Eddie Hall of Petrics, Inc. in Wilmington, NC discusses the different types of 3D printing “additive manufacturing” processes and highlighting the pros and cons of each. Slides of examples of some of the various material types that can be used for FDM printers.
2. BACKGROUND
• Dr. Kodama in Japan – 1st RP Technology patent 1980
• Charles Hull – 1st Stereolithography patent 1986
• SLA-1 introduced in 1987
• Carl Deckard – 1st SLA patent filed 1989
• 1st SLA system sold – 1990
• FDM Patent issued to Stratasys - 1992
• Technology not new, but affordable 3D printing is.
3. TYPES OF MANUFACTURING
Subtractive
• Removing material to create a part,
often done with CNC software.
• CNC routers
• CNC Milling
• CNC Laser cutting
• CNC Water jet
• Additive Mfg created to build
complex parts that subtractive
can’t build.
Additive
• Adding material to create a part layer by layer
with CAD software
• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)*
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)*
• Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
• Electronic Beam Melting (EBM)
• Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
• Vat Photopolymerisation
• Stereolithography (SLA)*
• Digital Light Processing (DLP)
6. CONSUMER PRINTING OPTIONS
WHICH DO I CHOOSE?
FDM / FFF
• Pros:
• Low Cost
• Strong prints – can use in production
• The most materials to choose from
• Faster innovation
• Cons
• Limited resolution (50 microns)
• Longer print times
• Higher maintenance
• Often requires finishing
Photopolymer (SLA, DLP)
• Pros:
• Very high resolution (1 micron)
• Finer details
• Faster print times
• Cleaner finish
• Cons:
• Higher cost
• Limited material types
• Weaker parts – not for production
• Sensitive to UV light
7. SUMMARY
3D printing has changed the way people design, test,
and create. Making it affordable to consumers, has
allowed rapid prototyping and innovation like never
before. The technology will continue to evolve, but the
Material Science is the real innovation to watch! - IMO