Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology; Process - Flashforge Creator Pro User Manual

Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology

3D printing refers to transforming three-dimensional models into physical objects that you can hold and
touch. It is also called additive manufacturing because the 3D model is created by "adding" layers upon
layers of material until the object is fully formed.
Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) is the most common method of 3D printing. It is also the method that
the Creator Pro uses. It works by melting plastic material called filament onto a print surface in high
temperature. The filament solidifies after it cools down, which happens instantaneously after it is
extruded from the nozzle. 3D objects are formed with the filament laying down multiple layers.

Process

1 . 1
3D printing involves three steps:
1. Make or download a 3D model.
2. Slice and export the 3D model.
3. Build the 3D model.
1.1.1 Make a 3D Model
Currently, there are three ways of creating a 3D model.
Designing From Scratch: You can use free CAD (computer-aided design) software such as 3DTADA,
3D Scanners: An alternative method to creating a 3D model is to scan an object. 3D scanners work by
digitizing a physical object, collecting its geometric data, and saving it to a file on your PC.
There are also apps that can turn a mobile device into a 3D scanner.
From the Cloud: The most popular way of obtaining a 3D model is to download it from websites that allow
users to upload 3D models that they designed.
E.g.: www.thingiverse.com
1.1.2 Slice and Export the 3D Model
Slice software is the software that prepares 3D models for printing and turns them into instructions for
the 3D printers. FlashPrint is the slicing software used for the FlashForge Creator Pro.
Using FlashPrint, you can prepare stl. files to be x3g files for printing. Then users can print files via SD card.
1.1.3 Build the 3D Model
Once the output file has been transferred to your Creator Pro, it will start to turn the 3D model into a
physical object by laying down layers of filament.
AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E, and our own software Happy 3D to design your
own 3D model.
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