How Does a 3D Printer Work?

▤ Summary

Similar to our favorite childhood toy the “Etch A Sketch”, moving the print head in the X and Y-axis can create complex shapes and pathing. Innovators like Markforged are creating proprietary blends of thermoplastics resulting in a nylon twenty-three times stronger than ABS with a 40% increase in heat deflection. The extruder’s bearings and toothed gears ensure that the material is fed into the hot nozzle at a constant rate and does not under extrude. Most commonly the extruder is located inside of enclosure or mounted directly on top of the print head, also called “Direct Drive”. The ability to generate complex geometry with a broad selection of materials unlocks endless possibilities, and the next big idea could be yours.

▦ Linked Companies

SolidXperts Inc.

$10M to $25M

Markforged

$50M to $100M