Why Do We Call It 3D Printing?

We are all familiar with two-dimensional printing when using an inkjet and laser printer. But did you know that you are actually printing a 3D object? Even though the amount of ink or toner that is spread over the paper is really really thin, it is a 3D object because the ink or toner is slightly raised on the paper. 3D printing uses the same additive process, but instead of printing a single layer, the 3D printer stacks thin layer upon thin layer until a recognizable three-dimensional is object created.

Just like regular printing, the instructions for a 3D printer are contained in a digital file. These three-dimensional digital models used by a 3D printer are typically created with computer-aided design software (CAD), but digital models can also be created by using a 3D scanner. Also, thousands of 3D models are now available for download from the internet.

The process STACKER 3D printers use is called Fused Filament Technology (also known as FDM) whereby the 3D printer stacks successive layers of melted thermoplastic filament to build the 3D object.

How Does Fused Filament Technology (FFT) Work?

STACKER printers build parts layer-by-layer from the bottom up by heating and extruding thin layers of thermoplastic filament through a hot end onto the print bed. The complete printing process is as easy as 1-2-3!

Pre-processing: Import your digital file into our software (StackerRUN or Simplify3D) to position and slice your three-dimensional model into layers. The software generates a special GCODE file that the printer uses to create your part. Production: The 3D printer heats the thermoplastic filament to a semi-liquid state and extrudes it onto the print bed. Each layer of filament gets fused to the previous layer. If support structures are needed, these are also printed by the hot end at the same time. Post-processing: The user simply removes the part from the print bed and then breaks away any support material. Now, the part is ready to use!

Why Use Fused Filament Technology (FFT)?