How To 3D Print With a 3D Printer?
Can a 3D printer print a 3D printer? This is a question that we are often asked in the 3D Printing Industry. Indeed, a machine capable of self-replication would be fascinating, right? It could open up a wide range of possibilities in many fields and lead to a new industrial revolution, from manufacturing to construction, creating new types of supply chains and even changing the world with new space building techniques. So, can you 3D print with a 3D printer? Discover the answer now!
Can you 3D print a 3D printer?
Yes, it is possible to 3D print a 3D Printer! Some self-replicating 3D printers have been created and there are already several versions available. Although, these types of 3D printers cannot do the whole job by themselves. You have to 3D print each part of the 3D printer individually and then assemble it yourself. Also, there are some 3D printer parts that cannot be 3D printed as electronic components. Therefore, you can 3D print a 3D printer, but not completely for now.
This also represents plastic 3D printing only. Other types of 3D printers, such as metal 3D printers, liquid resin or ceramic 3D printing are not possible to produce in this way.
How does it work?
3D printing with a 3D printer is no different than any other method of manufacturing 3D printed objects. You can actually find the parts online, but you may need 3D modeling or CAD software to make adjustments. Your part will be 3D printed layer by layer and the process will be repeated. You should make sure that the material extrusion goes smoothly and produces thin layers. You should also pay attention to the surface finish, although with FDM technology it won't be the smoothest.
Why would you want to build a 3D printer for 3D printing?
Building your own 3D printer can actually give you a lot of room to learn. It allows you to get an inside look at the project and really dig deep into all the mysteries of 3D printing. You will gain a great deal of knowledge and also become an expert when it comes to any repairs.
3D printing gives you new design freedom. Thanks to this, you can customize and personalize your own 3D printer to suit your needs. No other technology gives you the opportunity to produce a fully adjustable machine to produce your parts.
Building the future of self-replicating 3D printers: space applications
Self-replicating desktop 3D printers are an interesting concept, but ultimately, we could have a much greater impact on applications for 3D printing 3D printers. One of the most interesting is obviously space exploration.
Indeed, there are many scientists trying to find a way to 3D print 3D printers directly in space. One of these machines would be sent to the moon and then reproduce itself using lunar materials. This automated replicator 3D prints a mixture of materials, such as plastic and iron, in different proportions depending on the part required. The raw materials needed to produce a similar mixture can be extracted from lunar feldspar, which covers almost the entire surface of the moon.
