3D printing is the creation of any physical object based on its 3D computer model with the help of a 3D printer.
3D printing is carried out in different ways, using different materials. Today 3D printing technologies have gone far ahead, and with the help of 3D printer the most unexpected things are created: food, musical instruments, clothes and shoes, and even people’s organs! Interested? Read more in the article “3D printing: the most unexpected things created on a 3D printer“.
The standard materials used for 3D printing are PLA and ABS plastic, as well as PVA plastic and nylon. Read more about the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of these materials in our blog article “Materials for 3d printer“.
Many people think that3D printing is easy and simple. However, quality 3D printing requires at least minimal technological skills and experience. It is even better if the 3D printer is familiar with computer programs for 3D modeling.
After installing the 3D printer, it will take some time before you customize it to your own needs so that the output is the result (physical object) that would really satisfy you.
KOLORO has the best 3D printing specialists (3D printers, mechanics, technologists, 3D modelers), so we can guarantee quality 3D printing.
Misconceptions about 3D printing
1. The most common misconception is that you can print anything on a 3D printer.
Unfortunately, this is not the case, at least for today. Although, itis indeedpossible toprint alot of thingson the 3D printer.3d printing has certain limitations that put certain boundaries of 3D printing. And if you are not experienced in 3D printing, then you may encounter these problems on the way to getting the desired result. You can read about the most common 3D printer problems, their causes and how to fix them in the article “5 most common 3D printing problems and how to deal with them“.
3D printing has the following limitations:
- Object size – it is impossible to print parts that are too small, and especially small hollow parts.
- Geometry, 3D model shapes – since special supports are built for overhanging and protruding parts of the model, it is necessary to take into account that the object will need further processing. In addition, it is also necessary to take into account the fact that it is quite difficult to remove some supports, which in turn may lead to spoilage of the model surface.
- The base of the object must be flat. If the base of the 3D model is not flat, then when printing on a 3D printer there may be a problem of material peeling off the working surface. To prevent this from happening, again a special construction (substrate) – raft is used. When removing the raft from the surface of the object, some damage is also possible.
- Any 3D printer has its own limitations of the working field – these are the maximum dimensions for printing. If the object model exceeds these dimensions, it will be necessary to “cut” the 3D model into several pieces, print each of them separately on the 3D printer, and then glue them together and carry out the necessary work on finalization (sanding, etc.).
In addition, many people think that sending a finished prototype product for 3D printing will be enough to get a copy of it, but 3D printing on a 3D printer requires a 3D model of the desired product. That is why many people who want to print something for themselves face a new problem: where to get a 3D model?
For example, the KOLORO company offers its services in 3D modeling, but some customers are not ready to pay for this work and therefore refuse 3D printing at all.
2. Color printing on a 3D printer
Many times we have already encountered the fact that ordinary people want to print for themselves or as a gift some colorful object (it was the cases for phones, and key chains, and even models of children’s toys). The main problem with color printing is that it is expensive. For some reason everyone thought that printing a color object on a 3D printer is as easy and cheap as printing a monochrome object. However, this is not the case. Why?
Color 3D printing, which really allows you to convey the exact colors of the product, is only used in expensive laser powder bed 3D printers. This equipment and printing technology is expensive, making individual small projects unprofitable. In addition, these 3D printers are constantly busy working on large projects.
If still the desire and need to print a color model of the customer is high, we offer the client a cheaper method of 3D printing layer-by-layer build-up with subsequent refinement – by painting the model.
An alternative to the second option (painting the model) is to print in color on an inkjet printer using multiple print heads, or to pause the printing and replace the plastic with the desired color, or to paint the plastic bar itself.
3. Durability of printed objects on a 3D printer.
As for durability, it can be different, depending on the plastic used. Naturally, a molded model will be stronger than a model printed on a 3D printer. But if the object is printed without cavities, so to speak with 100% filling, it will be strong enough and it will take a lot of effort to break or damage such a finished product.
4. Printed models do not need to be finalized.
In fact, 3D printed products require further processing. Since the surface is obtained with small burrs, ridges, roughnesses, and pop-ups, mechanical processing is required (cleaning from the substrate, backing, deburring, sanding, surface smoothing, etc.). Sometimes chemical treatment is used – soaking the product in solvent, treatment with acetone vapor, etc.
5. Buying a 3D printer for home use.
More and more calls are coming in asking where to buy a 3D printer and which 3D printer is best to choose.
Another misconception is that people want to buy a 3D printer for their own needs and print various objects at home. Why is this unprofitable? If only because for home purposes 3D printer, as a rule, buy a cheap, Chinese. And buying a cheap 3D printer, you are sure to face the problem of poor quality 3D printing. Moreover, cheap printers from China fail faster.
Good and quality printing requires technological skills and experience. Any printer needs to be studied from the inside out, understanding all its settings and calibrations. And sometimes this can take months.
Exactly, that is why you should not assume that buying a 3D printer for yourself and doing 3D printing at home is profitable without having a good business plan.
KOLORO guarantees the high quality of 3D printed models. Our technologists and engineers have managed to set up production in such a way that it works in a constant mode, and without defects.
One of the main directions in 3D printing forus is the production of the device enclosure, creation of the master model and presentation layout. We can help you create a device enclosure that fully meets your needs.
If you want to print an object on a 3D printer, but do not have a 3D model of it, our 3D modelers and designers will create a digital 3D model in the shortest possible time. Of course, the terms will depend on the complexity of the model, but for experienced professionals nothing is impossible!
Call us by phone: +38-(057)-760-26-05, +38-(099)-618-87-50, or contact us on questions of 3D printing and 3D modeling to our mailbox info@koloro.ua. If you already have a ready 3D-model of the product, attach its file to the letter, and then our consultants will be able to quickly calculate the cost and terms of the services you are interested in.
