3D printer

Systems for the production of 3D objects using 3D CAD data. The numerous 3D printers differ greatly: Devices for private use are designed to process cord-like filaments made of various plastics that are melted by an extruder and applied to a build platform (FDM). Industrial 3D printing systems use, among other things, high-performance lasers that melt powdery material and build this up into a three-dimensional object layer by layer (SLS/SLM). The first 3D components were created by the layer by layer hardening of liquid plastic (photopolymer) on the basis of acrylic resin or epoxy resin by means of UV light. Stereolithography (SLA) is the oldest 3D printing process and is used to produce particularly filigree structures and smooth surfaces today.