For the first instalment in our ‘How to...’ series, we’re taking it back to basics. One of the initial hurdles on any additive manufacturing journey is simply choosing the right process.
Choose well and you’ve got yourself a foundation for success. Choose badly and, well, essentially, all you’ve got is a big box and bad feelings. This guide won’t tell you which 3D printer to buy (sorry), but it will equip you with the right steps to choose the process that makes the most sense.
Step 1: Determine your requirements
Determine the type of material you need based on the application. Consider the mechanical properties required for the final product. Assess the level of detail and accuracy needed. There are lots of different ways of doing it and the only thing that all of those different ways have in common is that there is no magic one-size-fits-all.