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For now the best description is basically '3d printing = computer building things using small Lego's.' You can create just about any shape, but the strength and
by onemoreact 15y ago
For now the best description is basically '3d printing = computer building things using small Lego's.' You can create just about any shape, but the strength and texture options are limited because it's a sculpture made out of whatever building material and bonding agent the printer uses.
PS: Still waiting for replicators, but it's going to take a while.
- ajross 15y agoThat description implies that the components are discrete. Current open source printers (there are other technologies in the commercial world) work by liquifying polymer filament (ABS and PLA are the most popular plastics) and squirting it out of a tiny nozzle that moves across the print bed.
- onemoreact 15y agoWell it's still discrete in that they deposit fixed amounts of polymer along a grid. Selective laser sintering is much closer to a true analog process: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_laser_sintering http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_laser_sintering However, as an analogy it's simply there to convey an additive process which can create a wide range of shapes that all share similar property's. (Density, melting point, texture etc.) Otherwise, people look at you funny when you say you need to sand and paint something that's been 3d printed.