r/additive
› **/r/additive** is a subreddit for discussion and news about the ever-changing field of additive layer manufacturing ***** Additive layer manufacturing (ALM), sometimes called rapid prototyping, 3D printing or solid freeform fabrication, is an evolving technology capable of building parts with complex geometries with much less waste than traditional CNC (or subtractive) methods. This technology can be scaled from home use to the industrial scale. Smaller DIY systems such as [Makerbot](http://www.makerbot.com/), [Reprap](http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page), [Fab@Home](http://www.fabathome.org/) and many other implementations are capable of producing complex shapes primarily from plastics, whereas higher end machines such as [EBM](http://www.arcam.com/technology/ebm-process.aspx) and [SLS/SLM](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_laser_sintering) can produce near net shape parts from metals and ceramics. ***** Additional subreddits related to additive manufacturing: * /r/Reprap * /r/Makerbot * /r/3DPrinting * /r/ultimaker * /r/digifab ***** FAQ: * [What is Additive Manufacturing?](http://www.mechanicalengineeringblog.com/1408-rapid-prototyping-history-prototyping-technologies/) * [How does tool path generation work?](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80aXU5q2Kgg&feature=related) * [How can I take advantage of ALM?](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXY-UfVcb7Q) **Q:** Which DIY 3D printer should I buy? **A:** Depends greatly on budget and what you want to get out of your printer. Refer to previous posts below or ask away at /r/Reprap or /r/Makerbot: * [Growing List of 3D Printers](http://www.reddit.com/r/additive/comments/kmftg/growing_list_of_3d_printers/) * [Entry Level 3D Printers](http://www.reddit.com/r/Reprap/comments/n6wlc/which_entry_level_3d_printer_xpost_from_rmakerbot/) * [Makerbot](http://www.reddit.com/r/makerbot/comments/i09ma/should_i_buy_a_makerbot/) * [Reprap](http://www.reddit.com/r/Reprap/comments/m70z1/im_going_to_build_one_of_the_reprap_models_but_i/) ***** Metals and Ceramics * [Selective Laser Melting (SLM)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4odUhDjKHzo&feature=related) * [Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNW6WqynKtE&feature=related) * [Electron Beam Melting (EBM)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4lm_CgISnA) Polymers * [Stereolithography (SLA)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iceiNb_1E0I&feature=related) * [ZCorp Digital Light Processing](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QP73uTJApw&feature=related) * [Objet Polyjet 3D Printing](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBqr1vawoaU) * [Stratasys Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFcWFB0FlLo&feature=related) DIY Kits * [Makerbot](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0n9A_5_CG0) * [Reprap](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peBGgwr47uw&feature=related) * [Fab@Home](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW_ldvrHgLM&feature=relmfu) * [Bits From Bytes](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un_mCRfb3FQ&feature=related)