From viral videos showcasing the incredible things engineers and artists are creating to places like MakerFaire, where the limits of 3D printing are constantly being challenged, there’s no doubt 3D printing is getting people’s attention. No one at Faro Industries is surprised by the public interest in 3D printers; after all, they’ve been using them at their Rochester, NY, facility for years.

As the 3D printing process has gained attention, the team from Faro Industries has received an influx of questions regarding the new production process. They created this guide to help their current and future clients better understand how 3D printers work and how they’re changing industrial production. 

The Ultimate 3D Printer Guide

1. What Is 3D Printing? 

3D printers use digital files to create solid, three-dimensional objects. By gradually layering materials like plastic, resin, metal, and ceramic, 3D printers carry out a design embedded in a digital file, much in the way a seamstress might follow a pattern to create a garment. 

2. How Does 3D Printing Work?

When you set out to create something with a 3D printer, the first step is to create a CAD file. This can be done by creating a new file from scratch or by scanning an existing model using a 3D scanner. Once that’s done, your CAD file will need to be run through a 3D modeling software application to slice up the 3D image into two-dimensional layers that can be easily printed. 

3. Which Industries Currently Use 3D Printing? 

3D printing is exploding across a diverse range of industries. It’s used widely in the medical industry for bio-printing implants and prosthetics and in the automotive industry for rapid prototyping. 

4. What Are The Main Reasons To Use 3D Printing? 

3D printing is already being used by manufacturers for rapid prototyping. The traditional process of prototyping a product is extremely costly and fairly time consuming. 3D printers allow businesses to custom print prototypes at will, and major brands are already using them for everything from sneaker prototypes to replacement organs. 

To find out more about how 3D printing services from Faro Industries will revolutionize the way your business manufactures prototypes, packaging, and products, visit them online or call them directly at (585) 647-6000.