What is 3D Printing?
The simplest definition of 3D printing that I can think of is: “3D printing takes a digital model and, layer by layer, turns it into a physical object.”
A digital model is a virtual object created using specialized software called “computer-aided design”, or CAD, software.
In this example, someone has created a virtual rabbit wearing sunglasses:
That digital model is then sliced into a series of horizontal layer by another piece of software called, of all things, a “slicer” program.
The slicer then tells a 3D printer to print each layer on top of the previous, starting at the bottom.
A 3D printer uses thermoplastic filament or photo-sensitive resin to create the final physical object.
The instructions can be repeated over and over to create additional copies.
What are the flavors of 3D printing?
Who can I turn to on YouTube when I want to learn more?
What 3D printers do you “currently” recommend?
What filaments do you recommend?
How do I obtain 3D-printed devices if I don’t have a 3D printer?