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Kee Choi
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Throughout this guide, you will find information about parts of a 3D printer, the process of 3D printing, how to create and find your own prints/print files, and printing at the School of Medicine Library located inside the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV.
3D printing is the process of creating three-dimensional tangible objects from a digital design. Additive manufacturing is the process of creating three-dimensional objects one layer at a time. Using an extruder the 3D printer will heat up a material (filament) and melt it. Each layer bonding to the previous layer. The material may be in various forms of plastic or resin. Different types of 3D printers use different types of materials and each material has different properties.
Common parts of 3D printers:
Build Plate: Foundation on which prints are built. Also known as, print bed or heated build plate.
Extruder: Heated unit that melts filament. Also known as, print core or hot end.
Filament: Material that is melted, then bonded to create a 3D object.
Control panel: A user interface to select machine options. Also known as, display unit.
Guide tubes: Tubes that house filament and direct it from a spool and into the extruder. Also known as, Bowden tubes, direct drive (if none)
Nozzle: The part of the extruder that deposits the filament on the build plate.
If you would like to know more about the different parts of a 3D printer check out the resources below:
There are a variety of different filaments that 3D printers can use. Below are just a few common filament types, their properties, and pros and cons.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is probably the most popular type of filament used in 3D printing as it is easy to print with and is more environmentally friendly than other types of filament.
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Tough PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Tough PLA’s impact strength is closer to ABS than regular PLA. This means your 3D printed parts can be used for more functional applications, such as jigs, fixtures, and tools.
Pros
- Intricate curves, fine details, and overhangs |
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ABS (Acrylonitrile Styrene)- ABS is less popular than PLA, but it is stronger and more durable than PLA is. ABS is used to help make items such as Legos.
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CPE (Co-Polyester)
CPE (co-polyester) material is an ideal choice for 3D printing functional prototypes and mechanical parts. This filament is formulated for chemical resistance, toughness, and reliable dimensional stability.
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PC (Polycarbonate)
PC (polycarbonate) material, print parts that are tough, strong, and retain dimensional stability when subjected to temperatures as high as 110 ºC. polycarbonate 3D printing material properties make it perfect for printing molds, tools, functional prototypes, and parts for short-run manufacturing.
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Nylon
Nylon is a polyamide grade based on PA6/66. It features reduced humidity absorption and longer shelf life compared to other nylon filaments. Able to withstand significant mechanical stress, nylon material is a great choice for 3D printing tools, functional prototypes, and end-use parts.
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TPU 95A (thermoplastic polyurethane)
TPU 95A (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a flexible material, making it ideal for applications that demand chemical resistance and the qualities of rubber and plastic.
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Breakaway
Breakaway support is easy and quick to remove. It leaves behind a smoother quality finish than other support materials, with no further post-processing needed.
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PVA (PolyVinyl Alcohol)
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is a leading water-soluble support material for multi-extrusion 3D printing. It offers you freedom and convenience: to design complex model geometries that require supports, which dissolve away in tap water.
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3D printing uses a variety of terms that may be unfamiliar. Explore the glossaries below to become familiar with the terms.
The SOML does not endorse any of the websites or products that are presented on this Libguide, they are for informational purposes only. Those wishing to become involved in 3D printing are encouraged to do their own research to determine which products best meet their needs.