What is 3D Printing?
3D Printing is an additive manufacturing process that creates a physical object from a digital design. There are different 3D printing technologies and materials you can print with, but all are based on the same principle: a digital model is turned into a solid three-dimensional physical object by adding material layer by layer.
How does 3D Printing Work?
Every 3D print starts as a digital 3D design file – like a blueprint – for a physical object. Trying to print without a design file is like trying to print a document on a sheet of paper without a text file. This design file is sliced into thin layers which is then sent to the 3D printer.
From here the printing process melts a plastic material and lays it down onto a print platform. The printing can take hours to complete depending on the size and design, then the printed objects are often post-processed to reach the desired finish.
What else do you need to know?
3D Printing is still a new technology. The beautiful part is you can create one of a kind, or small run items that are completely custom to your needs. The not quite as beautiful part is that 3D printing is not injection moulding. No 3D printed piece is perfect. Although at Versus3D we make every effort to ensure your custom pieces are stunning, 3D printing does have it's limits. Not every surface is super smooth, not every corner has a super sharp edge. If you are requesting a multi-colour print, sometimes the colours will overlap so a tiny degree. But hey, that's what makes YOUR piece unique!
If you are looking for an absolutely pristine, perfect and flawless item, 3D printing is not for you. But be warned, finding that technology and service will come at a price that you most likely would not be willing to pay.
Questions?