3D Printing Basics

The essential components of the 3D Printer is similar to components of a 2D computer printer.  For a 3D printer the essential components are:

• Extruder - Printing Head with a nozzle attached  
• Stepper Motors - 3-axis motors – Up/Down (Vertical), Left/Right (Horizontal), Front/Back (Depth)
• Chassis & Controller Boards - Printing Platform-
• Printing Materials – depending on type of 3D printer.  Example – Plastic (ABS)/PLA
• Printing Software/Computer and 3D Model