FTC:3D Printing - Revision history

Leigha at 03:37, 10 April 2022

2022-04-10T03:37:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:37, 10 April 2022
Line 5:		Line 5:
	\|robots=index, follow		\|robots=index, follow
	}}		}}
	3D printing is a major part of [[FTC:About\|FIRST Tech Challenge]] because it allows teams to create parts they have designed. Teams can also use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to use [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want~~. Parts are also~~ available ~~for teams to use~~ on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse]. Once a team has a part they want to print they will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.		3D printing is a major part of [[FTC:About\|FIRST Tech Challenge]] because it allows teams to create parts they have designed. Teams can also use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to use [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want or find parts available on websites like [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse]. Once a team has a part they want to print they will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.

	'''Pros'''		'''Pros'''
Line 20:		Line 20:
	There are several types of 3D printing<ref name="types of 3D Printing">{{cite web\|url=https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/\|title=Types of 3D Printing\|publisher=All3DP.com\|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref> FTC teams use, but the most common type is FDM.		There are several types of 3D printing<ref name="types of 3D Printing">{{cite web\|url=https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/\|title=Types of 3D Printing\|publisher=All3DP.com\|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref> FTC teams use, but the most common type is FDM.

	====FDM====		===FDM===
	Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) creates parts by layering filament onto a build plate. The plastic is placed by an extruder that is heated to above 200<sup>o</sup>C. Some FDM printers are able to print in multiple filaments and colors at once. FDM printing is the most common type of printing among FTC teams.		Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) creates parts by layering filament onto a build plate. The plastic is placed by an extruder that is heated to above 200<sup>o</sup>C. Some FDM printers are able to print in multiple filaments and colors at once. FDM printing is the most common type of printing among FTC teams.

Line 29:		Line 29:
	*Can sometimes produce brittle parts		*Can sometimes produce brittle parts

	====PolyJet====		===PolyJet===
	PolyJet printing places a layer of plastic that is then cured and hardened by UV light. PolyJet printers are able to print with multiple filaments and colors at once. PolyJet printers are expensive and typically cost several thousand dollars. Some companies that possess PolyJet printers may be willing to let teams use them.		PolyJet printing places a layer of plastic that is then cured and hardened by UV light. PolyJet printers are able to print with multiple filaments and colors at once. PolyJet printers are expensive and typically cost several thousand dollars. Some companies that possess PolyJet printers may be willing to let teams use them.

Line 38:		Line 38:
	*Expensive or has to be created by a sponsor		*Expensive or has to be created by a sponsor

	====SLA====		===SLA===
	Stereolithography (SLA) is a form of resin printing. The printer uses a laser to harden resin in a vat to create a layer. The layer is then raised before creating the next layer. Parts created using SLA have a nice finish and are very detailed but they are very brittle and aren’t suited for structural parts.		Stereolithography (SLA) is a form of resin printing. The printer uses a laser to harden resin in a vat to create a layer. The layer is then raised before creating the next layer. Parts created using SLA have a nice finish and are very detailed but they are very brittle and aren’t suited for structural parts.

Line 48:		Line 48:
	*Creates weak parts		*Creates weak parts

	====SLS====		===SLS===
	Selective Laser Sintering or SLS is a form of 3D printing that uses a laser to melt plastic powder into a part. It works by layering plastic powder onto the build plate from a holding tank and then selectively fusing particulates together with a CO2 laser. The printer then repeats this process until the part is complete. SLS printers aren't typically seen in FTC because of how complicated and expensive they are.		Selective Laser Sintering or SLS is a form of 3D printing that uses a laser to melt plastic powder into a part. It works by layering plastic powder onto the build plate from a holding tank and then selectively fusing particulates together with a CO2 laser. The printer then repeats this process until the part is complete. SLS printers aren't typically seen in FTC because of how complicated and expensive they are.

Line 61:		Line 61:
	The plastic used to create 3D printed parts is called filament. There are many filaments available<ref name="3D Printing Filaments">{{cite web\|url=https://all3dp.com/1/3d-printer-filament-types-3d-printing-3d-filament/\|title=3D Printing Filaments\|publisher=All3DP.com\|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref> but here are some of the most common filaments used in FTC.		The plastic used to create 3D printed parts is called filament. There are many filaments available<ref name="3D Printing Filaments">{{cite web\|url=https://all3dp.com/1/3d-printer-filament-types-3d-printing-3d-filament/\|title=3D Printing Filaments\|publisher=All3DP.com\|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref> but here are some of the most common filaments used in FTC.

	====PLA====		===PLA===
	PLA is the most commonly used filament in FTC. It prints at a low extruder temperature and doesn’t warp easily. It is non-toxic and can come in many different colors. It is good for many different parts used by FTC teams but other filaments may work better than it in some applications.		PLA is the most commonly used filament in FTC. It prints at a low extruder temperature and doesn’t warp easily. It is non-toxic and can come in many different colors. It is good for many different parts used by FTC teams but other filaments may work better than it in some applications.

Line 70:		Line 70:
	*Not as strong as other filaments		*Not as strong as other filaments

	====ABS====		===ABS===
	ABS is a very durable filament. It is better than PLA in many respects except that it is harder to print. ABS prints at a higher extruder temperature than PLA and requires a heated bed as it tends to warp. It also requires an enclosure as it produces toxic fumes as it is melted. ABS is good for making structural parts.		ABS is a very durable filament. It is better than PLA in many respects except that it is harder to print. ABS prints at a higher extruder temperature than PLA and requires a heated bed as it tends to warp. It also requires an enclosure as it produces toxic fumes as it is melted. ABS is good for making structural parts.

Line 79:		Line 79:
	*Tends to warp		*Tends to warp

	====PETG====		===PETG===
	PETG is similar to ABS in that it is a strong filament. It doesn’t require an enclosure but it does print at a higher temperature than PLA. It also doesn’t warp as much as ABS. PETG is good at making strong, structural parts.		PETG is similar to ABS in that it is a strong filament. It doesn’t require an enclosure but it does print at a higher temperature than PLA. It also doesn’t warp as much as ABS. PETG is good at making strong, structural parts.

Line 88:		Line 88:
	*Can warp		*Can warp

	====TPU====		===TPU===
	TPU is a flexible filament that can have many applications in FTC. It can be used to create belts or be used in intake systems. It prints at similar temperatures as PLA but has to be printed slowly because of how flexible the filament is. Many sites recommend it to be printed at 20 mm/s. When printing TPU teams are able to change the print density, layer height, wall count, and design of the part to change how flexible the print will be.		TPU is a flexible filament that can have many applications in FTC. It can be used to create belts or be used in intake systems. It prints at similar temperatures as PLA but has to be printed slowly because of how flexible the filament is. Many sites recommend it to be printed at 20 mm/s. When printing TPU teams are able to change the print density, layer height, wall count, and design of the part to change how flexible the print will be.

Ian: added keywords and sections on TPU and SLS

2022-04-10T02:22:48Z

added keywords and sections on TPU and SLS

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:22, 10 April 2022
Line 5:		Line 5:
	\|robots=index, follow		\|robots=index, follow
	}}		}}
	3D printing is ~~one way~~ to create parts ~~that teams~~ have designed. Teams use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] ~~They~~ will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.		3D printing is a major part of [[FTC:About\|FIRST Tech Challenge]] because it allows teams to create parts they have designed. Teams can also use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to use [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse]. Once a team has a part they want to print they will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.

	'''Pros'''		'''Pros'''
Line 18:		Line 18:

	==Types of 3D Printing==		==Types of 3D Printing==
	There are several types of 3D printing<ref name="types of 3D Printing">{{cite web\|url=https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/\|title=Types of 3D Printing\|publisher=All3DP.com\|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref>, but the most common type ~~used by teams~~ is FDM.		There are several types of 3D printing<ref name="types of 3D Printing">{{cite web\|url=https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/\|title=Types of 3D Printing\|publisher=All3DP.com\|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref> FTC teams use, but the most common type is FDM.

	====FDM====		====FDM====
Line 39:		Line 39:

	====SLA====		====SLA====
	Stereolithography is a form of resin printing. The printer uses a laser to harden resin in a vat to create a layer. The layer is then raised before creating the next layer. Parts created using SLA have a nice finish and are very detailed but they are very brittle and aren’t suited for structural parts.		Stereolithography (SLA) is a form of resin printing. The printer uses a laser to harden resin in a vat to create a layer. The layer is then raised before creating the next layer. Parts created using SLA have a nice finish and are very detailed but they are very brittle and aren’t suited for structural parts.

	'''Pros'''		'''Pros'''
Line 47:		Line 47:
	*Creates brittle parts		*Creates brittle parts
	*Creates weak parts		*Creates weak parts

			====SLS====
			Selective Laser Sintering or SLS is a form of 3D printing that uses a laser to melt plastic powder into a part. It works by layering plastic powder onto the build plate from a holding tank and then selectively fusing particulates together with a CO2 laser. The printer then repeats this process until the part is complete. SLS printers aren't typically seen in FTC because of how complicated and expensive they are.

			'''Pros'''
			*Doesn't need supports
			*Easy to print many parts together
			'''Cons'''
			*Expensive
			*Requires a lot of power to run

	==Types of Filament==		==Types of Filament==
Line 77:		Line 87:
	*Prints at a high temperature		*Prints at a high temperature
	*Can warp		*Can warp

			====TPU====
			TPU is a flexible filament that can have many applications in FTC. It can be used to create belts or be used in intake systems. It prints at similar temperatures as PLA but has to be printed slowly because of how flexible the filament is. Many sites recommend it to be printed at 20 mm/s. When printing TPU teams are able to change the print density, layer height, wall count, and design of the part to change how flexible the print will be.

			'''Pros'''
			*Flexible
			*Low print temperature
			'''Cons'''
			*Hard to print
			*Has to be printed slowly
			*High bed temperature

	==3D Printing Accessibility==		==3D Printing Accessibility==

Ian at 01:21, 4 March 2022

2022-03-04T01:21:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 4 March 2022
Line 5:		Line 5:
	\|robots=index, follow		\|robots=index, follow
	}}		}}

	3D printing is one way to create parts that teams have designed. Teams use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] They will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.		3D printing is one way to create parts that teams have designed. Teams use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] They will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.

Ian: added seo

2022-03-04T01:20:40Z

added seo

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 4 March 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{#seo:
			\|title=3D Printing in FIRST Tech Challenge - Project Robotica
			\|keywords=FIRST, FTC, FIRST Tech Challenge, 3D Printing, CAD, PLA, PETG, ABS,TPU, FDM, SLA, SLS, Polyjet
			\|description=3D printing is a major part of FTC, it allows you to create parts to fulfill any need. Learn all about 3D Printing and its different types here!
			\|robots=index, follow
			}}

	3D printing is one way to create parts that teams have designed. Teams use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] They will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.		3D printing is one way to create parts that teams have designed. Teams use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] They will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.

Norton: moved accessibility to the bottom so that it will distract less from the main information if 3D printer information is added

2021-08-29T21:24:17Z

moved accessibility to the bottom so that it will distract less from the main information if 3D printer information is added

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:24, 29 August 2021
Line 10:		Line 10:

	__FORCETOC__		__FORCETOC__

	~~==3D Printing Accessibility==~~
	Printers are commonly accessible at many high schools and libraries to students. Teams are also able to buy printers online. Some can just be bought and plugged-in and be ready to print with. Others need to be assembled and can be a good way for a team to learn how 3D printers work, but can sometimes need a lot of maintenance. Depending on how hands-on teams want to be with a printer will determine which type they want to buy.

	==Types of 3D Printing==		==Types of 3D Printing==
Line 74:		Line 71:
	*Prints at a high temperature		*Prints at a high temperature
	*Can warp		*Can warp

			==3D Printing Accessibility==
			Printers are commonly accessible at many high schools and libraries to students. Teams are also able to buy printers online. Some can just be bought and plugged-in and be ready to print with. Others need to be assembled and can be a good way for a team to learn how 3D printers work, but can sometimes need a lot of maintenance. Depending on how hands-on teams want to be with a printer will determine which type they want to buy.

	==Additional Resources==		==Additional Resources==

Ian: fixed pros and cons placement

2021-08-23T15:18:56Z

fixed pros and cons placement

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 23 August 2021
Line 59:		Line 59:
	====ABS====		====ABS====
	ABS is a very durable filament. It is better than PLA in many respects except that it is harder to print. ABS prints at a higher extruder temperature than PLA and requires a heated bed as it tends to warp. It also requires an enclosure as it produces toxic fumes as it is melted. ABS is good for making structural parts.		ABS is a very durable filament. It is better than PLA in many respects except that it is harder to print. ABS prints at a higher extruder temperature than PLA and requires a heated bed as it tends to warp. It also requires an enclosure as it produces toxic fumes as it is melted. ABS is good for making structural parts.

	'''Pros'''		'''Pros'''
	*Strong		*Strong
Line 67:		Line 68:
	====PETG====		====PETG====
	PETG is similar to ABS in that it is a strong filament. It doesn’t require an enclosure but it does print at a higher temperature than PLA. It also doesn’t warp as much as ABS. PETG is good at making strong, structural parts.		PETG is similar to ABS in that it is a strong filament. It doesn’t require an enclosure but it does print at a higher temperature than PLA. It also doesn’t warp as much as ABS. PETG is good at making strong, structural parts.

	'''Pros'''		'''Pros'''
	*Strong		*Strong

Ian: Bolded pros and cons, and fixed references

2021-08-23T14:50:46Z

Bolded pros and cons, and fixed references

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:50, 23 August 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	3D printing is one way to create parts that teams have designed. Teams use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] They will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.		3D printing is one way to create parts that teams have designed. Teams use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to [[FTC:CAD\|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] They will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.

	Pros		'''Pros'''
	*Easy way to prototype parts		*Easy way to prototype parts
	*Readily accessible at libraries and schools		*Readily accessible at libraries and schools
	Cons		'''Cons'''
	*Higher end printers can be expensive		*Higher end printers can be expensive
	*Aren’t as strong as metal parts		*Aren’t as strong as metal parts
Line 15:		Line 15:

	==Types of 3D Printing==		==Types of 3D Printing==
	There are several types of 3D printing, but the most common type used by teams is FDM.		There are several types of 3D printing<ref name="types of 3D Printing">{{cite web\|url=https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/\|title=Types of 3D Printing\|publisher=All3DP.com\|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref>, but the most common type used by teams is FDM.

	====FDM====		====FDM====
	Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) creates parts by layering filament onto a build plate. The plastic is placed by an extruder that is heated to above 200<sup>o</sup>C. Some FDM printers are able to print in multiple filaments and colors at once. FDM printing is the most common type of printing among FTC teams.		Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) creates parts by layering filament onto a build plate. The plastic is placed by an extruder that is heated to above 200<sup>o</sup>C. Some FDM printers are able to print in multiple filaments and colors at once. FDM printing is the most common type of printing among FTC teams.

	Pros		'''Pros'''
	*Can be cheap		*Can be cheap
	*Commonly at libraries and schools		*Commonly at libraries and schools
	Cons		'''Cons'''
	*Can sometimes produce brittle parts		*Can sometimes produce brittle parts

Line 29:		Line 29:
	PolyJet printing places a layer of plastic that is then cured and hardened by UV light. PolyJet printers are able to print with multiple filaments and colors at once. PolyJet printers are expensive and typically cost several thousand dollars. Some companies that possess PolyJet printers may be willing to let teams use them.		PolyJet printing places a layer of plastic that is then cured and hardened by UV light. PolyJet printers are able to print with multiple filaments and colors at once. PolyJet printers are expensive and typically cost several thousand dollars. Some companies that possess PolyJet printers may be willing to let teams use them.

	Pros		'''Pros'''
	*Strong		*Strong
	*Typically has a larger print bed than a FDM printer		*Typically has a larger print bed than a FDM printer
	Cons		'''Cons'''
	*Expensive or has to be created by a sponsor		*Expensive or has to be created by a sponsor

Line 38:		Line 38:
	Stereolithography is a form of resin printing. The printer uses a laser to harden resin in a vat to create a layer. The layer is then raised before creating the next layer. Parts created using SLA have a nice finish and are very detailed but they are very brittle and aren’t suited for structural parts.		Stereolithography is a form of resin printing. The printer uses a laser to harden resin in a vat to create a layer. The layer is then raised before creating the next layer. Parts created using SLA have a nice finish and are very detailed but they are very brittle and aren’t suited for structural parts.

	Pros		'''Pros'''
	*Parts have a nice surface finish		*Parts have a nice surface finish
	*Parts have a high level of detail		*Parts have a high level of detail
	Cons		'''Cons'''
	*Creates brittle parts		*Creates brittle parts
	*Creates weak parts		*Creates weak parts

	==Types of Filament==		==Types of Filament==
	The plastic used to create 3D printed parts is called filament. There are many filaments available but here are some of the most common filaments used in FTC.		The plastic used to create 3D printed parts is called filament. There are many filaments available<ref name="3D Printing Filaments">{{cite web\|url=https://all3dp.com/1/3d-printer-filament-types-3d-printing-3d-filament/\|title=3D Printing Filaments\|publisher=All3DP.com\|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref> but here are some of the most common filaments used in FTC.

	====PLA====		====PLA====
	PLA is the most commonly used filament in FTC. It prints at a low extruder temperature and doesn’t warp easily. It is non-toxic and can come in many different colors. It is good for many different parts used by FTC teams but other filaments may work better than it in some applications.		PLA is the most commonly used filament in FTC. It prints at a low extruder temperature and doesn’t warp easily. It is non-toxic and can come in many different colors. It is good for many different parts used by FTC teams but other filaments may work better than it in some applications.

	Pros		'''Pros'''
	*Low printing temperature		*Low printing temperature
	*Doesn’t warp		*Doesn’t warp
	Cons		'''Cons'''
	*Not as strong as other filaments		*Not as strong as other filaments

	====ABS====		====ABS====
	ABS is a very durable filament. It is better than PLA in many respects except that it is harder to print. ABS prints at a higher extruder temperature than PLA and requires a heated bed as it tends to warp. It also requires an enclosure as it produces toxic fumes as it is melted. ABS is good for making structural parts.		ABS is a very durable filament. It is better than PLA in many respects except that it is harder to print. ABS prints at a higher extruder temperature than PLA and requires a heated bed as it tends to warp. It also requires an enclosure as it produces toxic fumes as it is melted. ABS is good for making structural parts.
	Pros		'''Pros'''
	*Strong		*Strong
	Cons		'''Cons'''
	*Creates toxic fumes		*Creates toxic fumes
	*Tends to warp		*Tends to warp
Line 67:		Line 67:
	====PETG====		====PETG====
	PETG is similar to ABS in that it is a strong filament. It doesn’t require an enclosure but it does print at a higher temperature than PLA. It also doesn’t warp as much as ABS. PETG is good at making strong, structural parts.		PETG is similar to ABS in that it is a strong filament. It doesn’t require an enclosure but it does print at a higher temperature than PLA. It also doesn’t warp as much as ABS. PETG is good at making strong, structural parts.
	Pros		'''Pros'''
	*Strong		*Strong
	Cons		'''Cons'''
	*Prints at a high temperature		*Prints at a high temperature
	*Can warp		*Can warp
Line 78:		Line 78:

	==References==		==References==
	*[https:/~~/all3dp.com/1/3d-printer-filament-types-3d-printing-3d-filament/ 3D Printing Filament]~~		<references/>
	*[https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/ 3D Printing Technology]
	*[https://all3dp.com/1/best-3d-printer-for-beginners/ 3D Printing for Beginners]

Ian: Created 3D printing page

2021-08-20T20:50:26Z

Created 3D printing page

New page

3D printing is one way to create parts that teams have designed. Teams use 3D printing to quickly create and prototype parts for their robots. To get started teams will have to learn how to [[FTC:CAD|CAD]] to create the part they want. Parts are also available for teams to use on [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] They will then need to use a slicer such as [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura] to prepare the file to print. Teams are then able to print the part on a printer.

Pros
*Easy way to prototype parts
*Readily accessible at libraries and schools
Cons
*Higher end printers can be expensive
*Aren’t as strong as metal parts

__FORCETOC__

==3D Printing Accessibility==
Printers are commonly accessible at many high schools and libraries to students. Teams are also able to buy printers online. Some can just be bought and plugged-in and be ready to print with. Others need to be assembled and can be a good way for a team to learn how 3D printers work, but can sometimes need a lot of maintenance. Depending on how hands-on teams want to be with a printer will determine which type they want to buy.

==Types of 3D Printing==
There are several types of 3D printing, but the most common type used by teams is FDM.

====FDM====
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) creates parts by layering filament onto a build plate. The plastic is placed by an extruder that is heated to above 200<sup>o</sup>C. Some FDM printers are able to print in multiple filaments and colors at once. FDM printing is the most common type of printing among FTC teams.

Pros
*Can be cheap
*Commonly at libraries and schools
Cons
*Can sometimes produce brittle parts

====PolyJet====
PolyJet printing places a layer of plastic that is then cured and hardened by UV light. PolyJet printers are able to print with multiple filaments and colors at once. PolyJet printers are expensive and typically cost several thousand dollars. Some companies that possess PolyJet printers may be willing to let teams use them.

Pros
*Strong
*Typically has a larger print bed than a FDM printer
Cons
*Expensive or has to be created by a sponsor

====SLA====
Stereolithography is a form of resin printing. The printer uses a laser to harden resin in a vat to create a layer. The layer is then raised before creating the next layer. Parts created using SLA have a nice finish and are very detailed but they are very brittle and aren’t suited for structural parts.

Pros
*Parts have a nice surface finish
*Parts have a high level of detail
Cons
*Creates brittle parts
*Creates weak parts

==Types of Filament==
The plastic used to create 3D printed parts is called filament. There are many filaments available but here are some of the most common filaments used in FTC.

====PLA====
PLA is the most commonly used filament in FTC. It prints at a low extruder temperature and doesn’t warp easily. It is non-toxic and can come in many different colors. It is good for many different parts used by FTC teams but other filaments may work better than it in some applications.

Pros
*Low printing temperature
*Doesn’t warp
Cons
*Not as strong as other filaments

====ABS====
ABS is a very durable filament. It is better than PLA in many respects except that it is harder to print. ABS prints at a higher extruder temperature than PLA and requires a heated bed as it tends to warp. It also requires an enclosure as it produces toxic fumes as it is melted. ABS is good for making structural parts.
Pros
*Strong
Cons
*Creates toxic fumes
*Tends to warp

====PETG====
PETG is similar to ABS in that it is a strong filament. It doesn’t require an enclosure but it does print at a higher temperature than PLA. It also doesn’t warp as much as ABS. PETG is good at making strong, structural parts.
Pros
*Strong
Cons
*Prints at a high temperature
*Can warp

==Additional Resources==
* [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse]
* [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura]

==References==
*[https://all3dp.com/1/3d-printer-filament-types-3d-printing-3d-filament/ 3D Printing Filament]
*[https://all3dp.com/1/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology/ 3D Printing Technology]
*[https://all3dp.com/1/best-3d-printer-for-beginners/ 3D Printing for Beginners]