Though considered a novel technology, the beginnings of 3D printing in fact go as far back as the 1980s thanks to stereolithography. Fast forward to today, it's becoming more and more advanced while at the same time there are more products available so it's not something as expensive as it used to be even just a few years ago.
In fact, many companies nowadays have embraced 3D printing technology but thanks to all the benefits it provides it's become popular for home use too. Thanks to the wide range today, differing in sizes and features, you'd be able to find and buy 3d printer that's within your budget and is up to your requirements.
Considering the term 3D printing consists of various processes instead of just one, you might find it confusing as to what is what, especially when coming across all the sorts of acronyms so before you get to buy 3d printer make sure you've read everything there is to know about the different processes and printers.
Now, taking a look at the acronyms one by one, let's start from the most common, the FDM. Short for fused deposition modelling this is one of the most available and affordable process you'd be able to find in the 3D world, and apart from the adequate printer you'd need a filament to get the print, going through a layer-upon-layer process.
When it comes to SLA (Stereolithography) and DPL (Digital Light Processing) it's good to know they're both forms of Vat Polymerization due to the processing of the photo-polymer resin in a vat resulting in a smooth surface of the print, but they differ in the light source during this process which is why SLA printers have a point laser as opposed to the voxel of the DPL which happens to be faster.
The process of multiple layer built upon each other in a line-wise manner is known as material jetting (MJ) and it's not that different than that of regular inkjet printers. This is a great option in case you want to create multiple objects at once without affecting the print speed.
The printers with two ink jets are known as DOD (Drop on Demand) in which one deposits the materials while the other dissolves support material and are ideal for various mold-making applications. Not to be confused with SLA, the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) uses powdered polymer materials in the vat, relies on laser as the power supply and is best suitable for custom manufacturing.
The other printing technologies that aren't as popular lately, mostly because of the materials used and the prices of the printers, are SLM (Selective Laser Melting), LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing) and EBM (Electron Beam Melting). Learn more about the types and the filaments so you'd make a valuable purchase!
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