Changes

[[File:STL sample 2.png|thumb|A computer model of an object before printing|alt=]]

[[File:STL sample 2.png|thumb|A computer model of an object before printing|alt=]]

== Modelling ==

== Modelling ==

The first step in 3D printing something is to make it on a computer. People do this with [[computer-aided design|CAD]] (Computer Aided Design) software or a [[3D scanner#Hand-held laser scanners|3D scanner]]. To design [https://agilemaking.com/exploring-the-world-of-cad-understanding-the-importance-and-function-of-models/ models]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Agilemaker|first=Bern|date=July 16, 2024|title=Exploring the World of CAD: Understanding the Importance and Function of Models|url=https://agilemaking.com/exploring-the-world-of-cad-understanding-the-importance-and-function-of-models/|url-status=live|access-date=July 17, 2024|website=Agilemaking.com}}</ref> in CAD, people start with basic shapes, and build from that point. 3D scanners are machines that take lots of measurements of the object and automatically make a model on the computer. They can be very fast, but are also more expensive.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Vermeulen|first1=M. M. P. A.|last2=Rosielle|first2=P. C. J. N.|last3=Schellekens|first3=P. H. J.|date=January 1, 1998|title=Design of a High-Precision 3D-Coordinate Measuring Machine|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007850607628716|journal=CIRP Annals|volume=47|issue=1|pages=447–450|doi=10.1016/S0007-8506(07)62871-6|issn=0007-8506}}</ref>[[File:UHTC Propeller.webm|thumb|A 3D printer printing a propellor. The video is 4 times faster than real life.|left]]CAD models are usually saved on computers as [[STL (file format)|STL]] files. They are saved as lots of triangles, which saves space on the computer.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/889967279|title=Jurnal Teknologi|date=1977|publisher=Penerbit UTM Press|location=Johor Bahru|language=en|oclc=889967279}}</ref>

The first step in 3D printing something is to make it on a computer. People do this with [[computer-aided design|CAD]] (Computer Aided Design) software or a [[3D scanner#Hand-held laser scanners|3D scanner]]. To design [https://agilemaking.com/exploring-the-world-of-cad-understanding-the-importance-and-function-of-models/ models]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Agilemaker|first=Bern|date=July 16, 2024|title=Exploring the World of CAD: Understanding the Importance and Function of Models|url=https://agilemaking.com/exploring-the-world-of-cad-understanding-the-importance-and-function-of-models/|access-date=July 17, 2024|website=Agilemaking.com}}</ref> in CAD, people start with basic shapes, and build from that point. 3D scanners are machines that take lots of measurements of the object and automatically make a model on the computer. They can be very fast, but are also more expensive.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Vermeulen|first1=M. M. P. A.|last2=Rosielle|first2=P. C. J. N.|last3=Schellekens|first3=P. H. J.|date=January 1, 1998|title=Design of a High-Precision 3D-Coordinate Measuring Machine|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007850607628716|journal=CIRP Annals|volume=47|issue=1|pages=447–450|doi=10.1016/S0007-8506(07)62871-6|issn=0007-8506}}</ref>[[File:UHTC Propeller.webm|thumb|A 3D printer printing a propellor. The video is 4 times faster than real life.|left]]CAD models are usually saved on computers as [[STL (file format)|STL]] files. They are saved as lots of triangles, which saves space on the computer.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/889967279|title=Jurnal Teknologi|date=1977|publisher=Penerbit UTM Press|location=Johor Bahru|language=en|oclc=889967279}}</ref>

== Printing ==

== Printing ==

There are a lot of different ways that 3D printers work. There are also many different materials that can be used. Every method and material has its advantages and disadvantages.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/2007/11/15/a-whole-new-dimension|title=A whole new dimension|date=November 15, 2007|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=November 13, 2019|issn=0013-0613}}</ref>

There are a lot of different ways that 3D printers work. There are also many different materials that can be used. Every method and material has its advantages and disadvantages.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/2007/11/15/a-whole-new-dimension|title=A whole new dimension|date=November 15, 2007|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=November 13, 2019|issn=0013-0613}}</ref>