In fact, the 3D printing process is to express the part model you designed in a 3D three-dimensional form, and then export the digital model to the 3D printer to print the physical model. Therefore, the 3D printing process is mainly divided into three steps, the first is to obtain the model, Then comes the 3D printing of the model, and finally post-processing.

Generating a digital model is a step in 3D printing technology:

1. A common method of making digital models is to use computer-aided design software (CAD). There are now many free and professional CAD programs compatible with 3D printing. Reverse engineering can also be used to generate digital models of 3D scans.

2. STL file conversion and manipulation

Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, a key link in the 3D printing process is the conversion of digital models to STL (stereolithography) files. STL uses triangles (polygons) to represent the stereo parameter information of objects. After the STL file is generated, the file is imported into the slicing software for processing.

3. 3D printing process

This stage loads the print material into the 3D printer. There is no need to monitor the operation of the 3D printer after it starts printing. The 3D printer will follow an automatic process, usually only raising an alarm when the material runs out or the software makes an error.

4. Remove the 3D printing support

For some 3D printing technologies, removing 3D print model support is as simple as removing the print model directly from the print platform. For other more industrialized 3D printing methods, support removal is a special workflow that involves the precise extraction of printed model objects while still being encapsulated in the build material or attached to the 3D printing platform. This requires complex disassembly procedures, skilled operators, safety equipment and a controlled environment.

5. 3D printing post-processing process

Post-processing procedures vary by 3D printer technology. Before machining, the model needs to be cured under UV light, and metal parts usually need to be stress relieved in a furnace, while parts processed by FDM technology can be directly processed by hand. Most 3D printed models can be ground and other post-processing techniques including high pressure air cleaning, polishing and coloring can be used to make 3D printed models.

With the rapid development of the industrial product design industry, the entire production process has shifted to be dominated by industrial design and assisted by prototype production. This pattern has opened the door for the production of 3D printing prototype models. 3D printing will become more and more popular by virtue of its inherent lack of molds.