International Products Sourcing Group PS3D User Manual

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  Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com                                              0086‐ 0579‐82273989 
 
 
Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology 
 
3D printing is 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 formed. 
 
Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) is the most common method of 3D printing. It is also 
the method that the Inventor uses. It works by melting plastic material called filament 
onto a print surface in high temperature. The filament solidifies after it cools down, 
which happens instantaneously after it is extruded from the nozzle. 3D objects are 
formed with the filament laying down multiple layers. 
1.1 Process 
3D printing involves three steps:   
1.) Make or download a 3D model 
2.) Slice and export the 3D model 
3.) Build the 3D model 
 
1.1.1 Make a 3D Model 
Currently, there are three ways of creating a 3D model. 
·Designing From Scratch You can use free CAD (computer-aided design) software 
such as 3DTADA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E, and our own software Happy 3D to 
design your own 3D model.   
·3D Scanners An alternative method to creating a 3D model is to scan an   
object. 3D scanners work by digitizing 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.