(Bumgarner, 2014)
1) Extruder: consists of the extruder motor which feeds the filament to the hot end
Types of Extruders
- Direct Extruder: extruder and hot-end are connected
- Bowden: extruder and hot-end are not connected
2) Hot-end: consists of heaters, temperature sensor, extrusion end, aluminum block and nozzle (sizes can be from 0.2mm to 1.2mm) through which the filament is extruded
Common Types of Nozzles
- brass
- hardened steel
- stainless steel
3) Print Bed: heated platform where the 3D object is printed on to
Common Types of Print beds
- glass
- polypropylene sheets
- PEI
- steel plates
4) Filament: material used by a 3D printer in order to create a 3D object (commonly thermoplastics)
Common Types of Filament
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene): higher heat threshold, strength good for creating functional parts, however it is known for creating fumes
- PLA (polylactic acid): recommended for beginners, good for prototyping, biodegradable
- PVA (polyvinyl alcohol): water soluble used best as support material, biodegradable
- PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol): food-safe, higher heat threshold, strength good for creating mechanical parts
- Nylon (polyamide): durable and flexible, requires higher printing temperature and best with enclosure
- TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): flexible, higher heat threshold, higher impact resistance, not easily usable on just any 3D printer
- Polycarbonate (polyamide): durable and flexible, requires higher printing temperature and best with enclosure
- Composite: 3D printing filaments made of different materials such as wood, carbon fiber, metal, etc.