Introduction to 3D Printers

Hyde
Oct 6, 2024
5 min read

So you’d like to get into the world of 3D Printing but aren’t sure where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s go over some of the basics.

First up: Choosing a type of 3D printer

What it is you’re going to be printing, is one of the larger deciding factors when choosing which printer works best for you.

A filament printer (FDM), Fused Deposition Modeling, uses a spool of filament, usually thermoplastic, and a hot end to essentially work as a glue gun and push out melted filament through an extruder. It melts the filament until it is malleable and using a fan attached to the hot end, cools it in layers to the desired shape.

A resin printer, uses UV resin, a light-sensitive liquid that cures or solidifies when coming in contact with ultraviolet rays. It utilizes a build plate that is submerged into a vat containing the UV resin, and using a light cures the resin into the desired shape. The build plate will move up after each layer to allow for the next layer until the printing process is complete. The curing time can be altered by the resin used and the type of resin printer.

Different Resin Printing Types:

Stereolithography

A laser is used utilizes a laser to cure the resin through a vat. This method requires a minimal amount of liquid resin to be present, making these printers smaller than others.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD/(MSLA)

An LCD screen sits above a UV light and will let light through an image of the model layer as a “mask” of the layer allowing light through where the resin needs to be cured. This allows it to cure entire layers at once speeding up the print time. MSLA - Masked stereolithography, this term is often used interchangeably with LCD as it refers to the process of masking or covering part of a light source to reveal an image. The resolution is affected by the pixel size, smaller pixels allow for a better resolution but an increased print time. Requires more curing time than SLA.

Photo property of Formlabs - "A graphic representation of Formlabs’ Low Force Display™ (LFD) Print Engine, an advanced form of MSLA 3D printing."

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

A light projector flashes an image onto an array or mirrors that reflect the image onto the bottom of the vat, curing the resin in the desired shape. Stereolithography (SLA) - A laser and motor-controlled mirror are used to trace over the resin in the shape of the image being printed. The resolution of the print is determined by the pixel size and uniformity of the light being projected. Requires more curing time than SLA.

FDM Printers (Filament) Pros & Cons

Better for large prints

Less post-print work is needed

More budget friendly

Stronger prints - (Depends on multiple print factors) Beginner-friendly

Lower print resolution

Requires less maintenance

Resin Printers Pros & Cons

Better for small and detailed prints

Higher print resolution

Faster print time (depends on the curing type)

Maintenance can be costly

Steeper learning curve

More costly than FDM printers

Second: Choosing the printer itself

Budget Friendly Printers (Under $200)

Anycubic Kobra 2 - 4.8 Stars- $159.99 - FDM PRINTER
ELEGOO Mars 3 MSLA - 4.5 Stars - $177.99 - RESIN PRINTER
CREALITY HALOT 6 - 4.4 Stars - $139 - RESIN PRINTER
ELEGOO Neptune 3 PRO - 4.4 Stars - $198.98 - FDM PRINTER
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2- 4.3 Stars - $149.99 - RESIN PRINTER
Tina2S- 4.3 Stars - $199.98 - FDM PRINTER
Phrozen Sonic Mini - 4.2 Stars - $129.99 - RESIN PRINTER
CREALITY Ender 3 - 4.2 Stars - $169.00 - FDM PRINTER

Third: Choosing the materials for your prints

Resin

The resin will have a wavelength listed, this tells you whether or not it is compatible with your printer. The lower the wavelength rating is, the more light output it will need to fully cure.

Standard Resin - Affordable - fragile

Clear Resin

Castable Resin

Water washable Resin - Does not need to be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, water can be used instead - smoother finish - less odor

Flexible Resin

Heat Resistant Resin - Can be exposed to heat of about 230 °C

Filament

Polylactic acid (PLA) - Most Commonly used - Easy to use - low environmental impact

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) - Easy to use - Higher strength and increased flexibility. Prints at a higher temperature than PLA.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) - Enclosure Recommended - Requires higher printing temperature as well as a heated printing bed.

Polyvinyl Aclcohol (PVA) - Expensive- Often used for supports - dissolves in water

Less common filament types - Wood, Silk PLA, TPU, Carbon Fiber, Nylon, , recycled filaments

Recommended Accessories / Supplies

Ensure that the accessories are available, not included with the purchase of, and can be used with your selected printer!

Resin Printers

Respirator/face mask - (Resin releases fumes that are toxic to inhale)

Wash and Cure Station

Gloves - (Uncured resin is not safe to touch)

Isopropyl Alcohol

USB purifier - (Reduce fumes)

Funnel - (preferably silicone for easy clean up)

Silicone mat

Dark container - (used for leftover resin)

Mini heater - (For printing in cold environments)

Silicone bed scraper - for easy model removal

FDM Printers (FILAMENT)

Wireless remote monitoring camera - Used to monitor print

Enclosure - Prevents dust (effects prints) - temp control - fumes

Wire Brush - To clean nozzle

Microfiber cloth - to wipe nozzle & print bed

Nozzle cleaning needles

Allen wrenches

Filament Dryer box - (Most filaments are hygroscopic and may need to be dried before printing or to prevent expiring)

Vacuum seal bags and sealer - (If filaments are in a high moisture area or won’t be used within a month of opening)

General

Nippers

Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue

Caliper

Sandpaper or sanding files

Deburring tool

Electronic bed leveler - (optional: can be done with a piece of paper)

Sources:

Resin printing images property of Formlabs

https://phrozen3d.com/blogs/guides/what-is-a-lcd-3d-printer

https://all3dp.com/2/resin-vs-filament-3d-printer-fdm-vs-sla/

https://formlabs.com/blog/resin-3d-printer-comparison-sla-vs-dlp/

https://www.3dnatives.com/en/different-types-of-resins-3d-printing-281220225/

https://www.xometry.com/resources/3d-printing/types-of-3d-printer-filaments/