main characteristics of industrial 3D printers - the highest quality, accuracy up to several microns, large print area, full control process, almost complete automation. For installation such a unit requires a fairly large room, high-voltage line, gas outlet, and the cost will make it many times to think over further use - lay out hundreds of thousands of dollars (or even a million) for the sake of printing one or two products is simply unreasonable. In this case better think about renting or even custom printing - unless, of course, the production is not of the highest level of secrecy.
As an industrial material A 3D printer can use almost all those that used for 3D printing: plastic, metal (titanium), gypsum, ceramic masses, cement, glass powder, etc. Further. Constantly researched (and identified!) New and new substances that can turn into a "bulky printed impression" using a 3D printer.
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The appearance of the first 3D printers produced a real revolution in architectural design and brought with presents many new opportunities for engineers, architects and construction companies.
3D printing allowed reproduce 3D models and use them on the most different stages of the project.
Using 3D printers, architects received not only the opportunity to materialize their projects, but also significantly save time and money. Before prototypes were made by hand, and this process was so time-consuming and time-consuming that the creation of such architectural model itself turned into standalone project.
Today, most architectural companies have been using 3D printers since the early days of project, from early layouts to the creation detailed 3D prints for constructive elaboration (previously, layouts were created only at the final development stage). This reduces the possibility of errors in the late stages of prototyping and helps complete projects with the greatest efficiency and least costs.
Application in construction and architecture of 3D printers, infers relationships with customers to the next level.
Working with 3D printers, architects get the opportunity to convey to client's thoughts and ideas accurately, quickly and clearly.
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Application 3D printers in the field of education is gradually becoming an ideal solution for involving pupils and students in educational process. The use of 3D printing in schools and universities makes learning interesting and exciting, understandable and intelligible, allows students to touch what are complex and not always clear abstractions and theories reflected in their notebooks, to get acquainted with characteristics and properties of the subject being studied, to obtain visual representation of its functions.
Prototyping is used by many leading Western, and increasingly domestic, higher and educational institutions. 3D printers improve the learning process, develop students and students imaginative thinking, accustom future specialists to automated programming and design.
In the education of a 3D printer, the thing is not replaceable, especially when it comes to technical universities. Students can design objects, details and layouts right in the audience, print, evaluate and test them. 3D printing included in the curriculum engineering disciplines, enables students to embody in life their design ideas and ideas, thereby increases the share of innovation in their projects.
Students using a 3D printer in educational purposes, have the opportunity to study at own mistakes. After all, there are flaws on paper or a computer it is not always possible to notice one or another model, but creating layout or some detail, the student, having modeled it on computer in a 3D program, after a short period time holds it in his hands. If something doesn't work, then it's no problem, you can try again and again.
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The use of 3D printers in medicine allows you to save human lives.
Such printers can recreate the exact a copy of the human skeleton for practicing techniques, guaranteeing a successful operation. Increasingly 3D printers are used in prosthetics and dentistry, as 3D printing makes it possible to obtain prostheses and crowns much faster than conventional production technology.
3D printed dental crown prototypes
Medical 3D models can be made from a range of materials, including living organic cells. The choice of one or another material for medical prototyping depends on the goals and objectives facing physicians, and problems related to the health of the patient.
The picture below shows baby Emma Lavalle (Emma Laval), suffering from a rare congenital disease in which the muscles of the hands atrophy, and the child cannot even pick up light toy. Doctors designed and 3D printed printer a special plastic exoskeleton, which helps the girl to live a full life.
3D printed exoskeleton for a girl with trained arm muscles
As the girl grows, specialists print new spare parts for the exoskeleton, so it always fits her.
Not resting on their laurels, doctors have learned to print "patches" for damaged human skin. As materials for printing uses a special gel from donor cells. According to scientists, for printing skin can be used even the most common office printer, a little modified for the task at hand.
"Patch" for human skin, 3D printed bioprinter
In 2011, scientists were able to reproduce a living human kidney. To do this, the 3D printer took only 3 hours.
3D printer prints a living kidney
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Working principle of school 3d printer "Alpha" (FDM-technology)
Fused modeling deposition modeling (FDM)) – additive manufacturing technology, widely used in creating 3D models, prototyping and industrial production.
FDM technology involves the creation of three-dimensional objects for by applying successive layers of material, repeating contours of the digital model.
As a rule, as materials for printing are thermoplastics supplied in the form spools of thread or rods.
FDM technology was developed by S. Scott Trump at the end 1980s and entered the commercial market in 1990.
Original term "Fused Deposition Modeling" and abbreviation FDM are trademarks of the company Stratasys. 3D printing enthusiasts, members of the RepRap project, coined the similar term "Fused Filament Fabrication" (“Filament Filament Fabrication”) or FFF for use without legal restrictions. FDM terms and FFFs are equivalent in meaning and purpose.
The production cycle begins with the processing of three-dimensional digital model. The STL model is divided into layers and oriented in the most suitable way for printing. At necessary, supporting structures are generated, necessary for printing overhanging elements. Some devices allow the use of different materials during one production cycle. For example, it is possible to print models from one material with printing of supports from another, highly soluble material, which makes it easy to remove supporting structures after the process ends print.
Alternatively, printing in different colors is possible. the same type of plastic when creating a single model.
The product, or “model”, is produced by extrusion ("extrusion") and the application of microdroplets of molten thermoplastic with the formation of successive layers, cured immediately after extrusion.
Plastic thread is unwound from the spool and fed into extruder - a device equipped with a mechanical drive for thread feed, a heating element for melting the material and nozzle through which it is carried out directly extrusion. The heating element is used to heat nozzle, which in turn melts the plastic filament and feeds the molten material to the model under construction. How as a rule, the upper part of the nozzle, on the contrary, is cooled by fan to create a sharp temperature gradient, necessary to ensure a smooth feed of the material.
The extruder moves in horizontal and vertical planes under the control of algorithms similar to used in numerically controlled machines.
The nozzle moves along the trajectory set by the system computer-aided design ("CAD" or "CAD" according to English terminology). The model is built layer by layer, upwards. Typically, an extruder (also called "print head") is driven by step-by-step motors or servos. most popular system coordinates used in FDM is the Cartesian system, built on a rectangular three-dimensional space with axes X, Y and Z. An alternative is a cylindrical system coordinates used by the so-called "delta robots".
FDM technology is highly flexible, but has certain restrictions. While the creation of overhanging structures possible at small angles of inclination, in the case of large corners, it is necessary to use artificial supports, as rule created during the printing process and separated from models at the end of the process.
Various consumables available thermoplastics and composites, including ABS, PLA, polycarbonates, polyamides, polystyrene, lignin and many others. Usually, different materials provide a choice of balance between certain strength and temperature characteristics.
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Demo video
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General characteristics of school 3d printer "Alpha"
| Dimensional dimensions of the 3D printer | 410x420x390 mm |
| Weight | 13 kg |
| Enclosure type | closed |
| Print area | 200x200x200 mm |
| Table type | heated |
| Quantity extruders | 1 PC. |
| Nozzle diameter extruder | 0.3 mm |
| Print speed | 50 mm/s |
| Minimum layer thickness | 0.1 mm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.4 mm |
| Plastic type | ABS/PLA |
| Print Technology | FDM |
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School device school 3d printer "Alpha"
School 3d printer consists of:
1.Outer body
2.Extruder
3.Worktable (panel)
4.Control board
5.Marine motors and various actuators
6. Power supply
To start playing the video in the video window, click right mouse button and tick "Play"
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PC Minimum Technical Recommendations to which 3d will be connected printer "Alpha"
Computer: 2-core, clock frequency is not below 1500 GHz, 64 bit
Processor: Intel Celeron/AMD FX2
RAM: from 2 GB (preferably 4-8 GB)
Hard disk: from 250 GB
Video: both built-in and external with an internal memory of at least 1 GB (only for printing, and for 3d simulation preferably gaming video cards)
software : Windows 7 (64 bit), with English account (e.
g. 3d ). Russian language DO NOT USE! There may be problems with the slicer (software) when using Russian characters.
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Connecting a 3d printer to a PC and familiarization with the controls
To connect a printer to a PC you need:
1. Remove the printer
from the packaging 2.Connect the printer to the computer via USB
3.Turn on printer power
4.Install drivers and software to work with the printer from installation disc
5. Set up the software to work
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download video instruction
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Software installation and printer driver
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download video instruction
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Setting gap between the extruder and the desktop (panel) of the school 3d printer "Alpha"
1.
Remove from the packaging and place on a stable hard its base (for example, a table)
2. Open the transparent front cover of the printer to access internal details.
3.Connect the printer's USB cable to PC. Turn on the printer power.
4. Run the previously installed Repetier-Host software on computer and connect programmatically to the printer.
5. On the Repetier-Host software "Management" tab, enable "Heat extruder" and wait until the extruder is heated to the required temperature (230-250 degrees Celsius).
6. Only on a hot extruder can you insert / change line for printing. To do this, carefully on the extruder itself press the yellowish button from above, while from below, immediately after main cooling fan, with another finger gently hold the extruder itself to avoid damaging it. (Caution! The temperature of the heated extruder is 230-250 degrees Celsius). Without releasing this button, take the end fishing line and insert carefully into the hole from the top side (straight near the button itself) until they appear from the extruder from below "plastic threads".
(in the previous paragraph on the video this the procedure is shown in detail!)
7. Now you need to adjust the gap between the desktop and yourself extruder. To do this, you need to take an ordinary sheet A4 paper and fold it in half.
8. Then through the program Repetier-Host, tab "Management" alternately move the extruder along the desktop to the extreme 4 points of the table.
9. For each of the 4 points, do the following: lower the extruder programmatically along the Y axis and check the gap between the work table and the extruder itself. Normal is such a gap through which it is difficult to passes a regular sheet of A4 paper folded in half. You can set the gap by screwing / unscrewing adjustment screws on 4 corners of the work table.
10. After installing all 4 gaps at the corners of the desktop and installation of the fishing line in the extruder, you can start a test print.
To start playing the video in the video window, click right mouse button and tick "Play"
To stop playing the video in the video window, click right mouse button and uncheck "Play"
download video instruction
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Filling the cartridge with fishing line in 3d printer "Alfa"
To thread the line into the printer you need:
1.
Connect printer to PC
2. Using the R.H. heat the extruder to the melting temperature of the line
3. Press the special button on the extruder and thread the line through extruder.
To start playing the video in the video window, click right mouse button and tick "Play"
To stop playing the video in the video window, click right mouse button and uncheck "Play"
download video instruction
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Removing (replacing) the cartridge with fishing line on a 3d printer
To replace the cartridge with fishing line need:
1. Connect printer to PC
2. Using the R.H. heat the extruder to the melting temperature of the fishing line
3. Press the special button on the extruder and pull out the fishing line from the extruder.
