Lesson One: Introduction to 3D Printing
Essential Questions
- What is 3D Printing?
- What is the difference between a regular printer and a 3D Printer?
- What is filament and what are the different types used in 3D Printers?
- How can we use 3D Printing to change the world and help others?
Objectives
- Learn about the basics of 3D Printing
- Learn about the materials a 3D Printer uses to create objects
- Learn how 3D printing can be used to help others and improve their lives
Teacher Background Concepts
- 3D Printing in Brief: 3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing -wherein a 3D object is created by using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program to create a 3D object, which is then sent to the printer, which creates a physical object by successively adding material layer-by-layer.
- Types of 3D Printers: The most common type of printer is a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printer, which feeds a spool of filament (usually a plastic such as PLA or ABS) through a hot-end to melt the filament and lay down layer-by-layer the material, which hardens immediately to create an object. Stereolithography (SLA) printers work by exposing photosensitive liquid resin to a UV-laser beam so the resin hardens and becomes solid. A laser sweeps a layer of resin in the desired pattern, which then hardens, and the model-building platform moves down one-layer thickness, and the laser forms a new layer. As opposed to FDM modeling, which builds up, SLA printers build downwards. For more information on the variety of 3D printer types, see here: 9 Basic Types of 3D Printers.
- Basic Filament Types: The 2 most common types of filament for FDM printers are PLA and ABS. PLA, or Polylactic Acid filament is a popular, common and cost-effective prototyping material. It is biodegradable through industrial composting, and is made of renewable materials such as cornstarch or tapioca. However, it is known for being somewhat rigid, and prone to breakage. ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a strong, flexible plastic. It is recyclable, but can give off potentially hazardous fumes, and adequate ventilation for safety purposes is essential. For more information on filament types, see here: 3D Printer Filaments Compared.
