How do 3D printers work? And what are their limitations?
In: Technology
3D printers are fairly simple to understand, conceptually.
To illustrate how a 3D printer works, I’m going to liken it to a regular paper printer.
A printer works by laying down material (toner or ink) on a paper in lines, while a separate motor moves the paper through the printer.
A 3D printer does the same thing, but with two more axes of movement. Instead of having the head move just from side to side, it moves in and out as well as up and down. This gives the printer its “3D”.
The print head is given instructions on how to move to make the object it’s printing. What it’s basically doing is drawing in layers to form a 3D object.
There are other types of 3D printers, like resin printers, which work differently. A resin printer only has one axis of movement. When printing, the print head is dipped into a resin fluid and a screen underneath the fluid flashes light to harden the resin. This is done in layers to build up a 3D object.
Another commenter listed out a very good list of limitations. I don’t think I can do any better, so I differ you to [their comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mzxqvy/eli5_how_do_3d_printers_work_and_what_are_their/gw3f1ok?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
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