Listen&Learn: How 3D printers work

Posted by: Jaksyn Peacock

Learn how these machines can create 3D objects with instructions from a computer.

Pre-listening vocabulary

• computer-generated: something made using a computer program
• nozzle: a spout that liquid can flow through
• solidify: to become solid
• prosthetic: an artificial limb or other body part
• manufacturing: the production of goods

Listening activity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19 — 1.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS | More

Gapfill exercise

A 3D printer is a device that is used to objects from computer-generated models. 3D printers may seem like complex machines, but they are actually very to regular printers. A normal printer uses nozzles filled with ink to print words on paper. A standard 3D printer uses nozzles containing liquid polymer, a waxy substance that solidifies quickly. The machine receives instructions from a , and the nozzles follow these instructions. They print the by building up thin layers of polymer from the bottom to the top. 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. Scientists have used 3D printers to make prosthetics for injured and disabled patients. This is important because 3D printing can often be much than other types of manufacturing.

Comprehension questions

1. The nozzles of a standard 3D printer contain

ink

liquid polymer

plastic

Correct! Wrong!

The nozzles of a standard 3D printer contain liquid polymer.

2. A 3D printer creates an object by

building up layers of polymer

making a mould to fill with polymer

using an existing object as a model

Correct! Wrong!

A 3D printer creates an object by building up layers of polymer.

3. Scientists have used 3D printers to

make toys and figurines

make guns

make prosthetics

Correct! Wrong!

Scientists have used 3D printers to make prosthetics.

Discussion/essay questions

1. As 3D printers become easier for people to access, they also become more dangerous. Many people have used 3D printers to make guns, knives, and other weapons. Should 3D printing be regulated to keep everyone safe? If so, what would be the best way to do this?

Transcript

A 3D printer is a device that is used to create objects from computer-generated models. 3D printers may seem like complex machines, but they are actually very similar to regular printers. A normal printer uses nozzles filled with ink to print words on paper. A standard 3D printer uses nozzles containing liquid polymer, a waxy substance that solidifies quickly. The machine receives instructions from a computer, and the nozzles follow these instructions. They print the object by building up thin layers of polymer from the bottom to the top. 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. Scientists have used 3D printers to make prosthetics for injured and disabled patients. This is important because 3D printing can often be much cheaper than other types of manufacturing.

You may also like:

• Get it?
• Accessible Currency for the Blind

Written and recorded by Jaksyn Peacock for EnglishClub

© EnglishClub.com

Subscribe to EnglishClub Podcasts

24 comments

• Norma K. Saldana says:
  

  Thank you for writing such an interesting article. It proved to be quite useful in choosing which printer would be best for my home office.

• Marisa says:
  

  cbd oil for cats is a highly concentrated version of the CBD
  ingredient found in cannabis, enabling it to be
  utilized for both medicinal and curative
  purposes. It’s produced by attentively passing dried solvent (most frequently alcohol or olive oil) through a single-celled hemp plant in order to eliminate the resin that contains the active
  CBD component. The subsequent oil can then be diluted with water or other drinks in order to be treated to
  your pet. This particular kind of CBD is considered to be the purest form
  available. Like other CBD oils, it doesn’t
  have the calming or sleep-related consequences that many CBD oils
  can give cats.
  Is it true that cbd oil for cats is an effective treatment for our
  feline friends? But is CBD suitable for long term use? If you’re searching for the safest, most effective means to treat your pet’s illnesses, and you care about their long-term health, then CBD might
  be the answer!

• jocelyne says:
  

  Every time people create a new technology, After, there will always be a persons it the wrong way. 3D printer its a good technology for many fields like health. Maybe it was not necessary to developp it for all public. USA sells guns freely so its normal the criminal person try to fabric it alone.

• sabina salinas says:
  

  tarea de ingles

• Eda Korkmaz says:
  

  It was very interesting topic. I am a chemist and my friend who is physics engineer interested in the 3D prints. He made a face shield to protection against Covid19. I knew detail of 3D printing but this lecture was also helpful for me.Also,it is correct that this machine can cause many dangerous injured if it is used to produce guns. It should be controled with rules or license..Thank you for this topic.

• puflea margarit says:
  

  A helpful tool for practice English!

• SC says:
  

  3D printers are a good idea for everyone, but they should be used for useful things, for example, to repair a plastic piece for domestic use or DIY but not for guns or dangerous things. Let’s be responsible!

• Juan Cruz says:
  

  great way to learn and very interesting topic.

• From Colombia says:
  

  I think that should be regulated to keep safe everyone. The best way to regulate it can be giving a liscense to buy a 3d printer or liquid polymer.

• Anastasia says:
  

  Thank you very much. It was very useful in learning about 3-d printers.

• Bee says:
  

  I enjoyed this topic. This topic helps me a lot to learn a new thing. Thank you

• Almurr Alzahmi says:
  

  thank you

• Valentinq says:
  

  I think 3D printing should be regulated for the safety of all of us, the best way to do it can be for example giving kind of a license to have a 3D printer. To give this kind of license they should be submitted under a psychological exam to determine if they have any mental disease that can cause some problems using this type of printers.
  In that same way the should sign a contract where stipulates that they can not print knives, guns, or any object that can cause any physical injury. If someone who has the lisence and print any of these objects he or she should pay a fine and will not use the 3D printer anymore. Also if someone that doesn’t have a lisence print something like that he or she pays a fine but a bigger one.

• Mastaque Ahmed Choudhury says:
  

  – Completely a new topic to me.

• Nabila Khurram says:
  

  I am exited to learn about computer becase i dont have knowledge about it.

• Khin Hninsi says:
  

  I like this program

• Samuel says:
  

  Thanks a lot for everything

• Refalia says:
  

  Thank you very much

• Renan Guzzo says:
  

  Hi,

  Very nice for to learn English.

  Thank you

• David Osorio says:
  

  Amazing way of english learning!

  I heard about 3D printers, but I didn’t know how du they work.

• The King Of Love From IRAN says:
  

  Thank you so much,

• Jocelyne says:
  

  Your exercices lean me lot of things and I understand better day by day.

  Thanks

• Valeria says:
  

  I think that 3D printers can be very useful especially in medical field and other ones where customization is required rather than standard production

• Yumna Mahmood says:
  

  Hi,
  It’s a nice experience for me.
  Feeling good.
  Thanks