If you’re looking to dive into the world of 3D modeling, you may find yourself bombarded with technical terms like CAD printing. Computer-aided design (CAD) allows you to digitally design 2D drawings and 3D models to create physical products. You can pair CAD designs with 3D printing to bring products to life. Where does CAD printing fit into all of this? Let’s take a look at CAD printing and the difference between CAD and 3D printing.
Why Do We Need CAD Printers?
Computer-aided design software allows clients to render and keep track of designs and models without painstakingly crafting them by hand. The design process doesn’t stop there—other factors go into perfecting the design. What happens when other people need to review and approve these designs before they go out for production? This is where CAD printers come in.
What Are CAD Printers and What Do They Do?
CAD printers are plotter printers that allow you to take the designs rendered in a CAD program and put them onto paper. CAD designs are highly detailed and require precision to ensure the end result is perfect. Plotter printers, unlike a typical office printer, can print fine lines, details, and complex colors so that no feature is lost or mistranslated in printing. This lets experts create accurate designs, reduce errors, and improve the quality of the end product.
What’s the Difference?
You’re probably wondering about the difference between CAD and 3D printing. Computer-aided design printers create 2D images on materials such as mylar or bond paper. Conversely, 3D printers use plastic, resin, and other materials to create a tangible 3D product.
Suppose you designed miniature dinosaur action figures. You would first use your CAD program to create the design. Then, you would use a CAD printer to review all the specs with your team, making sure that the details are correct and no alterations are necessary. Once everyone agrees on the design, you can send the file to your 3D printer to bring your product to life!
CAD printers are important for creating the perfect product. Plotter Paper Guys has everything you need to ensure this critical step goes smoothly, from uncoated bond paper to 4 mil double matter inkjet mylar. You’ll never have to shop high and low again to find exactly what you need for your projects.
