Parts of a 3-D Printer

Since I keep throwing around the idea of 3-D printing, and its applications, as well as the process of building one, but haven't really discussed how they work or there parts. In doing this I hope that it will be easier to understand the topics I discuss in my blog.

A basic explanation on how a 3-D printer works

The process of printing a objects begins with designing a item in a 3-D modeling program such as Blender or downloading a file from the internet. This item is represented as a whole object so you have to get it into g-code to send to the printer. G-code splits the object into hundreds or thousands of layers of 2 dimensional shapes that stack together on the printer to create the object. This code is then sent to the 3-d printer driver.

Frame- For my 3D printer I am using a melamine or acrylic frame that us bolted together with metal rods. These rods transfer motion from the stepper motors to the extruder or hot end.

Printer Control Board- This board transfer the g-code to the motors. The board tells how many steps the motors need to take, the extruder speed, the hot end temperature, the heated bed temperature and much more. All of the electronic components are connected to this.

Extruder- This part of the printer is supported on the printers gantry. It pushes the filament through the hot end to be melted into a object. I currently plan on using a single extruder but may evolve to a dual extruder later on to print two colors at once. Thats the great thing about having a 3-D printer, you can improve it however you want!

Filament- This is the source of your printers object. Since spontaneous creation is still impossible the material has to come from somewhere. Typically packaged on a continuous roll and available i hundreds of colors and materials filament decides what your objects will be made of.

Motors- These motors, NEMA 17 stepper motors in my case, control all of the motion on the printer. Upon each electrical signal they move one step, 1.8°. The motors have to work in sync, all 4 of the motors required for motion to have a successful and accurate print.

Heated Bed- Although considered a optional component a heated bed is one of the best upgrades o make to your printer. Having one allows to print in more materials as the can keep the parts warm enough to melt together without cracking. The bed heats glass that the pieces are printed on.

I hope that this has helped you have a deeper understanding in the components of 3-D printing.

A quick video description from CNN is available here.

Look for more on the electronics next week.