Not many have heard of 3D printing, and for the select few that have, hardly any truly how the technology works. Three-dimensional printing has started to capture the headlines because of its ability to implement selective and innovative products in one piece, but how? Now that 3D printing has become so popular and lucrative, the new technology has been drawing engineers around the globe to start asking the question who can we make this technology even better? Within the past decade 3D printing has moved from one original technique to a multifaceted and complex system that involve the implementation of many new scientific procedures. We are here to take a closer look at some of today’s current 3D printing technologies and how they work.
Fused Deposition technology
Fused Deposition Technology begins with a three dimensional part designed in a computer software file such as CAD(computer aided design). Once the file is uploaded to the printer, the software breaks it down into thousands of layers. Coils of thermoplastics are then fed to a extrusion head where they are heated up beyond their glass transition phase allowing for smooth dispense. The thermoplastics are then deposited by the extrusion head in little small beads, almost cells at a time, and then hardened immediately in order to create very precise finished products. The thermoplastics are layered with a support material in order to hold up overhanging layers. Once one layer is finished the surfaced is lower and the extrusion head moves onto the next layer. When the product is complete, it is then removed from the printer and supporting layers are disposed.
To producing grade thermopastic material. Ideal for concept models, functional prototypes, manufacturing aids, and low volume end use parts.
Selective Laser Sintering
Selective Laser Sintering is a rapid prototyping technique
Stereolithography
Polyjet
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