Three-dimensional (3D) printing is also known as additive manufacturing. It is the process by which digital images are transformed into physical 3D models by the process of layering different types of materials. Due to the fact that material is added to create the 3D models, the term additive manufacturing is used to describe the 3D printing process.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is one of the main software used in 3D printing. However, animation modeling software is also used in some printers. The CAD drawings are digitally cross-sectioned in order to produce the 3D model.
All 3D printers use printer filament. However, the type of filament used and the temperature at which it is used will create different tones and textures in the finished model. There are several manufacturers of 3D printers and some of these companies include:
- Afinia: This manufacturer produces the H-Series 3D printers. They do not require any assembly as they are shipped in ready-to-use condition.
- RepRap (Replicating Rapid Prototyper): This organization is the producer of free and open source software (FOSS) for 3D printing. They have five 3D printer models which include Wallace, RepRapPro Tricolour Mendel, Prusa Mendel, Original Mendel, MendelMax, and RepRapPro Huxley. They also produce kits from which to assemble self-replicating machines.
- 3D Systems, Inc.:
- RapMan
- 3D Touch
- ProJet 1500
- The Cube line of 3D printers
- The ZPrinter line which includes Z-150, Z-250, Z-350, Z-450, Z-650, and the Z-850.
- Stratasys, Inc.: They produce various 3D printers for their Idea Series, Design Series, and Production Series.