7.1 Fundamentals of 3D Printing Technologies

3D printing revolutionizes manufacturing, offering unique ways to create objects layer by layer. From affordable FDM to high-resolution SLA, various technologies cater to different needs. This additive process allows for complex designs and minimal waste.

The 3D printing workflow involves digital modeling, slicing, and printing. While it excels in prototyping and customization, it has limitations in speed and materials. Understanding these pros and cons helps in choosing between 3D printing and traditional manufacturing methods.

Types and Principles of 3D Printing

Types of 3D printing technologies

Top images from around the web for Types of 3D printing technologies

• 

  3D Printing technology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Overview of common 3D printing methods | AllAboutLean.com View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | 3D and 4D Printing of Polymers for Tissue Engineering Applications View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  3D Printing technology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Overview of common 3D printing methods | AllAboutLean.com View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Types of 3D printing technologies

• 

  3D Printing technology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Overview of common 3D printing methods | AllAboutLean.com View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | 3D and 4D Printing of Polymers for Tissue Engineering Applications View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  3D Printing technology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Overview of common 3D printing methods | AllAboutLean.com View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) extrudes molten plastic through a nozzle layer by layer, most common and affordable type of 3D printing, uses materials like ABS, PLA, and PETG
• Stereolithography (SLA) uses a laser to cure and harden liquid resin layer by layer, achieves high resolution and smooth surface finish, uses photopolymer resins
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a laser to sinter powdered materials (nylon, TPU) into a solid object, requires no support structures
• PolyJet, similar to inkjet printing but with photopolymer resins, can print multiple materials and colors in a single print with high resolution and accuracy

Principles of additive manufacturing

• Additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer from a digital 3D model sliced into thin layers
• Each layer is successively created and fused to the previous layer until the entire object is built
• Allows for complex geometries, internal structures, and minimal material waste compared to subtractive manufacturing (CNC machining, milling)

Advantages, Limitations, and Workflow

3D printing vs traditional manufacturing

• Advantages of 3D printing include rapid prototyping, shorter lead times, customization, design freedom, reduced material waste, ability to create complex geometries and internal structures, cost-effective for low-volume production
• Limitations of 3D printing include slower production speed compared to mass manufacturing (injection molding), limited material options, potential need for post-processing, higher cost for large-scale production, potential intellectual property and copyright issues

Workflow of 3D printed objects

1. Create a digital 3D model using CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) or 3D scanning
2. Optimize the model for 3D printing by ensuring watertight geometry and considering wall thickness, overhangs, and support structures
3. Slice the model into layers using slicing software (Cura, Slic3r) and set print parameters (layer height, infill, support settings)
4. Transfer the sliced file to the 3D printer
5. Prepare the printer by loading the appropriate material and leveling the print bed or calibrating if necessary
6. Start the 3D printing process and monitor progress
7. Remove the printed object from the print bed
8. Post-process the object by removing support structures and sanding, polishing, or painting as needed
9. Inspect the final product for quality and accuracy