The 3D printer is a machine that can convert 3D objects drawn in a computer environment to real objects. This technology heard in lately but actually it was found in the 1980s.
When is the 3D Printer Found?
The first 3D printer was discovered by Charles Hull using stereolithography (SLA) technology in 1984. After that 3D Systems which is the first 3D printer company was established and formalized in 1986.
In 1988, the first SLA-250 printer was introduced and also the same year Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technologies were developed. In the next year (1989), Stratasys Company was founded by Scott Crump who is the founder of FDM technology.
the Spectrum Z510 printer was designed in 1995 and the most crucial feature of this printer is that it has better resolution than previous designs. Long year’s later 3D printers began to become individualized with the project of Reprap In 2007.
The Reprap’s aim is the reach the open source printers and has get the opportunity to use and develop it. When we came to 2009, Markerbot and 3D Systems companies developed the home-type 3D printer and the interest for these printers are increased. The Reprap Project is shown as the most important development in 3D printer history.
How 3D Printer Works
The real object is produced by modeling with 3D printers, following 3D printing and surface improvement methods. Modeling is the part where design is made for the product. In this step, Different programs can be used.
Computer data is usually produced by CAD or 3D scanning systems. After the creating, data is converted to STL format and then it is switched to the printing process. In the 3D printing process, objects are layered in pieces.
We can say different methods such as plastic smelting, laser sintering, stereolithography as layers. At Surface restoration step, healing and finalizing processes are applied to the wrong parts considering the real object after the first two processes.
Different methods can be used in 3D printer. FDM or stacked heap technology is generally used in these days. Thermoplastic polymer materials are used in these methods.
The most used method after FDM is selective laser sintering (SLS). Sintering can be described as solidification of powdered metals by heat and pressure effects.
In 3D printer technology, each method has pros and cons according to usage fields. For example speed of production, the hardness of the material etc.
