Do your daily activities involve printing? Modeling? Designing? Prototyping? If so, you’ll find some of the insights in this article very useful! 3D printers are rapidly becoming essential equipment for anyone working in professional design. And while it’s easy to buy some junker off eBay, there are some things to think about before you decide which 3d printer is best for your personal use.
3d printers are becoming more popular every day, and the future looks promising.
3D Printer Types
There are different types of 3D printers available on the market today. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you to decide what suits your needs best. If you want to know how to make large projects with a small 3d printer, you need to know the different types of printers. They include:
1. FDM/FFF
You need to pre-draw the model with this particular type of printer and then send it to the printer. We cut the parts using a computer-controlled cutting machine. Then we slowly move them into place by hand. This type of printer is mainly helpful in creating small parts. But we can also use it for larger products. You can choose from different software programs to help you design and 3D print your products.
2. SLA/SLS
With this type of printer, you can combine two different printing technologies. We use a light source to create the product, covered with a resin and cured through UV light.
3. Laser Sintering
This type of printer can be beneficial to print large parts. A laser beam combines the powder in layers until you get the desired part. Most people say that this process can take up to 16 hours before printing a part. So you need to plan when using this type of machine.
4. SLM
This printer is also a powder bed printer and uses a heat-transfer process. It uses a liquid wax that melts between layers of a product and then hardens upon contact with resin. This technology is perfect for creating durable parts. But it requires more time to complete the process. This type of machine has a limited amount of material printed. So, you may have to spend more money on it.
5. HP Multi Jet Fusion
This type of printer uses a high-pressure liquid sent to the product, which hardens shortly after. It uses a powder that we can reuse, and we can use it in many different industries.
6. EnvisionTEC’s 3D Production System
This type of printer is ideal for creating dental models and other glasses. We print a CAD model created with this specific software layer by layer using an additive system. It establishes the model as it goes along. This 3D printer uses a laser that scans the model and turns it into a real object.
7. EnvisionTEC’s KUKA Robotic 3D Printer
This is an interesting 3D printer since it uses robotics to process faster. It places layers of powder on top of one another using a robotic arm until you get the desired product.
How to choose the best 3d printer?
Before you buy your first model, there are a few things that you should consider.
1. First, know your budget. This isn’t about how much you can spend on your 3d printer but how much you have to spend. If you have a budget, you can’t afford to pay more than that.
2. Know what type of materials you will be printing with. Plastic is the most common material used in 3d printing, and it is cheap and easy to use, but it has its limitations. Ceramic 3d printers are also available, but they require special materials.
3. Find out what type of operating system your 3d printer will use. This is important because it may determine its compatibility with other software you may want to use.
4. Consider the size of the model you want to print and how much space you have in your home or office.
5. Know if you want a 3d printer that uses filaments, resin, or a combination of both. Resin-based printers are more expensive but produce better results than most plastic-based printers.
6. Find out what type of customer service the 3d printer company offers. Ask about how many years the company has been in business and how long they have manufactured printers.
7. Know how fast a 3d printer can print a model in terms of mm/min or in /hrs. This will be an essential feature if you design models or print prototypes for clients or students.
8. Finally, there is the issue of open-source vs. commercial software. Open-source software is free, allowing you to modify the programming as you see fit. Commercial software has a fee, but it allows you to print models and use new features right out of the box.
Material widely used in 3D printing
In the research, we have revealed that the users of 3D printing are starting to realize the advantages they can gain from technology. We expect Proximity printing, direct metal laser sintering, and selective laser sintering to be helpful in the next five years.
By 2017, some companies could find a business model that enables 3D printing at home. There has been an increase in sales volume, and this was an encouraging worldwide sign. But it was not surprising that the customers who use a 3D printer to print their model are primarily in the US.
By 2022, many more people would like to print their models at home. They can find the right 3D printer for their needs with no problems. The companies also made sure that parts, spare parts, and accessories were easily accessible to build a better 3D printer.
In 2022, the sales volume will increase, and most people will buy their printers. And by that time, we expect that 3D printing technology will likely change dramatically and become more commonly used among users.
How to Make Money with 3D Printing
3D printing is on the rise, with many companies beginning to see it as a product that will make them millions of dollars. This next decade will see a new use for this technology. New businesses will require 3D printing for their creation.
The biggest growing field is in medical 3D printing. Hospitals and other medical facilities will use it to print parts that are great for patient recovery. We could use it to bring back functionality to broken bodies. It allows them to function at a level comparable to the body’s original designer. Other uses include creating prosthetics. There is the possibility of printing realistic hands and feet.
This next decade will also see a new type of business that requires 3D printing technology. The idea is that schools will print custom designs and parts to create cheaper, better-quality items. This could include things like 3D printer furniture. It replaces regular desks in crowded classrooms.
There is also a growing demand for 3D printing in entertainment. Movies have started to use 3D printing, as well as live events. The most notable example is 3D printed props for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
The Power of Arduino in 3d printing
3D printing has been the latest trend in DIY devices. We consider it the “future technology” that we can use to print 3D objects. The Arduino series is one of the most popular open-source electronics platforms. RayMing PCB and Assembly use it widely in various fields such as building robots, making smart home appliances, etc.
The software and hardware of Arduino 3d printer projects are open sources and very easy to use. Many of its hardware design files are available for free download on its official website. Additionally, Arduino developers release several tutorials that help users build Arduino-based projects. With Arduino, it is easy to make your 3D printer more functional and expand its capabilities.
Best 3d printer projects
1. 3D Harry Potter Wands
Harry Potter fans will surely love these cool 3D printer projects. You can print your replica of the wands used by Harry Potter and other wizards in the movie. We design the wands in .obj format to import your favorite 3D printer software. And by using 3D printing technology, you no longer have to cast a spell to turn your design into reality.
2. DIY Tweezers
Tweezers are essential in 3D printer projects for beginners. We can use them to hold things too small for our hands to hold. And even though you can easily buy one in a pharmacy or hardware, you will surely love this particular tweezers project. This 3D printer project lets you print your customized tweezers in different sizes, designs, and colors.
3. Easy to Assemble Hafted Axe with Single-Handed Axe Handle
The hafted ax is a weapon that was a standard tool in medieval times. It is a type of hand ax that Vikings have popularly used. You attach the blade to the handle and throw it at enemies or use it for chopping.
4. 3D printed Star Wars Lightsaber
No need to use the force to strike fear into your enemy! With this 3d print project, you can create your replica of Darth Vader’s lightsaber. Make the handle inspired by Star Wars, and print the blade.
5. 3D Fake Nails
With the high demand for synthetic nails, you can easily buy a pack of fake nails in the market. But, why buy them when you can make them using 3d printing? You can print your three-dimensional fake nails. It is also easy to find colorful fake nails online and design your funky look.
6. 3D printed Hand Drum
This 3D print project is a creative and valuable instrument that adults and children can play. It looks like a real hand drum made with plastic, but it is a 3D printed copy. This makes it easy to play without holding the drum stick in your hands.
7. 3D printed Zombie Face Mask
Zombies are the popular monsters of TV and movies. If you are looking for a scary costume, this 3D print project of a zombie face mask is definitely up to the mark. It looks like a transparent plastic mask which makes it look real and natural. Once you wear it, you will baffle your friends with your taste for a costume!
8. 3D Printed Earrings
This is perfect for women who love design and fashion. This 3D printer project is sure to make you stand out in the crowd. You can make 3D-printed earrings with a design of your choice. It is also very easy to find designs in different colors and styles online. The demand is steadily growing for 3D-printed earrings because of their uniqueness. This can be the start of a successful business!
9. 3D Printed Camera Lens Coffee Mug
This 3D print project is for those who love photography and coffee. It is a camera lens coffee mug, perfect as a gift for your best friend and photographer. Aside from the camera lens, you can also print the flash and tripod mount of this mug, which makes it look like a real camera lens.
10. Tablet Stand or the Sturdy Smartphone
Such a simple stand fits smartphones, tablets, or other portable devices. This is perfect for the bookworm who wants to read in bed without a book. You can print this stand from home using your 3D printer. Just follow the design and print it with your favorite software.
11. 3D Printed Picture Frame
This is another creative project that you can create with your printer. To make this picture frame, follow the detailed instructions for the printer model you have purchased on Amazon. You will print your picture frame and gain valuable experience for other 3D printing projects.
12. Miniature Diorama
If you love to collect figurines, this mini diorama can make an excellent display for your collection. It is a tiny display that manufacturers design on a small scale. One can easily print it using your 3D printer. You can also print it with different colors and styles that you want. It is perfect for interestingly displaying action figures and dolls.
13. Loudspeaker or Phone Amp for Boosting the volume
You can also use your 3D printer to create phone amplifiers. You can do this by simply printing a box-shaped structure and adding an extra base to support the amplifier. The inside of the box is full of paper capable of blocking outside noise. This will work fine as a phone amplifier, or you can also use it as a mini loudspeaker to boost the volume from your device.
14. Create Your Wallet
With this 3D printer project, you can make your wallet, complete with card and money holders. You can choose from different designs that you find online. A 3D printed wallet is undoubtedly easier to create than the common one, which uses leather or cloth. This is because it needs no sewing and has no loose ends to deal with.
15. Desk Cable Holder
This is the solution to a common problem—unsightly and messy cables on your desk. If you have many cables, you can try this 3D printer project on your super printer. You can make a holder for all of your cables that will help you keep your desk neat.
16. Miniature Chess Set
This can be a fun and creative addition to your collection, which you can display at home or in your living room. This 3D print project is easy to do, and it is not very time-consuming, as it only takes 2–3 hours to complete the whole project.
17. DIY Cheroots Cigar Holder
Do you want a holder to keep your cigar in place while working? This 3D printed project will give you just that. Aside from cigars, you can also use them for pens, pencils, markers, and any other office supplies. If you love smoking a cigar after dinner, this project is perfect for you.
18. 3D Architectural Models
It is essential to make 3D architectural models if you are a creative or a designer. You can use these models in architecture and design, and we can use them to show clients and employers what your works look like. If you have good skills in 3d modeling, this project is definitely up to the mark for you.
Benefits of using a 3D printer
If you want to know more about 3D printers, it is essential to learn the uses and benefits of these printers. Using a 3D printer, you can produce almost anything you want efficiently. It is necessary to understand that there are many benefits of using a 3D printer or having one at home. We have listed some of the most common benefits here for your consideration:
1. Saves Time
3D printers can make things much more quickly than regular machines. The printing speed is very fast, and the finished product is high quality. There is no need to wait for someone else to do the job for you. If you have a printer at home, you can use it for various projects and print anything you desire. You can even print your replacement parts!
2. Saves money
When using a 3D printer, you do not have to buy different products. The printer allows you to make anything easier, saving you money and make free 3d printer projects. For example, if you need a replacement part for your machine that is not available in the market, you can print it using your 3d printer.
3. Unique Designs
One significant benefit for 3D printers is the uniqueness of their designs. You can get an idea from a sample image, and then you can print it at home. The design of a product or a part is not as crucial to 3D printers as other products.
4. You Can Print Your Design
3D printers allow you to create your designs, which will make your machine look much more appealing. You do not have to rely on others to design the product that you want printing. You can create it yourself and print it as many times as you want.
5. High-Quality Printing
3D printers produce high-quality finished products, which are very durable. Some of the parts you print can be very complex, so they need to be high quality to give you good results. Again, the 3D printer will not compromise the quality of the product. There is no one around to supervise its performance while printing. You can expect the same output quality regardless of when or where you use it.
6. High-Precision Printing
Another benefit of having a 3D printer is that it allows you to have high-precision designs. You do not have to rely on other people to make a precise design for you. The printer will create the parts and products with exact specifications, perfect for your needs.
7. Versatility of Use
Another benefit of using a 3D printer is that it makes their tools more versatile. You can use your tool in many fields such as engineering, construction, architecture, or making other things at home.
8. Hot End Temperature Control
This particular benefit is more important for industrial machines like 3D printers. Heat can cause damage to the parts if you do not control them properly. The printer can control the temperature of the hot end, so it can print the model without damaging it.
9. Open-Source Software
3D printers use open-source software that allows you to make adjustments to the design of a product according to your needs. You can make changes and then print them easily, making this software even more interesting for people like you.
10. Energy and Water Conservation
3D printers do not require a lot of water or energy to complete a project. They are very energy and water-efficient, and we can use them in different environments.
Legalities of 3D Printing
Many countries are still debating about the legalities of this technology. There is no doubt that we will use them a lot in the future, but it is not legal in every country just yet. Before you start using a 3D printer, it is essential to know what the laws and regulations say about it. Obtaining a 3D printer can be risky in some countries, and you need to be ready for that. 3D Printing and Trademarks
In some countries, it is illegal to use the name of a trademarked product without the written consent of its owner. This rule applies to many products, including vehicles, aircraft, and buildings. You cannot use trademarks in your designs without the owner’s consent.
Product Liability
There are no laws that cover product liability for 3D printing. When you print products, you will have to learn how to use the product safely. It includes taking care of your printer and making sure that it is clean at all times. The legalities of using a 3D printer vary from country to country. So, you need to check with your local authorities before deciding on whether to use it or not.
Product Aesthetics
In some countries such as Canada, it is illegal to fill in empty spaces on objects with plastic. You will have to be careful while creating your designs to avoid trouble. It is best to avoid using any trademark images or other copyrighted material. It is essential to learn the laws and regulations that apply to your country before using a 3D printer.
Conclusion
3D printing is one of the newest technologies sweeping worldwide with incredible speed. Those who want to use it will have an easier time finding a suitable 3D printer than other technologies that have been available for longer. If this tech is interesting to you, you will learn that you can use it in many different areas. It can help you make more money in the future.
