Wiki # 6: 3D Printers

3D printers are used to make an object by layering a type of resin, polymer, or similar substance. The printer builds the object using multiple layers of the substance, and can then be reinforced with other materials such as wax or laminate. There are various types of 3D printing which include inkjet printing, digital light processing, and the use of LED's to solidify polymer. With inkjet 3D printing layers of powdered plaster or resin are spread and bonded together. In digital light processing liquid polymer is exposed to light in certain areas. The exposed areas harden, and another layer can be poured. After the polymer reaches the desired shape and is hardened the excess liquid can be poured away. There are other methods as well, that are still being developed or are unique ti certain companies. These include depositing molten materials to form an object, using lasers to arrange and cure gels, and direct metal laser sintering. All of these methods are new to print media, because they are creating 3D, usable objects, instead of 2D words or images.