Understanding 3D Printing In 3 Minutes - Flashforge DREAMER User Manual

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UNDERSTANDING 3D PRINTING IN 3 MINUTES

What is 3D Printing?
Simply put, 3D printing is 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.
The Technique
Fused filament fabrication is the most common method of 3D printing.
It is also the method that the Dreamer uses. It works by melting plastic
material called filament onto a print surface using high temperature. The
filament solidifies after it cools down, which happens instantaneously
after it is extruded from the print head. 3D objects are formed with the
filament laying down multiple layers.
3D Printing Process
3D printing involves three steps: 1.) 3D model design, 2.) Slicing and
exporting the 3D model, and 3.) Making the print
1. Designing the 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 Google Sketchup, Tinkercad, and Blender
to design your very own 3D model. Or grab a copy of one of the
commercial 3D design software such as AutoCAD, Maya, or Rhino3D.
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