3. Introduction
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1. What is 3D Printing?
2. How is the technology being used?
3. What are the challenges with 3D Printing?
4. Can this be a career option in today's’s fast changing
industry scenario?
Frequently Asked Questions?
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1. Stereo Lithography (SLA)
Its done by converting liquid photopolymers (a special
type of plastic) into solid 3D objects, one layer at a time.
The plastic is first heated to turn it into a semi-liquid
form, and then it hardens on contact.
The printer constructs each of these layers using an
ultra violet laser, directed by X and Y scanning mirrors.
Just before each print cycle, a recoater blade moves
across the surface to ensure each thin layer of resin
spreads evenly across the object.
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https://youtu.be/8a2xNaAkvLo
Pros-Cons -
i. SLA is a fast prototyping process.
ii. High accuracy and precision.
iii.Popular for its fine details and exactness.
iv. It can take longer to trace the cross-section of an
object when compared to DLP.
v. SLA printing has become a favored economical
choice for a wide variety of industries.
vi. Some of these include automotive, medical,
aerospace, entertainment, and also to create various
consumer products.
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2. Digital Light Processing (DLP) Technology
It’s similar to SLA (see above), given that it also works
with photopolymers. The liquid plastic resin used by the
printer goes into a translucent resin container.
There is, however, one major difference between the
two, which is the source of light. While SLA uses ultra
violet light, DLP uses a more traditional light source,
usually arc lamps.
This process results in pretty impressive printing
speeds. When there’s plenty of light, the resin is quick to
harden (we’re talking seconds).
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https://youtu.be/3p9xnjGKCT0
Pros and Cons:
Compared to SLA 3D printing, DLP achieves quicker
print times for most parts.
The reason it’s faster is because it exposes entire
layers at once. With SLA printing, a laser has to draw
out each of these layers, and this takes time.
It is robust and produces high resolution models every
time.
It’s also economical with the ability to use cheaper
materials for even complex and detailed objects. This is
something that not only reduces waste, but also keeps
printing costs low.
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3. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Technology
It uses production grade thermal plastic materials.
Before the FDM printing process begins, the user has to
slice the 3D CAD data (the 3D model) into multiple
layers using special software.
The sliced CAD data goes to the printer which then
builds the object layer at a time on the build platform. It
does this simply by heating and then extruding the
thermoplastic filament through the nozzle and onto the
base.
The printer can also extrude various support materials
as well as the thermoplastic..
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4. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Technology
It’s a 3D printing technique that uses high power CO2
lasers to fuse particles together.
The laser sinters powdered metal materials (though it
can utilize other materials too, like white nylon powder,
ceramics and even glass).
The build platform, or bed, lowers incrementally with
each successive laser scan.
It’s a process that repeats one layer at a time until it
reaches the object’s height
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This means the 3D objects don’t need other support
structures during the build.
SLS produces durable, high precision parts, and it can
use a wide range of materials.
It’s a perfect technology for fully-functional, end-use
parts and prototypes.
SLS is quite similar to SLA technology with regards to
speed and quality. The main difference is with the
materials, as SLS uses powdered substances, whereas
SLA uses liquid resins.
It’s this wide variety of available materials that makes
SLA technology so popular for printing customized
objects.
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5. Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Technology
Like SLA (see above), SLM also uses a high-powered
laser beam to form 3D parts.
During the printing process, the laser beam melts and
fuses various metallic powders together. The simple way
to look at this is to break down the basic process like
thus:
Powdered
material
Heat Precision
Layered
Structure
3D
Product
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As the laser beam hits a thin layer of the material, it
selectively joins or welds the particles together.
After one complete print cycle, the printer adds a new
layer of powered material to the previous one.
The main difference between SLM and SLS is that
SLM completely melts the powder, whereas SLS only
partly melts it (sinters).
In general, SLM end products tend to be stronger as
they have fewer or no voids.
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The aerospace industry uses SLM 3D printing in
some of its pioneering projects.
These are typically those which focus on precise,
durable, lightweight parts.
It’s a costly technology, SLM is quite widespread
now among the aerospace and medical orthopedics
industries.
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6. Electron Beam Melting (EBM) Technology
Similar to SLM (see above), in that it uses a powder bed
fusion technique.
The difference between the two is the power source.
The SLM approach above uses high-powered laser in a
chamber of noble, or inert gas.
EBM, on the other hand, uses a powerful electron beam in a
vacuum.
EBM’s main use is to 3D print metal parts. Its main
characteristics are its ability to achieve complex geometries
with freedom of design. EBM also produces parts that are
incredibly strong and dense in their makeup.
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Some of EBM’s other impressive features -
Doesn’t need extra auxiliary equipment for the 3D printing
process.
Has increased efficiency using raw materials Lessens lead
times resulting in parts getting to market faster.
Can create fully functional, durable parts on demand for
wide-ranging industries.
The printing process starts like most others in that the user
has to first create a 3D model, or computer-generated digital
file.
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7. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) Technology
LOM is a rapid prototyping system that works by fusing
or laminating layers of plastic or paper using both heat
and pressure.
A computer-controlled blade or laser cuts the object to
the desired shape.
Once each printed layer is complete, the platform moves
down by about 1/16th of an inch, ready for the next layer.
The printer then pulls a new sheet of material across the
substrate where it’s adhered by a heated roller.
This basic process continues over and over until the 3D
part is complete.
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8. Binder Jetting (BJ) Technology
Other names - Powder bed printing, Inkjet 3D printing,
Drop-on-powder.
Uses two types of materials to build objects: a powder-based
material (usually gypsum) and a bonding agent.
Bonding agent acts as a strong adhesive to attach (bond) the
powder layers together.
The printer nozzles extrude the binder in liquid form similar
to a regular 2D inkjet printer.
After completing each layer, the build plate lowers slightly to
allow for the next one. This process repeats until the object
reaches its required height.
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9. Material Jetting (MJ) Polyjet and Wax Casting
Technology
Also known as wax casting. It’s something jewelers have
used for centuries.
For jewelers who want to experiment with various casts—
as most jewelers do—MJ is now their leading 3D
technology.
Once the 3D model (CAD file) is uploaded to the printer,
it’s all automated now.
The printer adds molten (heated) wax to the aluminum
build platform in controlled layers. It achieves this using
nozzles that sweep evenly across the build area.
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As soon as the heated material lands on the build plate
it begins to cool down and solidify (UV light helps to
cure the layers).
As the 3D part builds up, a gel-like material helps to
support the printing process of more complex
geometries.
Like all support materials in 3D printing, it’s easy to
remove it afterward, either by hand or by using powerful
water jets.
Once the part is complete you can use it right away, no
further post-curing necessary.
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Filament/Print Material
Filament is used for the FDM 3D printers.
When getting a printer, one must take care of the
compatibility with different filaments.
Some can process only one kind of filaments, mostly PLA.
And, others can work with multiple choices of filaments
including PLA, ABS and many others.
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Motion Controllers
Motion controllers receive instructions from the mother board
about the movement they must make, while they are the ones
who perform the actual movements.
Various parts together make motion controllers – belts,
stepper motors, threaded rods, end stops,
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Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Power Supply Unit helps in supplying power for a smooth
operation of 3D printer.
It can be mounted on the frame. Or, it can also be available
separately along with another controller box.
PSU strength would decide what temperature your 3D printer
is capable of working with. For advanced materials, one must
choose the one with higher temperature range allowance.
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Print Bed
This is the component where the models are created.
The filaments are deposited on the print bed, one layer at a
time for building the entire object.
A non heated print bed may be enough for PLA, however, for
advanced filaments, heated beds are recommended. These
helps in enhancing adhesion and stability for first layer of the
print.
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The extruder can be categorized in two sections. One is
called the cold end while the other is known as the hot end.
The job of the cold end is to lock the filament while pushing
it gradually downwards to the hot end.
The hot end that has a nozzle attached to it at the end,
maintains a high temperature greater than the melting point
of the filament.
The hot end melts the filament which is further deposited on
the print bed.
The extruder itself is made of different parts - Filament
Drive Gear, Heat Sink, Heater Cartridge, Cooling Fan,
Nozzle
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Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity with other device, 3D printers
differ a lot. Some provide only the ethernet or USB port for
connection.
The interface can also help connect the mobile phone or
laptop through Wi-Fi connection to your 3D printer.
For a standalone experience, many 3D printers also come with
SD card slots. These slots are used for file transfer while the
printer works without a need for any other device.
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The list of 3D printing technologies and processes
continues to grow as 3D printing is always changing.
The 3D printing industry continues to innovate its
hardware as well as the materials and processes to create
objects or parts.
Depending on many factors such as budget, design or
function, choosing the appropriate 3D printing process as
well as the right material is important. 3D printing can
create many different 3D printed objects that were
previously only fabricated through mass manufacturing
methods.
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Conclusion
An online 3D printing service like Sculpteo exists due to
the complexity, time and skills required for the
printing and Finishing steps.
This complexity may hinder people from using this
wonderful technology, but at Sculpteo we apply our
knowledge to serve anyone willing to try 3D printing, as
we want to broaden access to additive manufacturing
technology.
One of the vital component of evolving ‘Industrial
Revolution 4.0’