3D Printing: How Does it Work?
3D printing is part of a process referred to as rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing. This process also tends to include some kind of input, such as 3D scanning or creating models from scratch. 3D printers lay down material layer by layer to turn a three-dimensional computer model into a real-world, tangible version. Some popular materials used by 3D printers are plastics, powders, and metals, but machines also exist that print with materials like food or human tissue. The most common materials are PLA plastic and ABS plastic.
Explore the articles below for more information about the field of rapid prototyping:
The Future of Higher Education: Reshaping Universities Through 3D Printing - an article discussing 3D printing at academic libraries
3D Printers in the Library - an article from ACRL's TechConnect blog
3D Printers: A Revolution Headed for Your Library - an article about 3D printing and maker culture in the library
3D Printing in the Classroom - an excellent guide from Kathy Schrock
Read more about 3D printing on my MakerBridge blog
Watch a video created by the University of Michigan 3D Lab about the rapid prototyping process:
Explore the articles below for more information about the field of rapid prototyping:
The Future of Higher Education: Reshaping Universities Through 3D Printing - an article discussing 3D printing at academic libraries
3D Printers in the Library - an article from ACRL's TechConnect blog
3D Printers: A Revolution Headed for Your Library - an article about 3D printing and maker culture in the library
3D Printing in the Classroom - an excellent guide from Kathy Schrock
Read more about 3D printing on my MakerBridge blog
Watch a video created by the University of Michigan 3D Lab about the rapid prototyping process:
