8 Types of 3D Printing Technology

Everything around us is made using versatile materials and consists of using some processes that help in manufacturing them. 3D printing is one method that helps in manufacturing components that are 3-dimensional.

If you are planning to use the 3D printing process in your upcoming projects, the guide below can help. It explains what 3D printing is and the different types of 3D printing technology. So, let's read.

Qu'est-ce que l'impression 3D ?

3D printing is suitable for manufacturing prototypes quickly and in low volume. The 3D printing process is very versatile and can produce the components in less time and with high accuracy.

It is an additive manufacturing process. It can create an object out of a digital design and create a component in the form of layers one over the other. The materials are used in the form of powder, and layers are fused together.

8 Types of 3D Printing Technology and Their Material Selection

The 8 types of 3D printing technology are discussed in this section below:

1. Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography is a type of Impression 3D process that uses a high-powered laser to cure the liquid photopolymer deposited on its build plate. The laser moves around the shape and creates the cross-section of the part; once cured, the layer is ready, and a new layer is deposited.

It is a very good process for creating the components which have precise details. The materials used in stereolithography are polycarbonates like propylene and ABS.

2. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Frittage sélectif par laser uses powder plastic, usually nylon. It spreads the layer of the nylon powder with the help of a device called a recoater and then creates the cross-section with the laser.

During the process of tracing, the laser melts the powder and fuses it so that the component’s layer is built. One after the other layers are fused, and the component is manufactured without any support structure.

3. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused deposition modeling machines are very popular. It involves passing a filament of plastic through a heated nozzle. The plastic filament melts and builds a component in the form of layers till the final component is achieved. There are many options for thermoplastics, such as PLA, ABS, PC, etc.

4. Digital Light Process (DLP)

DLP printing resembles SLA a lot. However, the only difference between them is that DLP projects an image with the help of UV light that is passed through the material rather than creating a cross-section.

It is quicker than SLA and even more affordable, offering high-quality components. The materials used in DLP comprise polypropylene and ABS.

5. Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

Multi-jet fusion printing uses a plastic layer that is deposed and then warmed using a head that heats it up. It has a printing style similar to inkjet printers, and it sprays the detailing agents which are fused in the powder.

Once the heated elements are fused into one another, a new layer is created. The materials commonly used for MJF are glass-filled nylon, nylon, and polypropylène.

6. PolyJet

PolyJet printers are highly innovative and consist of heads that sprinkle drops of polymer resin over a build plate. These droplets then harden when exposed to UV light in the form of layers.

These machines can create components with multiple materials, and hence, the quality of these components is quite impressive. They use clear and rigid photopolymer materials.

7. Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Direct metal laser sintering deposits a layer of metallic powder. The powerful lasers trace the cross-section of the part layer after layer, fusing the particles of metals together and creating a component.

This process needs support structures and is a high-cost process. Direct metal laser sintering uses various metals like nickel alloys, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium in the form of powders.

8. Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

Electron beam melting is a process of 3D printing which requires highly skilled operators. It uses a beam of electrons that fuses the particles of metal together.

A layer of metal powder is traced and melted, and a beam of electrons combines these particles. Chromium and titanium are the two types of materials used in EBM.

When to Use 3D Printing?

3D printing is used in many applications, and some of these are the following:

Prototypage : 3D printing allows the manufacture of components for testing design in a very quick time, and it is even a very cost-effective method.

Customized Components: Many industries require specific components that are customized in a small volume, and 3D printing can produce these unique and personalized components.

Complex Components: Components that have complex shapes and details and consist of internal structures may be difficult to measure through other methods. 3D printing can help manufacture such components.

Five 3D Printing Considerations

When selecting 3D printing for manufacturing components, some of the important considerations to account for are as follows:

1. Budget

3D printing requires considering the budget; it impacts the selection of the right technology, material, and even the secondary processes.

The cost varies depending on the type of 3D printing technology you have chosen, the material you opt for, and whether the components need additional processing. Apart from this, the volume of the production also impacts the cost.

2. Mechanical Requirements

3D printed components are manufactured considering mechanical requirements. For instance, some parts are designed to bear stress and load and hence need durability.

Whereas some do not need to be mechanically strong and need flexibility. Hence, they need to make the material selection accordingly.

3. Cosmetic Appearance

The final appearance of the component is also a main consideration. In applications where aesthetics play a crucial role, the right 3D printing technology is chosen. For instance, SLA creates a smooth finish, and FDM creates a textured one.

4. Material Selection

3D printing is compatible with versatile materials, but which one to choose is based on the durability, performance, and function of the application.

Some parts need flexibility, and hence, flexible resins can be used. Components that are high-stress may require metal. Hence, 3D printing materials require a selection based on their applications.

5. Geometry

3D printing is known for producing components with complex shapes and geometrical structures. However, selecting the right 3D printing is important for the desired complexity of components.

Every type of 3D printing technology cannot manufacture complex shapes. For instance, SLS and SLA are known for their ability to create complex shapes with detailed features.

Conclusion

3D printing is a very commonly selected method that has overtaken many traditional processes of manufacturing.

If you are looking for high-quality and accurate 3D-printed components manufactured based on your custom requirements, DEK is your go-to place. We offer all types of 3D printing technologies with variations of materials to suit your projects.