Printer

3D printing, as the name suggests, is an additive manufacturing process in which material is printed from the ground up, constructed layer by layer, to form a three-dimensional object. The process involves converting instructional information from a digital file into physical movement patterns that a dispenser follows to build a tangible object. Unlike normal printers that use ink, 3D printers use filament, which is melted down by a heated nozzle that then molds the flexible material into a shape designated by the digital file.

Nowadays, 3D printing is used in almost every production industry. Though it can be a long process, it is great for visualizing concepts while wasting almost no raw material. Some examples of 3D printing applications are medical prosthetics, architectural models, movie props, industrial tools, and much more. 3D printing is already revolutionizing things like the medical and construction industries and is only projected to become more integral to technological growth.

Filament, also called wire feedstock, is a medium in which 3D printing material is produced. They are made from thermoplastics, meaning they melt rather than burn when heated and solidify when cooled. This makes filaments great for the shaping and molding required to form 3D printed shapes. Filaments are typically sold in spools and come in various materials and sizes. Some of the most common filament types are polylactic acid (PLA), carbon fiber, and nylon.

Nylon is a popular 3D printing filament due to its durability and high resistance to oils, fuel, and organic solvents. Nylon is flexible, tough, and can withstand heavy impacts and abrasion, making it ideal for strength-based applications like gears, cable ties, screws, nuts, and bolts.