3D printing which can also be referred to as additive manufacturing is a process that involves using a digital file to make objects with three dimensions. To achieve this creation, the additive process plays a huge role.

The additive process involves creating an object laying down sequential beds on the material until you finally have the desired object created. In this article, we will be informing how 3D printers work and some of the technology that they adopt.

So how exactly do 3D printers work?

Like very many other technological processes, before creating anything, you must first have its practical design. The case is also true while using 3D printers. An example of a virtual design can be Computer Aided Design also known as CAD, which has its creation from using a scanner or an application used for modelling.

What are some of the technologies that 3D scanners use?

With the growth in technology, it is no surprise that various types of technologies have been used in the making of 3D scanners. Some of these technologies include volumetric scanning and time of flight amongst many others. In the recent time, giants like Google and
Microsoft has chipped in by enabling some of their devices to undertake 3D scanning processes.
An example of this is the Microsoft’s kinetics. With the direction through which technology is taking the world, it will not take a long time before people can be able to digitise real objects into 3D models in an easier way. Perhaps easier like taking a picture of the object.

What about softwares?

Just as the technologies used in creating them, the software that is used to create 3D scanners come in many forms. The software ranges from price to price. Some can cost you a lot of money regarding the expenses of licensing per year while others can be cheaper or available free such as Blender.

The type of software you use for your printer will depend on your level and knowledge of operating them. For example, if you are a beginner, you will use a different software as compared to one that a professional will use.

How do you get started with this technology?

It may involve you starting by asking yourself where you want to start learning. You must decide whether you only want to focus on the hardware bit of the printer or you want to create objects.

This will again depend on the amount of money that you have for spending in learning how to work with 3D printers. If you have a tight budget, you can choose to acquire cheap 3D printers and start from there.

Various 3D printers use various types of technologies and software. In addition to that, you can use different methods of printing. A good example is using an additive. The type of method you use will determine the creation of the final object.

Overall, you can start learning how 3D printers work better by acquiring one. You do not have to break the bank to achieve this, as there are some cheap printers for beginners in the market today.