3D Printing for Kids with SLA Printer

3D Printing for Kids

3D printing might seem like a far-out technology for adults. As for the kids, they might see it as an activity that is reserved for the grown-ups. However, in these past few years, 3D printing is solidifying its accessibility to all age groups.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that all kids will have a 3D printer and 3D pen lying around their house!

But, 3D printing can open a world of creativity and innovation for the young generation. Before you rush to grab one, let’s help you to know more about 3D printing.

What is SLA Printer?

The First SLA printing process came up in the early 1970s. SLA printing has the best accuracy, highest resolution, and the sharpest details.

These printers use light-reactive thermoset materials.

The machine begins the printing process by designing and laying the support layers of the structure. Next, it aims an ultraviolet laser onto the liquid resin surface.

After imaging the liquid resin layers, the material shifts down, and a recoating medium moves across.

This process undergoes several repetitions until the 3D structure is complete. SLA is an exceptional choice for project designs and rapid prototyping. It is suitable for manufacturing show-and-tell parts to seek validation.

What is Resin?

Resin is an umbrella term for a group of additive manufacturing techniques that turn liquid polymers layer-by-layer into a 3D object. Resin printing refers to the materials the 3D printing machines use.

How Does Resin Work in 3D Printing?

Resin uses the principle of photopolymerization to make objects. For the materials, they use daylight or UV raisins. Photopolymerization is a chemical process in which a UV light or laser can change the liquid state.

From the 3D printer wave lights, this liquid resin turns into a solid. Light sources in the 3D printers can vary according to the type of technology.

Functioning of a 3D Printer

Like conventional printing, the 3D printer also requires a digital file for producing the output. However, the 3D printing results are more than colors printed on a page. Here’s how to go about 3D printing:

• Decide on an idea and think about what you want to create.
• Next, you have to develop concept art for the idea.
• For 3D printing, you have to use Maya. Maya is a 3D art program that supports 3D designing.
• Export the design to Cura, which is a 3D printing program.
• Send the digital file to your SLA printer.
• Finally, sand and paint your new creation!

There are different types of 3D designing software like Mudbox, Maya, and Autodesk. The 3D printers create objects using an additive process.

Why Should Kids Indulge in 3D Printing?

One of your first questions might be, “but why 3D printing?”. Often, shiny innovations come into the market, and people rush to grab them. But, nobody ever thinks about how it would benefit the user or why they should use it.

Firstly, 3D printing can help your child realize their passion for creativity. I can help them to boost their thinking and innovating abilities. Besides, 3D printing is shifting to a point whereby you can create everything you imagine.

With the help of an innovational printer and PLA filament, they can be aspiring artists. It’ll level up your child’s imagination. Not to mention, you might notice them being more expressive than general.

Resin 3D Printing for Kids

An important point to note, however, is the use of resin in 3D printing for children. While there are no significant safety concerns associated with this, you should keep your kids safe from any potential harm.

Proper skin protection is essential when allowing children to play with resin 3D printing. In such a case, a completely enclosed 3D printer is the best option to go for.

Besides, you should also monitor if your children face any skin sensitivity to the chemicals.

Final Words

Now you know that 3D printing is fun, exciting, and an involving activity for kids. Choose your PLA or ABS filament, and see your child delivering the best of his/her creativity. If this is the first time you’re child is trying out 3D printing, you can take the help of online courses.