3D printing is an innovative manufacturing technology that manufactures parts by merging layers using a computer to produce exact replica models that are identical to the original shape. To get more information about the components of a 3D printer, you can visit the Rakeen store.
FDM 3D Printer Parts
BODY FRAME
It supports all electrical and mechanical parts, and also carries other parts.
It is responsible for determining the total size of the printing area and its shape may vary from one printer to another, which is why this component is called the largest piece in 3D printers.
Print head HOTEND
The head is made up of small particles, which transform the filament into a 3D model.
The extruder motor moves and pushes the filament into the print head while the heat sink fan makes sure the filament does not melt before it reaches the nozzle. The print head also has a cooling fan which is essential when printing PLA.
EXTRUDER
It consists of a motor connected with a gear and this motor provides enough driving force for the filament to reach the print head.
The accuracy of the motor and gears mainly affects the quality and efficiency of printing, as it is divided into two types: the distance between it and the HOT END print head and its installation location, so it is the part responsible for pushing the filament.
DIRECT DRIVE
Here the extruder is well fixed above the print head, and its advantages include not needing a large motor, and it also enables you to control the traction more easily, and the traction distance is very small, 0.4 to 1 mm, so that you can print more flexible materials with superior quality and greater speed.
Bowden
Here you can print faster because the print head has become lightweight, but when printing flexible materials you will face many challenges that require more experiments and the traction distance here becomes much longer 4 to 8 mm, and here the motor is installed at a distance from the print head and a tube connects them, unlike the previous system, but it contributes to not causing vibration effects on the objects in the case of high speeds.
Printing surface (bed) BED
Here the main task of the handle is to hold the object in place during the printing process, so we find many types used to make the handle.
Carborundum is recommended for manual printing to ensure a flat surface that will release the object when it cools to room temperature.
If you want a printer with an auto-weight feature, it is recommended to use a PEI-coated surface, or a flexplate plastic surface, which is available in two types, smooth and rough, so this type is flexible.
Motherboard
This name indicates the necessity of the board, which operates the print head and the heater of the bed, and is the part responsible for converting the G CODE file into movements for each axis. There is also a fan opposite it to cool the temperature of the board. The presence of the fan is an important and necessary matter, and in the event of its failure, many problems appear, including LAYER SHIFT, which leads to the failure of the entire board.
POWER SUPPLY
It provides the necessary electricity for the printer to operate, and supplies important parts such as motors, motherboards, and other components. Printers vary, as some produce 12 volts and others produce 24 volts. When you need to change the power supply, you must first match the specifications and voltage, and avoid buying poor, unidentified types, because the printer may take several days in a row and without monitoring.
Fans
The 3D printer contains many fans, each of which has a specific function and role to play, so when one of them malfunctions, it results in many problems that appear according to its function.
MOTORS
The 3D printer has several motors that control its movements, each of which is connected to a transmission. For example, the X AXIS motor moves the HOTEND printer head right and left, the Y AXIS motor moves the handle forward and backward, and the Z AXIS motor controls the height of the HOTEND printer head up and down.
SCREEN CONTROL
The control screen allows you to start or stop the printing process, and also tightly manipulate the printer interface without having to connect the printer to the computer.
Printing materials (filament)
Choosing the right printing material is important for a 3D printer to succeed in achieving the desired purpose. There are many types of these materials, the easiest to use of which are PLA and PLA+.
Read also : What is a 3D printer?
Get the best corporate services for design and 3D printing from Rakin, get all the designs and models needed for your office or company by contacting us
Tools used in the printing process
The structure
It connects all the parts of the printer together, and takes several forms, including closed and open. The structure must be strong and solid in order to be able to print more accurately. If this structure swings, you will not get good printing. This is due to the speed of the motors. If it exceeds a certain speed, it begins to vibrate, which affects the printing results.
The structure takes several different forms, including wood, aluminum, and steel.
Construction platform
All 3D printers need a flat surface to build the printed objects on, and this surface is called the build platform. Some printers have a heated printing platform that can improve the quality of the print. This is done by keeping the plastic output warm during the printing process to prevent distortion or warping.
moving parts
The moving parts achieve the movement process by using several stepper motors which are connected by screws, belt or other, so they are necessary to move the extruder and the building platform from one point to another.
There are 3 stepper motors used to give the movements X, Y, Z, and there are many types of printers that mix many movements, so the platform moves in one direction and each direction has its own motor.
Control electronics
Control systems are responsible for operating all components with the ability to control them, by sending the command through the microprocessor. Many types of open source printers are controlled through microprocessors linked to the Arduino.
Heater
The heater needs a temperature sensor to help control and know the temperature,
It works to raise the temperature of the raw material so that it melts and is easy to pour.
cooler or fan
There must be a cooler in addition to the heating tube to ensure the strength and solidity of the part above it and not be affected by the heat resulting from the presence of the heater.
One of the most important models offered by Rakin Store in the field of 3D printing.
Sculptures made by Rakeen
Get a collection of distinctive figures from Rakeen
Dakar Rally 2024 route model
This 3D model of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia features a stunning design that includes the finest details associated with the original design. This product offers high accuracy and quality from our company, making it an elegant piece of art that fits in any place.
Jeddah Corniche Circuit Model
A 3D model of the Jeddah Formula Circuit reflects the great event that Saudi Arabia witnessed, and this circuit embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting sports, entertainment and tourism.
After reviewing the different parts and components of the 3D printer, we find that it is necessary to know all the parts used in the 3D printing process and what each component is used for, in order to help you face any future problem that you will encounter during the 3D printing process.
To learn more information, you can visit the Rakeen store.