What is 3D Printing?

Designer and maker Agustín ‘Flowalistik’ Arroyo explains how FDM 3D printing works and the different types of 3D printing that exist

Many of us have had a printer at home for decades with which we print documents, photographs, our own designs. Now we can print figurines, tools, furniture, or whatever our imagination allows us to visualize. 3D printers became popular less than a decade ago, and their use is increasingly widespread, but the way they work may still be a mystery to many.

How does 3D printing work? What types of printers are there? How do they differ? Product designer and maker Agustín 'Flowalistik' Arroyo (@flowalistik) explains what it is, how it works, and what types of printer are on the market right now. Learn more in the following video:

How does 3D printing work?

3D printing, in some ways, is the opposite to traditional sculpture. While the Renaissance sculptor and painter Michelangelo, for example, started with a block of marble that he chiseled a figure out of, 3D printing is based on additive manufacturing, a process by which material is gradually added to a support to make the three-dimensional object "from scratch".

Although additive manufacturing is the basis of its operation, there are multiple types of 3D printing, each with its own techniques, materials, and technological peculiarities. The most common are FDM, SLA and SLS 3D printing.

1. FDM printing

FDM 3D printing is one of the most popular among makers. It uses a roll of plastic filament, which is melted in a very hot nozzle that gradually places around a support until it completes the desired three-dimensional shape.

Its use is widespread as the technology is very accessible to the general user: its acquisition, maintenance, and use are economical and simple, making it an ideal option for those who want to get started in this discipline.

2. SLA printing

SLA printing uses a liquid resin instead of the plastic roll of FDM printing. This resin is introduced into a tray and a UV light tool, such as a laser or screen, solidifies it to create a high quality, detailed three-dimensional object.

This precision has a cost however: the use of SLA printing is not as accessible, as it requires the use of chemical materials, protective equipment such as gloves, a ventilated space, etc. In addition, the parts resulting from this process are usually smaller than those that can be achieved through other techniques.

3. SLS printing

This type of printing is very similar to SLA, but instead of resin, it uses nylon powder. This material is placed inside a tray and a laser is used to solidify it.

This is a technology that has only been available in recent years and is still more expensive than others. However, studios and companies can already afford to use it in their product manufacturing processes.

Although these are the most widespread forms of 3D printing, there are many other techniques. These alternatives can be much more expensive, and their use is often very specific. For example, metal 3D printing.

If this brief introduction to the world of 3D printing interested you, you can learn the design, modelling, and printing process step by step with Flowalistik and make your ideas a reality on his online course Introduction to 3D Design and Printing.

Be surprised, inspired, and learn more about the origin, meaning, curiosities and tools of the creative world from Domestika's What is series.

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