User's Manual

Inventor User Guide | www.flashf orge.com 0086‐ 0579‐82273989
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Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology
3D printing is transforming three-dimensional models into physical objects that you
can hold and touch. It is also c a lled additive manufacturing because the 3D model is
created by “adding” layers upon layers of material until the object is fully forme d.
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 a fter it cools down,
which ha ppens 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 (c omputer-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 i s t o 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 a pps that can turn a mobile device