FAQ

Also termed additive manufacturing, it is the process of creating a 3D physical object from a 3D digital model, layer by layer.

3D printing works by layering different materials using Computer-Aided Design (CAD). The material used (e.g., plastic, metals, resins) is melted and extruded to form the layers.

In the mid-1980s, Charles W. Hull created the first 3D printer.

Charles W. Hull created the first 3D printer in the mid-1980s.

3D models are created by various digital tools. These Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and modelling tools provide the flexibility of digitally designing models before printing.

Infill is the internal parts of a 3D print. The infill entails the material or pattern used in the interior areas. A 3D print could be lower infill to mean hollow or full infill. Hollow parts are quick to print and lighter than full infill, but preferably 50% infill provides ideal structures.

Your digital design (usually in stl. format) has to be converted into a language that the 3D printers will understand (termed as G-code). These is done using slicing softwares that allow input of specifications of the print. We usually use Cura and Repetier.

The Raft is suport material for the 3D model that can be made during the print process. It provides adhesion to the 3D Model in instances where it may be needed due to the size or orientation of the model.

There are too many to list. However use cases in 3D Printing are seen in many industries such as medical, defense, automotive, aerospace, and much more!

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) also termed fused filament fabrication (FFF), is a manufacturing method where a material is melted and layered to form your object. Fused Deposition Modeling is the process of creating a 3D model layer-by-layer using a heated extruder (and in some cases a heated print bed) using filament from various materials, most commonly plastic.

The Brim is another support type that is made horizontally on the initial flat surface layer of your printed object. It covers more surface area than your model.

Polylactic acid (or polylactide) is a biodegradable thermoplastic that is used in 3D printing.

Have a look at our eBook “Getting to know … 3D Printing at home!”

This is the process of converting your digital design (usually in stl. format) into a language that the 3D printers will understand (termed as G-code). Slicing gives specifications of the object being formed from thickness to other dimensions you may need to specify.

Our eBook provides the basics of 3D printing, how to determine the best printer, and getting into 3D printing. You can find it here.

Plastic, resins, powder, metal, graphite, with plastics like PLA, ABS, PVA, ABS, being the most common.

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing or resin 3D printing.

Depending on your industry 3D printing software may vary. However, come of the most common ones include: Cura, AutoDesk, AutoCAD, FreeCAD, and Blender to name a few.

This depends on the size and configuration (Gcode) of the model. Note that the slicing software you use provides the amount of filament you need to print a model before the print process starts.

Reduce printing speed. A slower, steadier rate is preferred. The temperature of the hot end/extruder should not exceed recommended settings. Preferably for PLA 180-185 degrees Celsius with a maximum of 60 degrees on the print bed. Various printers differ on manufacturers, and therefore, check on your printer’s specifications. Using adhesive material such as a glue stick can also be used to smooth out the print area.

This is fully dependent on the 3D technology being used and the size and dimensions of the object being printed. Hence, may vary from a few hours to several days.

This depends on the type of material and manufacturer. Canion3D’s prices for our materials are some of the most competitive on the market and of the best quality.

Your 3D Printer has settings that can speed up (or down) during the print process regardless of the Gcode settings. Likely you will find the speed setting for your printer in the main menu of your printers controller.

Both are thermoplastics, and the best option depends on the properties of the object you are creating. PLA is stronger, stiff, and has minimal warping. It is brittle, causing it to have low durability and impact resistance. Its low melting temperatures make it lose stiffness and strength above 50 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, ABS is more durable, lighter, and has better impact resistance. However, compared to PLA, it is weaker, less rigid, and requires high printing temperatures making it more prone to warping.

Have a look at our eBook “Getting to know … 3D Printing at home!”

3D Printing is widely used in various industries ranging from manufacturing, construction, food industry, medical industry, automotive, robotics, education, fashion and so much more. As an individual, 3D printing can be used to create products such as accessories, tools, furniture, toys, prototypes and a lot more objects.

These may include: Remove the supports by carefully removing the visible parts and for the delicate parts. An essential rinse using soapy water or isopropyl alcohol, be careful not to scrub so hard. Sanding to eliminate layer lines, but use low grit sandpaper. Polishing using any liquid metal polish. Vapor smoothing, similar to polishing & sanding, removes layer lines. It is mainly done on ABS material using acetone vapor. Filling and priming were smooth surfaced polished by primer, and any significant gaps in the model were filled up using putties or similar substances. Make sure the nozzle and bed are clean before 3D printing.

Manufacturers tend to provide maintenance instructions that you should at least follow. Other ways include: Clean your nozzle. Clean your printing bed by removing any melted and stuck filament. Lubricate your rails and rods. Tension alignment of the timing belts ensures smooth printing flow and accordingly calibrates your printer.

You can easily find 3D model files online. Some common sites include Free3D, Pinshape, STLFinder, SketchFab, Thingiverse.