3D Printing
Turn a CAD model into a physical part β enclosures, jigs, brackets, robot parts.
Printer typesβ
| Type | How it works | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDM (filament) | Melts and extrudes plastic layer by layer | Cheap, easy, big parts, tough materials | Visible layers, less fine detail |
| Resin (SLA/MSLA) | Cures liquid resin with UV/light | Very fine detail, smooth | Messy, smelly, needs wash + UV cure, brittle |
Common materials (FDM)β
- PLA β easiest, rigid, low-temp; great for prototypes.
- PETG β tougher, more heat/chemical resistant.
- ABS / ASA β durable, heat-resistant; needs an enclosure (warps, fumes).
- TPU β flexible parts.
- Engineering filaments (nylon, carbon-fiber-filled) for functional parts.
Workflowβ
- Model in CAD β export STL/STEP.
- Slice (Cura, PrusaSlicer, etc.) β set layer height, infill, supports β export G-code.
- Print β remove supports β (resin: wash + UV cure).
Ventilation & handling
ABS/resin emit fumes β use ventilation. Uncured resin is toxic/irritant β wear gloves and eye protection and dispose of it properly.
Design for printing
Mind overhangs (>45Β° need supports), wall thickness, tolerances for fits, and print orientation for strength. A reprint is cheaper than a redesign β iterate.