Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology
3D printing refers to transforming three-dimensional models into physical objects that
you can hold and touch. It is also called additive manufacturing, because the 3D model is
created by “adding”layers upon layers of material until the object is fully fomed.
Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) is the most common method of 3D printing. It is also the
method that the Creator Pro 2 uses. It works by melting plastic material called filament
onto a print surface in high temperature. The filament solidifies after it cool down, which
happens instaneously after it is extruded from the nozzle. 3D object are formed with the
filament laying down multiple layers.
3D printing involves three steps:
1.Make or download a 3D model.
2.Slice and export the 3D model.
3.Build the 3D model.
Currently, there are three ways of making a 3D model.
Designing From Scratch：
You can use free CAD(computer-aided design)software such as
3DTADA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E.
3D Scanners：
An alternative method to making a 3D model is to scan an object. 3D
scanners work by sigitizing a physical object, collecting its geometric data, and saving it
to a file on your PC. There are also apps that can turn a mobile device into a 3D scanner.
From the Website：
The most popular way of obtaining a 3D model is to download it from
websites that allow users to upload 3D models that they designed.
E.g: www.thingiverse.com
1.1
Process
1.1.1 Make a 3D Model
Slice software is the software that prepares 3D models for printing and turns them
into instructions for the 3D printers. FlashPrint is the slicing software used for the
FlashForge Creator Pro 2.
Using FlashPrint, you can prepare .stl files to be .x3g files for printing. Then users can
print files via SD card.
1.1.2 Slice and Export the 3D Model
Once the output file has been transferred to your Creator Pro 2, it will start to turn the
3D model into a physical object by laying down layers of filament.
1.1.3 Build the 3D Model
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