How 3D Printers Work
3D打印机如何工作
A 3D printer is a device that is used to create objects from computer-generated models.
3D打印机是一种根据计算机生成的模型来创建物体的设备。
3D printers may seem like complex machines, but they are actually very similar to regular printers.
3D打印机可能看起来像是一台复杂的机器,但实际上它们与普通打印机非常相似。
A normal printer uses nozzles filled with ink to print words on paper.
普通打印机使用装满墨水的喷嘴在纸上打印字词。
A standard 3D printer uses nozzles containing liquid polymer, a waxy substance that solidifies quickly.
标准的3D打印机使用含有液体聚合物的喷嘴,液体聚合物是一种能快速凝固的蜡状物质。
The machine receives instructions from a computer, and the nozzles follow these instructions.
3D打印机接收来自计算机的指令,喷嘴遵循这些指令。
They print the object by building up thin layers of polymer from the bottom to the top.
通过从底部到顶部叠加一层层薄薄的聚合物,喷嘴打印出物体。
Although the average person might use a 3D printer to make something fun like a toy or figurine, this technology also has a lot of practical uses—especially in the medical field.
虽然普通人可能会用3D打印机来制作玩具或小雕像等有趣的东西,但这项技术也有很多实际用途,特别是在医疗领域。
Scientists have used 3D printers to make prosthetics for injured and disabled patients.
科学家们使用3D打印机为受伤和残疾的病人制作义肢。
This is important because 3D printing can often be much cheaper than other types of manufacturing.
这一点很重要,因为3D打印往往比其他类型的制造方式便宜得多。