You can still consider that the hobby and art of 3D printing are fairly new in the eyes and minds of the public. After all, the printers used in these models aren’t that easy to get a hold of because they’re extremely expensive and not mass-produced at all, especially here in Kenya.
Because of these factors, there are still a lot of questions surrounding 3D printing, from how it works to its ins and outs and more. That’s why in this section, we’re going to compile all of the frequently asked questions we receive here in African Born 3D and answer them thoroughly one by one.
This way, 3D printing will finally get the recognition it deserves. If you’re curious to learn more, keep reading!
How long does it take to print a figure?
It depends on various factors such as the printer you’re using, the material and the figure itself. Smaller ones tend to finish faster while larger ones need more time in the printer.
These printers will take up to a couple of minutes or even hours depending on the details of the factors we’ve mentioned above.
What do 3D printers use to print?
There are two kinds of 3D printers, each of which uses different materials. These are the following:
FDM 3D Printing
FDM printers filament to form the model that you’re printing. These come in spools and they’re made out of plastics of different kinds such as PLA and PETG to ABS.
Resin-based 3D Printing
From the name itself, these printers use liquid resins to form the mould of the model you’ve designed.
What can you make with a 3D printer?
The rule of 3D printing is that as long as you can create a 3D model of something you can turn it into a reality. It’s easier said than done though as making a 3D model in one of the available software is challenging in itself.
How much is a 3D printer?
If you’re planning to buy a 3D printer here in Kenya, you need to be willing to spend a lot of money as these things don’t come cheap and they shouldn’t. You can find cheap ones on the market but if you’re looking to invest in a high-quality 3D printer, you’re looking at around 115,000 Kenyan shillings.
Can 3D printers print metal?
If you want to print something made out of metal, you need to own a specific metal 3d printer. However, if you only want the look of metal, you can choose to opt for a metallic infused PLA filament. Not only does this mimic the colour of metal but it can also replicate the distinct shine that it produces when it gets hit with a source of light.