3D Printing Overview

Introduction to 3D Printing:

 

3D Printing/additive manufacturing is the development of a three-dimensional object from a digital file. It is a host of technologies that enable a vast spectrum of capabilities for the production of parts and products. Some argue that 3D Printing and its services will be a crucial factor in the Industry 4.0 revolution. Differing from subtractive manufacturing which involves cutting out material, additive manufacturing builds the object from the ground up, the layer at a time; thus enabling complex shapes with significantly lower wasted material than traditional technologies. Experts in the field of manufacturing agree that today we are just beginning to see the true potential of 3D Printing technology.

It is widely believed that 3D printing services or additive production offerings have the tremendous ability to end many traditional manufacturing techniques. 3D printing services have now been covered throughout many tv channels, in mainstream newspapers, and online resources. It does not take an expert to understand that 3D printing and its services will replace stand production practices as we know them today.

 

Types of 3D Printing Technologies:

There are multiple processes in the 3D Printing service industry these consist of FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), SLA (Stereolithography), DLP (digital light processing), and many more. The most popular of these technologies are FDM and SLA printing processes. The reasons for the popularity of these processes are low barriers of entry, vast amounts of research funding, and mass-market adoption. Both FDM and SLA were first invented in the early 1990s and today both are considered industry-grade processes.

 

FDM Printing: 

The FDM process involves the extrusion of thermoplastic polymers that are deposited via a heated extruder, a layer at a time onto a build platform according to the 3D model data provided by the printer computer. As each layer hardens as it is deposited and bonds with the previous layer. The FDM 3D printing process requires support structures that may use the same material or water-soluble material for overhanging structures. FDM printing services in India are a cost-effective option for entry-level 3D printing.

 

 

SLA 3D Printing:

The SLA printing process is one of the first 3D printing processes, being the first to be used for commercial purposes. SLA is a laser-based printing process where a photosensitive resin polymer is cured using a certain wavelength of light. Contrary to other 3D printing, SLA printing needs to be cleaned and cured. The post-processing possibilities for SLA printing are most popular, which may improve the appearance or durability of the printed object.

 

 

The earliest applications of 3D printing were in the field of Rapid Prototyping where initial prototypes of products have constraints like costs and time. Due to low costs and low turnaround times, 3D printing services allow multiple iterations of a product. Due to the technical advancements in the 3D printing technology space, these services are now being considered for more mainstream manufacturing needs.

 

References:

• https://3dprintingindustry.com/3d-printing-basics-free-beginners-guide/#08-applications
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing
• https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmQWjT_fCU1Yq71AIAn7_hrJPT0tMbVSEaug&usqp=CAU