3D Printing Technologies
Various 3D printing technologies provide solutions for many applications. The production of household items, complex engineering parts, prototypes, or small batch components – the possibilities of 3D printing, also thanks to numerous technologies, are almost endless. Due to the deposition of material layers, we can produce virtually any shape of object.
The advantage of 3D printing is the direct production of products from a CAD model without the use of molds or tools. It is an additive process in which successive layers of material are deposited. In this way, physical models are created in the fastest and most cost-effective way. 3D printing also generates significantly less waste material due to additive manufacturing rather than subtractive processes.
MOST COMMON 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES...
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling),
SLA (Stereolithography),
DLP (Digital Light Processing),
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering),
SLM (Selective Laser Melting),
MJ (Material Jetting),
DED (Directed Energy Deposition),
LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing).
1. FDM – FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING
The most widely used 3D printing technology for a broad range of users. The 3D printer feeds filament into the extruder, where it is melted and deposited through a nozzle onto the build platform. There, it cools and solidifies. Through programmed and precise movements of the print head, the final product is created.
2. PHOTOPOLYMERIZATION (SLA & DLP)
The most common are SLA (Stereolithography), the first technology in history, and DLP (Digital Light Processing). SLA is a slightly more precise method, as it uses a laser for higher accuracy, making it more suitable for producing smaller parts. With the help of mirrors on the X and Y axes, the light source passes through a vat of resin, which selectively hardens layer by layer. DLP 3D printing technology, on the other hand, uses a projector with a broader light beam. Although parts are produced faster but with slightly lower precision, this method is used for creating larger objects. Both technologies are often used in dentistry and jewelry.
3. LASER TECHNOLOGY (SLS & SLM)
Laser-based 3D printing technology uses powder as the “building” material, which is applied and fused in individual layers using a laser. After exposure to the beam, the temperature of the powder rises above the crystallization temperature, bonding the layers together. There are two laser technologies: SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), which is intended for printing plastic parts, and SLM (Selective Laser Melting), which enables 3D printing of metal parts.
4. MJ – MATERIAL JETTING
Material Jetting works similarly to a standard printer, except that instead of depositing a single layer, multiple layers are deposited simultaneously and then cured using UV light. This makes the process faster while maintaining the same product quality.
5. DED – DIRECTED ENERGY DEPOSITION
This 3D printing technology is intended for the production of metal parts. It is based on material feeding. The method is particularly suitable for repairing existing components and improving mechanical and functional properties. To achieve an even more precise surface finish, printed parts can be post-processed using conventional methods. This combination significantly reduces costs and produces much less waste material.
6. LOM – LAMINATED OBJECT MANUFACTURING
The abbreviation “LOM” refers to the stacking of material in laminated layers. These layers are laid over the previous one, where they are bonded together using adhesive film and a heated roller that presses them together. The final smooth surface is achieved through laser processing. The advantage of this technology is fast production, but it is more difficult to produce very thin-walled models.
DIFFERENT 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS
All of the above 3D printing technologies offer a wide range of advanced solutions within their limitations. 3D printing is evolving very rapidly and provides users with efficient solutions.
The greatest benefits and advantages of 3D printing:
- Fast production time and low costs when developing a specific idea,
- Correction of errors in the early stages of product development,
- Verification of dimensions, shape, functionality, and ergonomics,
- Product optimization before tool manufacturing.