3D Printing Overview

3D Printing

3D printing is a wonderful process that creates objects directly from a 3D CAD file. It creates by printing out layer by layer the selected material (often plastic).

Why 3D printing:

  • Relatively fast
  • No need for a mold
  • Can go directly from CAD file (no need to know the order of printing)
  • Less waste than machining
  • Relatively cheap
  • CMU has so many

Why not:

  • Tends to be weaker
  • Gives a distinct 3D printed finish
  • Hard to print out large objects
  • Limited amount of safe and usable materials

Different types of 3D printers at CMU: