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3D Printer Hardware

3D printing technology has evolved rapidly, leading to the development of several distinct types of 3D printers, each with its own mechanics and advantages. This guide will delve deeper into these types, focusing primarily on the kinematics and mechanical layout of the machines.

Types of 3D Printers

The most common type, Cartesian printers move in the X, Y, and Z axes, covering all three dimensions in straight lines.

Examples:

  • Prusa i3: A popular open-source design with a moving bed in the Y-axis.
  • Creality Ender 3: An affordable printer with a moving bed in the Y-axis.
  • Anycubic Vyper/Kobra Series: Same as Prusa and Ender
  • Bambu Labs A1: Also a bed-slinger with revolutionary tech
  • Bambu Labs X1/P1 Series, Qidi: CoreXY printers

CoreXY Printers

A Cartesian variant, CoreXY uses a system of belts and pulleys to control the movement in the X and Y axes simultaneously, resulting in fast and precise motion.

Examples:

  • Voron: A popular DIY CoreXY design known for precision.
  • Bambcu Labs X1/P1 Series: Revolutionary series with dope tech such as LIDAR for dynamic extrusion calibration (i.e. "Pressure Advance"), resonance compensation ("Input Shaping"), and dual bed-leveling technologies.

CoreXZ Printers

Less common than CoreXY, CoreXZ employs a similar belt and pulley system but controls the X and Z axes.

Examples:

  • Fewer commercial examples exist, but DIY designs can be found in various 3D printing communities.

Delta Printers

Featuring a circular print bed, Delta printers have three arms that move in harmony to control the position of the extruder. They are known for speed and a unique kinematic system. They are fascinating to watch, but typically have smaller print beds.

Examples:

  • Kossel: A popular open-source Delta design.
  • FLSUN Lines: Delta printers with a larger build volumes than most. They are the leaders in this space.

Polar Printers

Polar printers use polar coordinates instead of Cartesian ones. They have a rotating bed and a moving arm, offering a different kind of kinematics.

Examples:

  • R-360: A commercial printer that uses polar coordinates.

SCARA Printers

SCARA stands for Selective Compliant Articulated Robot Arm. Originating from industrial settings, SCARA printers offer high precision and speed but are less common in the consumer market.

Examples:

  • ArmBots: One of the few examples of SCARA 3D printers for consumers.

Remember, the best printer depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use it. Each design type has its own strengths and potential challenges.

Main Components

Regardless of the technology, most FDM printers have the following basic components:

  1. Rigid frame, usually aluminum but can be other materials as well, including printed frames!
  2. Heated Bed
  3. Control Board
  4. Hotend
  5. Hotend cooling fan
  6. Extruder
  7. X, Y, Z Axes
  8. Part cooling fan
  9. Belts, leadscrews, v-rollers, bearings, pulleys or a combination of these
  10. Power supply