3D Printing/Printer Specs

Introduction

You may have read about how 3D printers can do amazing things in the news, like print houses, cars, or human organs. While these things are possible, they depend on both the technology used by the 3D printer and the skill of the operator. As of 2020 most consumer 3D printers top out at printing high quality plastics at up to a quarter of a meter cubed on the high end.

With that said, there are a number of factors in a 3D printer that can make printing easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Furthermore as a technology seeing slow but steady continued advancement, capabilities of printers continue to improve over time. With the open nature of many printers, those with a deep understanding of the field can push printers beyond their expected capabilities and achieve superior results.

Enclosures & Structure

A heated enclosure can assist the printing of certain materials.

Safety benefits

3D printers with enclosures typically reduce the amount of particles exposed to the operator. Enclosures also help reduce the chance of accidental contact with moving or hot parts.

Computer

An early 3D printer controller.

3D printers use a built in computer to precisely control internal printer operation. The board containing the computer will determine things like a printer's ability to connect to a network, expansion headers, and what firmware can be run on the printer.

3D printer microcontrollers are typically either simple and reliable 8-bit microcontrollers, or more capable and complex 32 bit ones. A more capable controller used with software that leverages it's features can allow the 3D printer to handle more of it's tasks independently of a host computer, as well as potentially operate the 3D printer faster while achieving greater print quality.

Drivers

Many 3D printer controller boards include built in drivers, though some use external drivers. High quality drivers can improve motor operation to be more efficient and thus reduce printer noise.

Motors

Most 3D printers use stepper motors for to move parts with percision.

Rarely, servo motors are used in special 3D printers to allow feedback to control systems. However their high cost, increased complexity, and reduced reliability makes stepper motors the typical choice for most 3D printers.

Print head

A printer head in operation. The pyramidal part directly above the print is the nozzle.

A part cooling fan can help improve print results with some materials.

The nozzle used has an impact on print resolution.

Some nozzles are made out of exotic materials like ruby to enhance their durability.

Bed

Magnetic plates, flexible beds, and Bed coatings can make them easier to print with, but also require special care to keep them working well.

Autoleveling

Some 3D printers can probe the print bed prior to printing and autolevel it. This makes setup simpler, and much less tedious.

Heated Bed

A heated bed is handy for reducing part warping, a common problem when printing on an unheated bed.

Filament sensor

Filament sensors are used to allow the printer to detect jams, empty filament spools, and other quality control features.

Camera

A camera can produce timelapse videos such as this.

When used with specialized software, a dedicated camera can create intriguing time lapses of prints.