There are several different types of 3d printers. Each of these can create the same object but they use different techniques to do so. My Favorite Prints currently uses two of the most popular types of entry-level 3D printers for production: FDM and MSLA. With this entry, we will detail a little about each of these types so that you can have a better understanding of how they work.
FDM
Fused Deposition Modeling or FDM is what most people think of when they think of a 3D printer. A spool of thermoplastic filament is heated to its melting point and then extruded layer by layer at the precise location for each layer through the head-turning it into essentially a hot glue gun.
When the plastic cools and solidifies the printer then moves on to the next layer while bonding the two layers together. The process continues the desired 3D object is completed. Some post-processing like surface smoothing and removal of supports is required when the printing process is completed.
MSLA
Mask Stereolithography or MSLA is another common type of entry-level 3D printer. One of the main differences is that instead of utilizing a thermoplastic as the printing material resin is used instead. A photosensitive polymer is placed in a print bed and as each layer is completed it is drawn out of the print bed and the next layer is worked on.
An LCD screen is used to expose all areas of the material that should be hardened while masking off the areas that should not be hardened. The material is exposed to this for a set amount of time before it is raised and new resin flows in underneath it. The MSLA process can give incredibly fine detail but the quality is ultimately determined by the resolution of the LCD screen.
The products that 3D printing can create are absolutely amazing. Almost anything can be made and, certainly, the technology will only improve to the point that one day we might be able to make many of our own products in our homes. It is exciting to think about and My Favorite Prints can help you get started.