Understanding 3D Printers & 3D Scanners
A clear, friendly guide for anyone exploring 3D technology for the first time.
🔶 What Is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a process that turns a digital design into a real physical object by building it layer by layer.
It's used in:
- Product design and engineering
- Dental models and aligners
- Jewelry casting
- Art, pottery, and sculptures
- Education and prototyping
- Replacement parts and custom manufacturing
If you can imagine it, you can often print it.
🔶 Types of 3D Printers
1. FDM Printers (Filament Printers)
These melt and draw plastic filament into layers.
Best for:
- Beginners
- Large prints
- Functional parts
- Education and hobby use
Why choose FDM?
Affordable, reliable, wide material variety.
2. Resin Printers (SLA / LCD / DLP)
These use liquid resin and UV light to produce extremely detailed prints.
Best for:
- Dental professionals
- Jewelry makers
- Miniatures and art details
- High-precision parts
Why choose resin?
Superior accuracy and smooth finish.
3. Industrial Printers (SLS, MJF, Metal)
High-end machines used by manufacturers and engineering teams.
Best for:
- Strong, durable parts
- Production-level quality
- Advanced engineering needs
4. Clay / Pottery 3D Printers
These extrude real clay to create pottery or artistic pieces.
Best for:
- Artists
- Studios
- Custom décor and ceramics
🔶 How to Choose the Right 3D Printer
Ask yourself:
What will you be printing?
Dental? Jewelry? Prototypes? Large objects? Art?
How detailed does it need to be?
High detail → Resin
Strong parts → FDM or SLS
Artistic clay → Ceramic printers
How big are your prints?
Build volume matters.
What is your experience level?
Beginners → FDM
Professionals → Resin or industrial
What's your budget?
Different technologies have different price ranges.
If you're unsure, SKYLAB3D support can guide you.
🔶 What Is 3D Scanning?
A 3D scanner captures the shape of a real object and converts it into a digital 3D model.
This lets you:
- Reproduce objects
- Modify designs
- Create dental impressions
- Generate engineering models
- Scan jewelry
- Capture faces, bodies, or organic shapes
It is like taking a detailed 3D photograph.
🔶 Types of 3D Scanners
1. Handheld Structured-Light Scanners
Fast, easy to use, great for medium to large objects.
Examples: People, automotive parts, art pieces.
2. Laser Scanners
Use laser lines for high accuracy.
Best for:
- Engineering
- Reverse engineering
- Shiny or dark surfaces
3. Desktop Precision Scanners
Used for small objects requiring extreme accuracy.
Best for:
- Jewelry
- Dental models
- Small mechanical parts
🔶 How to Choose a 3D Scanner
What size objects will you scan?
Tiny jewelry → Desktop
Human body → Handheld
Engineering parts → Laser
How accurate does it need to be?
Dental/jewelry → Highest accuracy
General use → Structured light
Do the surfaces reflect light?
Laser scanners handle shiny/black surfaces best.
🔶 Complete Workflow Examples
3D Printing Workflow
- Create or download a 3D model
- Prepare it in slicing software
- Print the object
- (For resin) Wash and cure
- Finish and use
3D Scanning Workflow
- Scan the object
- Clean the scan (software auto-fixes)
- Export as STL/OBJ
- Print or modify
🔶 Which Products Are Best for You?
A quick reference guide:
🔶 Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3D printing difficult?
Not anymore. Modern printers are designed to be easy to operate.
Which printer has the best detail?
Resin printers offer the highest resolution.
Can I scan something and then 3D print it?
Yes, scanning creates a digital model you can print.
How long does printing take?
Small parts take a few hours; larger parts may take overnight.
Do resin printers require safety precautions?
Gloves and ventilation are recommended. Resin is safe when handled correctly.