What is 3D Printing : How does 3D Printing Work?

Did you ever wonder what is 3d printing or additive manufacturing? 

   How does this technology works and what are its benefits?

As the name suggest, 3D Printing works on the same principle as of 2D Printing (X&Y Dimensions). The only difference is it just adds one more dimension the Z- Dimension. 3D Printer machine builds parts by converting a digital model into a physical three-dimensional object by adding material layer by layer.

Due to this process of adding material, 3D Printing is also known as "Additive Manufacturing". It fundamentally differs the way of producing parts compared to traditional subtractive (CNC machining) or formative (Injection molding) manufacturing technologies.

• The process of 3D Printing begins with a computer-generated 3D Model also known as CAD (Computer Aided Design) which we can say is the blueprint of the physical object. The most popular and commonly used designing software are SolidWorks, PTC Creo, Revit, AutoCAD, Netfabb, Rhino, CATIA. This all software vary in functions and are dedicated to some particular industrial sector.

• Now in next step this digital model is converted/exported into .STL(stereolithography) file format. This format is usually used in all the 3D Printer. It is also known as "Standard Tessellation Language".

• Then this .stl file goes to 3d printer software where it is sliced into thin 2-dimensional layers and then turned into a set of instructions in machine language called G-code for the printer to execute printing. 

• The printer then prints the object by adding layer of selected material like plastic, metal, ceramics and many more. Once the object is printed it then undergoes post processing in which the object's surface finish is improved by various processes.