No products
Prices are tax excluded
Through this guide introducing 3D printing, discover the basics of 3D printing, operation of the machines, videos to view 3D printing, the steps to print in 3D, and, finally, a list of all the 3D printer and modelling software options to create your models before printing. This guide is an introduction of 3D printing for the uninitiated. If you are already familiar with 3D printing, you can read our pro guides on the criteria for selecting a 3D printer or the 3D printing consumables guide.
 | A breakthrough technology turning things upside downYou have certainly heard about it in the newspapers, on TV or even through a friend at the forefront of technology: the 3D printing wave is sweeping across the world and arriving on the doorstep of individuals and professionals, where it's becoming essential. Many already consider it as the 4th industrial revolution, as this breakthrough technology has the power to revolutionise the way we produce things. Personalisation and customisation3D printing is not new, but it has now become financially and technically accessible to the greatest number of people. In a world where our needs are increasingly specific, a world in which responsiveness and adaptability are key, and wherein customisation is a fast growing trend, 3D printing technology is becoming a must for everyone, and essential in the professional world. How does 3D printing work?3D printing allows you to make all the 3-dimensional objects you want, almost as simply as printing in "2D" on your office paper printer... You provide the file to print (a downloaded 3D model, or your creation), make some adjustments and start printing! |
First, you must provide a model (for example, an STL file) to your printer so that it knows what it needs to print. Once the file containing the model has been sent to your 3D printer, the second step is to insert the 3D filament of material into the print head (called an extruder).
This filament will then be heated and deposited on the printing bed in a succession of horizontal layers of plastic like a mille-feuille; a 3D print is, therefore, a succession of hundreds of (very) thin layers of material, each on top of the others.
SLA 3D printers (stereolithography) have also begun arriving in desktop format, lead by the pioneer, Formlabs. These printers work on a fundamentally similar principle (layer sequence) that's technically differently. In the case of SLA 3D printers, a laser cures a liquid resin, layer by layer, until the final object is obtained.
|
No model, no 3D print (just as you cannot print on a conventional printer without a Word, Excel, etc. file). Three options are available to you for the 3D model:
Your 3D model is an STL file; all you have left to do is import it into your 3D printer software (Repetier, Makerware, Cura, etc.). You can download this software for free from the Internet.
Open your STL file with the software that came with your 3D printer. You can then view and, if necessary, move it on the platform, make it bigger or smaller. It is also an opportunity to check your equipment: printing bed at the right level, connections, printer stability.
Connect your printer to your computer (USB cable, SD card) and then insert the 3D filament into the print head or extruder.
All you have left to do is print! The printer will then heat the bed and the nozzle and begin printing your 3D model. The print head will melt the filament and move to place it on the bed in order to create your three dimensional object. The 3D printing duration will depend on the size and settings of your model.
 | Dual extrusion or printing with two print heads (extruders) Dual extrusion requires two 3D files. Each one will be assigned to a print head via the software. This type of complex printing requires some experience in 3D printing. |  |
The possibilities of 3D printing are as amazing as they are endless. No shape is impossible to achieve and 3D printing opens the way for creations that would be impossible to achieve with traditional production techniques. 3D printing is already becoming essential and ever more promising in the following industries:
But also in building, artistic, food-processing, automotive, aeronautics, film, education, fashion industries, and much more!
And for dozens of other applications, there are also plenty of possibilities for the general public as well as for small businesses. Here are a few examples of business or home uses for a 3D printer...
To help you in your search, we have compiled some websites listing STL files for you (designs ready to print) and 3D design software for the more imaginative
STL file databasesThere are free and paid 3D model databases. Here are three of the largest and most popular ones. You will find many others on the internet! youmagine.com: the manufacturer Ultimaker's 3D model sharing website. The open source Ultimaker printer is a global standard and has a large and active community thingiverse.com : belonging to the manufacturer Makerbot, Thingiverse is the most famous database of STL files, and completely free! Here you will find an abundance of creations, and probably inspiration too, as there are many examples. Digitalstore.makerbot.com : this is Makerbot's database of paid models. The models are available at prices generally ranging from $1 to $50. cults3d.com : Website of high-quality files to download, free or paid. | 3D design softwaresketchup.com : free and complete software with many tutorials available on YouTube. It lets you create simple and complex models. Ideal for designing models. sketchup.com : free and complete software with many tutorials available on YouTube. It lets you create simple and complex models. Ideal for designing models. blender.org: free, high performance 3D design software with many options and, therefore, not very accessible ... For experienced creators. blender.org: free, high performance 3D design software with many options and, therefore, not very accessible ... For experienced creators. 3DStudio Max (3ds Max): very complete and powerful paid 3D animation and modelling software. |
These lists are far from exhaustive. You can find many other free and paid 3D design software, and many 3D model websites by searching a bit on the web.
@Copyright: All content present on www.makershop3D.com is the property of Makershop. It is strictly prohibited to copy, completely or partially, the content present on www.makershop3D.com, or face sanctions. Content copy checks are carried out regularly.
