Hot take – it isn’t hard finding 3D modelling software for Mac that can meet your needs. Most programmes have overlapping features and do the same things, but there is a stark difference in how easy they are to learn and use. Our criteria for 3D modelling software are simple
Best 3D Modelling Software For Mac In 2022 – 6 Top Options Read More »
When printing thermoplastics with dual extrusion, one extruder is typically dedicated to printing a support material and the other a core material. We have covered core materials before (FFF plastics, SLA resins, FFF metals), but what of the support materials used in FFF plastic printing? This article introduces 3D printer support materials,
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What is Rapid Prototyping? Rapid prototyping (RP) is referred to as a group of specialised technologies that are used to make quick minimum viable product models, assemblies using three-dimensional CAD data, or physical parts. The technology that is implemented to create these prototypes is referred to as additive manufacturing or,
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In addition to plastics, some FFF/FDM 3D printers are capable of printing metal filaments providing the extruder is rated for metals, and the nozzle can be upgraded to hardened steel to cope with the abrasive filament. Metal FFF is based around metal injection moulding (MIM), which uses a three-step process
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Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is the simplest and most common additive manufacturing technology. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is the same thing, except it is a trademarked term owned by Stratasys. An FFF 3D printer extrudes melted thermoplastic in layers to form a three-dimensional model. Various thermoplastics are available, from standard
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Nozzles screw into the hot end of a 3D printer extruder, acting as the exit point for the melted thermoplastic filament. 3D printer nozzles are made from solid metal, featuring a tiny nozzle opening. The nozzle opening size (bore size) defines the thickness of the melted filament on exit, with
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Different 3D printing materials have different surface qualities and different mechanical characteristics. To achieve the best results with your 3D printer, the material (or filament) you use must be suited to the application. How do you know what is and isn’t suitable? You can go with what the manufacturer recommends,
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Missed part 1? Read here: How To Prepare Your Designs For 3D Printing – Part 1: FFF Stereolithography (SLA) is a completely different technology to FFF. They both print layer by layer, but that’s about where the similarities end. FFF melts material and then extrudes it through a small nozzle
How to Prepare Your Model For 3D Printing Part 2: SLA Read More »
When it comes to 3D printing, you can either design the part you want to print in CAD software (see our guide on designing parts for 3D printing), or you can search online libraries such as Thingiverse and download the files directly. Load the file into your slicing software and
How To Prepare Your Designs For 3D Printing – Part 1: FFF Read More »
Most traditional manufacturing techniques are subtractive technologies. You start with a block of material and carve parts away until you get the part you want. 3D printing is an additive technology. You start with nothing and then add material on top of itself to create the desired model. It makes
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