If you are new to the world of physical printing, you may wonder how 3D printers are made. Some of the best printers are 3D printers, and these models are more complicated than their 2D cousins. So, how do the best 3D printers work, and how are they made? Keep reading to find out.
Key Takeaways_
- These printers use filaments (raw materials), extrusion nozzles, print beds, and various moving parts to create physical objects (3D models) layer by layer from a digital file.
- Many actual parts of these printers are made with larger and business-focused 3D printers.
- Traditional manufacturing methods, including assembly lines, round out the building process when it comes to 3D printing technology.
3D Printers Defined
Before learning how to use a 3D printer, it is helpful to understand the role of 3D printing. These gadgets build 3D renderings of physical objects, layer by layer. Some objects take hours or even days to complete if you are learning how long can a 3D printer run.
The objects are made with filament, which is extruded via a dedicated nozzle or using a vat of resin to print onto the print bed. The print bed helps keep the object sturdy as it is being built if you are wondering how hot a 3D printer bed should be.
How Are These Printers Made?
There are a number of advanced manufacturing processes working in tandem to bring this type of printer to the market. Let’s take a look at some of these concepts.
3D Printers
Wait, what? It is true. Many 3D printers are built using larger and more capable 3D printers. Or rather, the manufacturing process leverages a number of printers to create various components, which are then put together via more traditional building methods.
Remember, these printers were a huge hit in the industrial and commercial sectors long before they were ever shrunken down for the home market. It takes time to design and prototype a printer for consumer use.
Modular Manufacturing
These printers tend to feature a number of swappable parts, like print beds, extrusion nozzles, and filament tanks. If a company makes a large number of printers, it is highly likely they are swapping out these components via modular manufacturing.
In other words, the glass bed of one model likely easily fits into another model by the same company. This is a common practice across the entire technology sector.
Good Old-Fashioned Assembly
The printers are finished via good old-fashioned assembly. This can be done on a traditional assembly line or completed by hand for limited batch releases.
This is typically the final stage of the manufacturing process, as the finished parts are put together and inspected by qualified professionals.
Finally, the machines are packaged and shipped to retailers, distributors, or directly to the customer.
This isn’t the last step, however, as good companies will have strong after-purchase support. This can come in the form of customer support, troubleshooting guides, and other resources to assist the user in the use and upkeep of their printer.
The company should also provide firmware updates to keep the printer running smoothly or add new features.
