Written by: Krizia Joy Rivera
3D printing has several manufacturing technologies that functions in different methods. They have different attributes and drawbacks that you need to know before buying the 3D printing machine that is beneficial for your purposes and needs.
In this article, we will talk about the types of 3D printing technology that will guide you throughout the different types of machines!
1. The Common Types of 3D printing Technologies
This section is the most used manufacturing technologies that consumers and industrial sectors apply in their model.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM is popular for its material called filament that comes with various colors and functions. They are easy to operate and can print your model at average speed with affordable prices in the marketplace to start your 3D printing journey. However, you need to consider that in some instances, FDM finish is relatively rough and low in detail.
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA emits UV light to harden the liquid resin and print the model from top down. This printer creates precise features and accurate details to your models. They are available in the market, but you should assess that they are quite expensive than FDM printers because the material and maintenance are quite costly.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
In contrast to SLA printers, liquid resin tends to print faster in DLP because the image of the entire layer is projected through a screen. They are suitable for rapid prototyping because of higher resolution and quality parts, but you need to consider that cheaper projector screen can affect the resolution of your printer as it directly corresponds to your model.
2. Powder Bed Fusion Technology
This type of technology produces a layer of 3D objects with a heat source by fusing powder particles to generate complex shaped patterns using a laser or an electron beam. They manufacture high-end products with components of sintering and melting, to form a solid substance.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS uses a material called nylon to print their object. This powder is heated and sintered with a laser to solidify the material that creates complex geometries without the need of support materials. The process of printing out several parts of the shape is repeated until the object is complete, which is done in highly accurate finishes and stronger builds. You need to take note that the printed parts of SLS printers may take some time to cool down and the machine will need a lot of power to work and process.
Digital Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
The process of printing the model is similar to SLS, but the materials they use are metal alloys including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. DMLS create metal components with high temperature to fuse the powder together. The laser traces out the parts in a thin layer of powder and then sinters. This method can be applied in jewelry and medical industries, but your model needs support materials because of high residual stress in the machine.
Electron Beam Melting
EBM is one the most advanced 3D printing technologies that use high energy electron beams as an energy source to fuse and melt metal particles. The high temperature is maintained in a vacuum environment to produce less residual stress for printing metal parts.
This application is most useful for aerospace, medical, and automotive industries that offers less distortion to the models. However, the electronic conductive material that EBM printers use is only limited to printing metal parts.
3. Material Jetting Technology (MJ)
This technology works similarly to inkjet printers that are operated by print head. The process uses droplets of photopolymer and cures the material to its desired location layer by layer.
PolyJet
Polyjet printing technology consists of liquid photopolymers. These droplets of material are deposited onto the build plate to harden the model using a UV light. The MJ printer can produce aesthetic and high dimensional accuracy models with a wide range of materials and colors while maintaining its smooth surface. Yet, when 3D models are overexposed to UV light, it may tend to become weak and faulty.
Multi Jet Modeling (MJM)
MJM technology is also an inkjet type of printing that dispenses a layer of photopolymer that is cured with a UV light. The only difference in Polyjet technology is MJM uses two print heads for the printing material and support material. It can produce complex geometrical illustrations, however, their materials are expensive and not UV resistant for prototypes.
4. Binder Jetting
This 3D printing technology uses powder to build a 3D model that works similarly like SLS. It does not use any heating elements to solidify the materials, but it is cured after the binding agent is applied to the layers of the model.
Now that you know the different types of 3D printing technologies, this is your sign to print the model you want and choose the right printer for you! I know you can’t possibly buy these printers in an instant, but you may want to personally have it printed to the professionals.
Super Pixels is one of the business services you are looking for! Have it printed with us and we will make sure that your model is handled with care and delivered to your doorstep!
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