Understand 3D Printing in 4 Minutes

GoPeer
GoPeer
Sep 6, 2018 · 4 min read
There are many different forms of 3D Printing. This article will focus on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), the most popular method of 3D printing. Written by a GoPeer tutor. Learn more here.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most popular method of 3D printing. FDM is a process which uses a virtual design to custom manufacture three dimensional objects, as long as they physically fit within the 3D printer. This computer innovation is used in many industries, such as fashion, medicine, architecture, and automobile, to design prototypes, customize apparel and implants, and create parts for consumer products.

First, take a look at this simple graphic…

In this graphic, a sequence of seven images provide an abstraction for FDM’s function, specifically the pre-processing and production phase. At the bottom, you can see the societal effects of this technology.

The Process of 3D Printing Explained

A laptop displays a CAD model

First, a user creates a computer aided design (CAD) model, a three dimensional raster image. Before moving to the production phase, this CAD file must be transformed into a layered format, a stereolithography file (STL file). Done automatically by online software, this transformation occurs by triangulating and faceting the CAD model, a process called “tessellation” [3]. Triangle vertices are assigned an X,Y, Z coordinate. The smaller the triangles, the higher resolution of the model. Finally, the user determines the layer thickness (usually .10 to .33 mm) and the same online software horizontally slices the STL format. Presented in ASCII or binary format, this dataset of XYZ coordinates is used by the FDM machine, the 3D printer, to direct the extruder nozzle movement along the cartesian plane [3].

In the next four images, the nozzle extrudes molten plastic layer by layer as the base plate lowers and the plastic hardens when finished.

The Effects of 3D Printing Explained

As represented by the price tag, computer, and spool image, FDM printer materials are widely available and affordable. An FDM printer can be assembled for less than $400, printing filament often costs less than $50, and online design applications are often free [8]. On the left, the thumbs up, student, and school represent the beginner friendly nature of many of these design tools. Through affordability and user-friendly technology, FDM has given manufacturing capabilities to a large global population, including hobbyists, schools, inventors, designers, and everyday people.

Propellor for hobby airplane

FDM has, and can continue to have, a beneficial effect on the economy by making the manufacturing industry more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and efficient. Because it is an additive process (adds material), FDM uses less material and creates far less waste than traditional subtractive manufacturing processes (chisel away material) or modern injection molding processes (need a mold). FDM can easily create hollow or honeycomb structures, making products 60% lighter but just as sturdy as normal, machined products [7]. In addition, FDM accessibility allows consumers to manufacture products where they are needed, thus eliminating need for transport. As a result, FDM can give companies “cost savings of up to 70%” while also being more eco-friendly [7].

One negative effect of FDM is that it can produce unhealthy air emissions. During the production phase, 3D printing machines emit between 20–200 billion airborne particle per minute. When inhaled, these particles can seep into the bloodstream, posing a significant health risk to all users, especially for people with asthma.

Another negative effect deals with data privacy. Because STL files can include data for any object, FDM presents a major data privacy concern. A user can design an STL file which replicates a copyrighted product, thus infringing on copyright and intellectual property. This STL file can then be uploaded to an online repository, such as 3DShare, and downloaded and printed by anyone [2]. With these counterfeit products, users infringe on the intellectual property of the original designer. There is little available technology to regulate online STL files through watermarks or encrypting [2]. This digital piracy is comparable to illegal reproduction in the music and movie industries.

Works Cited

1) 3DEDGEmedia. “What Is FDM 3D Printing Technology | Fused Deposition Modeling Additive Manufacturing.” YouTube, Proto3000, 9 Mar. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxLjDNrQBgs.

2) Baker, Pam. “3D Printers: IT’s Next Great Data Challenge — InformationWeek.” InformationWeek, UBM Technology, 27 Aug. 2015, www.informationweek.com/big-data/3d-printers-its-next-great-data-challenge/a/d-id/1321934?page_number=2.

3) Eragubi, Munir. “Slicing 3D CAD Model in STL Format and Laser Path Generation.” International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, Aug. 2013, pp. 410–413. doi:10.7763/ijimt.2013.v4.431.

4) Gilpin, Lyndsey. “The Dark Side of 3D Printing: 10 Things to Watch.” TechRepublic, CBS Interactive, 31 July 2015, www.techrepublic.com/article/the-dark-side-of-3d-printing-10-things-to-watch/.

5) Nanalyze, Joe. “3D Printing Software — Who Are the Main Players? — Nanalyze.” Nanalyze, 26 Nov. 2016, www.nanalyze.com/2016/11/3d-printing-software/.

6) Scott, Clare. “Can 3D Printing Save the World? A Look at 3D Printing and the Environment.” 3DPrint.Com, 3DR Holdings, LLC, 9 Aug. 2016, 3dprint.com/144928/3d-printing-environmental/.

7) Tamarjan, Daniel. “9 Benefits of 3D Printing.” Augmented Tomorrow, JUSTWRITE, 22 Jan. 2013, augmentedtomorrow.com/9-benefits-3d-printing/.

8) “Types of 3D Printers or 3D Printing Technologies Overview.” 3D Printing from Scratch, 2 Feb. 2016, 3dprintingfromscratch.com/common/types-of-3d-printers-or-3d-printing-technologies-overview/#fdm.

GoPeer

The GoPeer Blog is the official blog of GoPeer, a company which connects K-12 students to college students for in-person tutoring lessons.

GoPeer

Written by

GoPeer

Find college students to tutor K-12 students.

GoPeer

GoPeer

The GoPeer Blog is the official blog of GoPeer, a company which connects K-12 students to college students for in-person tutoring lessons.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade