User's Guide

Inventor User Guide |www.flashforge.com 0086- 0579-82273989
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Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology
3D printing is transforming three-dimensional models intophysical objects that you can
hold and touch. It is also called additivemanufacturing because the 3D model is created
by “adding” layers uponlayers 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 theInventor uses. It works by melting plasticmaterial called filament
onto a print surface in high temperature. Thefilament solidifies after it cools down,
which happens instantaneouslyafter it is extruded from the nozzle. 3D objects are
formed with thefilament laying down multiple layers.
1.1Process
3D printing involves three steps:
1.) Make or download a 3D model
2.) Slice andexport the 3D model
3.) Build the 3D model
1.1.1 Make a 3D Model
Currently, there are three ways of creating a3D model.
·Designing From Scratch You can use free CAD (computer-aideddesign) software
such as 3DTADA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E, and our own software Happy 3D to
design your own 3D model.
·3D ScannersAn alternative method to creating a 3D model is to scanan
object. 3D scanners work by digitizing a physical object, collectingits geometric data,
and saving it to a file on your PC. There are alsoapps that can turn a mobile device into a
3D scanner.