This book is an introduction to the wide and varied world of 3D printing―an incredible technology used across an ever-growing list of industries. As 3D printing continues to skyrocket in popularity, it’s increasingly important to understand how these machines work and how to apply 3D printing technology to personal and professional interests. More important still, this book highlights how surprisingly easy 3D printers can be to use, even for readers who don’t consider themselves particularly tech-savvy.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of 3D printing for first-time users. The text introduces some of the most popular types of 3D printing technology available, as well as some of the most exciting and compelling applications across industry today. The content dives deeply into one of the most popular and widely accessible 3D print technology on the market: fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. The reader will learn basic FDM 3D printer anatomy, software settings, as well as the tips and tricks to master your own FDM 3D printer. The book provides a firm understanding of what FDM 3D printing excels at, its current limitations, and how to troubleshoot and overcome some of the most common 3D printing problems. The book then provides some ‘STEAM-building’ cross-disciplinary challenges and applications for the reader to complete at home.
This book is for novice readers who might be early in their 3D printing journey. For those looking to learn more about introductory 3D printing and curious about how to get started, this is an excellent place to start. By the end of the book, the reader should have all the understanding and tools necessary to start 3D printing with confidence.
Author(s): Tyler Kerr
Series: Synthesis Lectures on Digital Circuits & Systems
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 182
City: Cham
Preface
Approach of the Book
Acknowledgements
Contents
About the Author
1 3D Printing 101
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Overview
1.3 What is 3D Printing?
1.4 History of 3D Printing
1.5 Common Categories of 3D Printing
1.5.1 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM/FFF)
1.5.2 Stereolithography (SLA)
1.5.3 Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
1.5.4 Material Jetting (MJ)
1.6 Summary
1.7 Chapter Problems
References
2 3D Printing Applications Across Industry
2.1 Objectives
2.2 Overview
2.3 Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing
2.4 Education and Academic Research
2.5 Art, Fashion, and Jewelry
2.6 Food and Nutrition
2.7 Healthcare
2.8 Housing
2.9 Automotive
2.10 Aerospace
2.11 Summary
2.12 Chapter Problems
References
3 FDM 3DP Limitations
3.1 Objectives
3.2 Strength and Benefits of FDM
3.2.1 Affordability
3.2.2 Ease of Use
3.2.3 Speed
3.2.4 Flexibility
3.2.5 Applications
3.2.6 Scalability
3.3 Weaknesses and Limitations of FDM
3.3.1 Quality, Surface Finish, and Post-Processing
3.3.2 Accuracy
3.3.3 Longer Print Times
3.3.4 Anisotropy and Strength
3.3.5 Print Volume
3.3.6 Consumer Safety
3.3.7 Regular Maintenance
3.4 Summary
3.5 Chapter Problems
References
4 FDM 3D Printing
4.1 Objectives
4.2 How FDM 3D Printing Works
4.3 Variations in FDM 3D Printer Designs
4.4 Getting Started with FDM 3D Printing
4.4.1 Step 1: “Slice” the File
4.4.2 Step 2: Load the Material
4.4.3 Step 3: Start Printing
4.4.4 Step 4: Post-Processing
4.5 Common Cartesian Printer Anatomy
4.5.1 A Basic Overview
4.5.2 Axes of Movement
4.5.3 Hot End Assembly
4.5.4 Key Components
4.6 Summary
4.7 Chapter Problems
References
5 Affordable Desktop 3D Printers
5.1 Objectives
5.2 Popular Brands
5.2.1 Prusa
5.2.2 Ultimaker
5.2.3 Creality
5.2.4 Lulzbot
5.2.5 Flashforge
5.2.6 Monoprice
5.3 Getting Started with Prusa
5.3.1 Why Prusas?
5.3.2 Capabilities
5.3.3 General Anatomy
5.3.4 Prusa Hot End Assembly
5.4 Summary
5.5 Chapter Problems
References
6 Common 3D Printing Materials
6.1 Objectives
6.2 PLA (Polylactic Acid)
6.3 ABS (Acetonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
6.4 PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
6.5 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
6.6 Specialty Filaments and Their Applications
6.7 Summary
6.8 Chapter Problems
References
7 From 3D Object to Physical 3D Print: Slicing Software
7.1 Objectives
7.2 What are Slicers? What is G-Code?
7.3 Where to Find 3D Models
7.4 CAD Models
7.5 Popular Slicers and How to Get Started
7.6 Navigating Slicers
7.6.1 Selecting Your Printer
7.6.2 Importing a 3D Model
7.6.3 Moving, Rotating, Scaling, and Arranging 3D Models
7.7 Print and Quality Settings Panels
7.7.1 Quality Settings
7.7.2 Profiles (Layer Height)
7.7.3 Infill Density
7.7.4 Supports
7.7.5 Build Plate Adhesion
7.8 Viewing Your Selected Settings
7.9 Important Parameters to Consider
7.10 Slicer Tips and Tricks
7.11 Summary
7.12 Chapter Problems
References
8 Advanced Slicer Settings
8.1 Objectives
8.2 Overview
8.3 Cura’s Custom Settings Panel
8.3.1 Quality
8.3.2 Walls
8.3.3 Top/Bottom
8.3.4 Infill
8.3.5 Material
8.3.6 Speed
8.3.7 Travel
8.3.8 Cooling
8.3.9 Support
8.3.10 Build Plate Adhesion
8.3.11 Special Modes
8.3.12 Experimental
8.4 Troubleshooting Common Issues
8.4.1 Print Not Sticking to the Build Plate
8.4.2 Print is Warping or Peeling Off the Build Plate
8.4.3 Print is Stringing or Oozing
8.4.4 Print Has Shifted During Printing
8.4.5 Print is Under-Extruding or Not Extruding Enough Material
8.4.6 Print Has Support Scarring
8.4.7 Print Has Undesired Wavy Lines or Ripples on Surfaces
8.4.8 3D Printer is Clogged
8.4.9 3D Printer Has Stopped Midway Through the Project
8.4.10 3D Printer Filament is Grinding
8.4.11 Extruder is Moving Erratically
8.4.12 Nozzle is Scraping the Build Plate
8.5 Summary
8.6 Chapter Problems
References
9 Preparing to Print
9.1 Objectives
9.2 General Overview
9.2.1 Double-Checking Your Slicer Settings
9.2.2 Navigating the Menu
9.2.3 Loading Filament
9.2.4 Starting Your Print
9.2.5 Unloading and Storing Filament
9.3 Best Practices
9.4 Summary
9.5 Chapter Problems
References
10 ‘Steam-Building’ Exercises
10.1 Objectives
10.2 Science Application: Digitizing Fossils
10.2.1 A Paleontological Puzzle: Whale Diets Through Time
10.2.2 Comparing Cats and Dogs
10.2.3 The True Size of a Megalodon
10.3 Technology Application: Prototyping a Prosthetic Hand
10.3.1 Downloading the Prosthetic Files
10.3.2 3D Printing Instructions
10.3.3 Additional Material
10.3.4 Assembly
10.3.5 What’s Next?
10.4 Engineering Application: 3D Printed Arduino Robot
10.4.1 3D Printing the Otto Robot .STL Files
10.4.2 Assembling and Coding Otto
10.5 Art Application: Diy Musical Instruments
10.5.1 Woodwinds
10.5.2 Brass Instruments
10.5.3 Percussion Instruments
10.5.4 String Instruments
10.6 Math Application: Visualizing Math
10.6.1 Geometry
10.6.2 Calculus and Abstract Math
10.6.3 Mathematical Art
10.7 Summary
10.8 Chapter Problems
References
Resources
Index
