The interest and popularity of 3D printing is growing every day, with more and more people purchasing or planning to purchase a 3D printer for their homes. However, what are the real possibilities of home 3D printing? It is still drowning in myths.
The fact is that most 3D printers designed for home use work on FDM technology.
FDM(Fused Deposition Modeling ) is a technology of layer-by-layer build-up of a prototype from engineering-grade thermoplastic.
That’s why all the myths around home 3D printing are about this particular technology.
10 myths about home 3D printing
1. You can print anything you want
A 3D printer is a unique invention and there is no arguing with that, but not everything can be printed on it. Limitations are related to printing resolution, the size and geometry of the object, and the dimensions of the printing field. It is impossible to print small parts smaller than the nozzle of a 3D printer. In addition, due to the rapid application of one layer of material to the next (before the layer cools down), the geometry of the object may be affected. When printing overhanging elements of an object, support structures (Supports) are required, which can be difficult to remove later if they are printed from the same material as the main model and again distort the surface.
Since there is a high probability that the model will peel off the desktop surface, a flat model base is a prerequisite for successful printing. Models that do not have a flat base can be printed using Raft (a special substrate), but removing the substrate can also damage the surface of the model.
A model larger than the size of the print bed cannot be printed at one time. Very long thin surfaces may scuff at the edges of the print bed. The only way out is to print the model in pieces, which will then have to be glued together.
2. Printing assemblies
For example, it is impossible to print an assembly such as a bolt with a nut screwed onto it using FDM technology. The bolt and nut will simply fuse together, as a result of lack of the necessary precision. Such a mechanism can only be printed separately – separately bolt, separately nut.
3. Full-color printing
It is not yet possible to print “full-color” at home, you can use two or more colors, but you need several printheads or you need to change the bar during the printing process. It is possible to mix colors, but it is still not possible to get a sharp color transition.
4. Non-strength of printed parts
The strength of the part depends on whether the force was applied along or across the layers during the printing process. The fill percentage of the part will also affect the strength of the part. However, if the fill is 100%, even a real gun can be printed.
5. There is no need to process printed models
The surface of the printed object is far from ideal, it is ribbed, with burrs and burrs. To smooth such a surface it is necessary to apply mechanical (sanding, cutting off burrs) and/or chemical treatment (solvent bath). Puttying is often necessary, especially if the part will be used to create reverse shapes (relinking).
6. The technology is waste-free
Of course, if we compare it with milling, there is much less waste, because the object is built up, not obtained by removing excess from the whole material. However, there will still be waste: various kinds of substrates, skirts, supports. During downtime, plastic may leak out of the nozzle, there is a high percentage of rejects, at the end of the reel of plastic, there is a tail, unsuitable for use in the printing process.
7. High printer price
Expensive to purchase a printer. There are relatively inexpensive 3D printer options, but they are time-consuming for the printing process. In addition, maintaining a printer is quite a hassle. Spare parts, as a rule, simply cannot be found either in Ukraine or in Russia.
8. Simplicity of technology
It is not possible to plug in a printer and start 3D printing right away. You need to gain experience first. The printer cannot be left unattended for a second during the printing process, so supervision by an experienced printer is required.
9. Building a business in 3D printing
It is possible to build a business, but you will not get much profit, since there is not much demand for printed products. Printing is relevant for personalized objects, small-scale production, prototyping. But do not forget about the non-ideal surface of the object and the need for its subsequent processing to give the object a marketable appearance.
10. A 3D printer will soon be in every home
In order to print a model, it must first be modeled. However, not everyone has 3D modeling skills. Printing other people’s models is not for everyone. It’s like buying a sewing machine if you don’t know how to sew.
There are still a lot of problems with home 3D printing. But do not hurry to get upset, progress does not stand still, and who knows, maybe in the near future we will still be able to print anything without leaving the house.
But while it is impossible, do not despair, you can use the services of experts in the field of 3D printing. If you need to print something on a 3D printer, branding agency KOLORO will do it for you. Qualitatively, quickly and inexpensively will provide you with 3D modeling services and 3D printing!
