Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing has evolved dramatically in the last few years. 3D printers have become plentiful and affordable enough that anyone can own one. Indeed, the cost of 3D printers (as little as $200 USD) makes them an attractive choice for small businesses, researchers, educators, and hobbyists alike. You can use a 3D printer in your business to create prototypes for manufacturing, develop architectural or engineering models, print miniature terrain and figures for gaming, or fix things around the house.
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Notes
- 1.
Most range in price equivalent to laptop computers; the more features it has, the more expensive it is.
- 2.
At least one of my printers is in a perpetual state of pending upgrade. There seems to be no end to the ways you can improve some printer architectures.
- 3.
For more information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing .
- 4.
I limit our discussion to printers that cost no more than about $3,000.00 USD. Any more than that amount, and you’re in the commercial and manufacturing realm.
- 5.
Like fishing line, or as my wife says, “fishing twine.”
- 6.
The box I use to store my failed prints has once again proven that the gas law reigns supreme (also known as the container maxim: all containers will eventually fill to capacity regardless of their size).
- 7.
I still have my mechanical drawing tools. I can even letter properly when forced to do so. I remember distinctly practicing my letters for hours in preparation for a final exam—much like a second grader learning to write for the first time.
- 8.
I have two reels of the same color from different suppliers, but one melts at about 8 degrees cooler than the other.
- 9.
No, it isn’t a new style of music.
- 10.
No, it isn’t spelled wrong. The name includes the number 3.
- 11.
In other words, it’s a bit nerdy or tinker-inspired. 3D printing veterans will appreciate the level of detail in feedback and printer control.
- 12.
Metaphorically speaking. Even if you open one up, you won’t see any actual gears.
- 13.
Which is precisely what my first 3D printer looked like.
- 14.
Which goes something like this: cut, drill, sand, glue, repeat.
- 15.
Like all good enthusiasts, most of us end up with several 3D printers of various designs—despite the good (and common sense) question, “Why do you need five printers?” While your spouse may never understand your answer, other 3D printing enthusiasts will.
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© 2014 Charles Bell
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Bell, C. (2014). Introduction to 3D Printing. In: Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your 3D Printer. Apress, Berkeley, CA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4302-6808-6_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4302-6808-6_1
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Publisher Name: Apress, Berkeley, CA
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Online ISBN: 978-1-4302-6808-6
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