Open AccessA 3D Printer in the Lab: Not Only a Toy
Author(s) -
Saggiomo Vittorio
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202202610
Subject(s) - 3d printer , 3d printing , computer science , fused deposition modeling , point (geometry) , computer graphics (images) , layer (electronics) , object (grammar) , engineering drawing , engineering , nanotechnology , mechanical engineering , artificial intelligence , materials science , geometry , mathematics
Although 3D printers are becoming more common in households, they are still under‐represented in many laboratories worldwide and regarded as toys rather than as laboratory equipment. This short review wants to change this conservative point of view. This mini‐review focuses on fused deposition modeling printers and what happens after acquiring your first 3D printer. In short, these printers melt plastic filament and deposit it layer by layer to create the final object. They are getting cheaper and easier to use, and nowadays it is not difficult to find good 3D printers for less than €500. At such a price, a 3D printer is one, if not the most, versatile piece of equipment you can have in a laboratory.