Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology - Flashforge Inventor II 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 InventorⅡ 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.
1.1 Process
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, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E, and our own software Happy 3D to
design your own 3D model.
·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.
Inventor Ⅱ User Guide | www.flashforge.com
0086-0579-82273989
8