Sometimes, the most difficult decision we make is choosing the right technology for our project. A wide scope of completely different 3d printer under 100 techniques prompts a one to ask: what are the greatest differences between specific 3D printers and which speciality materials available on the market are the best. The last but not the least issue is the one regarding the cost of 3D printing in the technology we have selected.


Five 3D printing technologies


Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) lub Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM):


FDM/FFF 3D printing is one of the most popular additive techniques. This involves depositing layers of fused material, and waiting for them to cool and join before the next layer is added.


Where is FFF or FDM technology applied?


The most significant FDM advantages include fast adjustments to the filling of the printed 3D models. This means that it is very easy to print a model for checking the adjustment and finishing. With a low internal filling or even hollow cores it is possible to can save money on material. Once the design phase has been completed, we can launch small or medium-sized batches of production with the filling process that is final.


Selective Laser Sintering (SLS),:


SLS consists in merging polyamide particles by making use of a laser beam that is high-energy. The process begins with the filling of the chamber with powdered material. Along with the progress of printing, the working surface is lowered and a second layer of powder is added. Layer by layer, the polyamide powder is sintered. The 3D SLS technology does not require any support to be applied, because models are naturally supported by the excess of powdered materials that are tightly surrounded by the printed. This allows for the creation of complicated geometrical elements with greater dimensional accuracy than other 3d printed products.


A variety of SLS materials is available


SLS is especially fascinating with regard to the use of materials which are broadly used in the plastics industry, such as polyamides. We can print, for instance, from a PA 2241 FR flame-resistant plastic that has the German certificate C25 / JAR25/SS25 S25-853 (a). F Part I ABD 0331. For components that need to be more rigid, the PA 3200 GF (glass fibre) is strengthened by powdered glass. The most popular materials used in industries includes PA 12 (PA 2200).


Stereolithography (SLA).


SLA is a 3D printing process that makes use of a liquid resin. SLA is a precise 3D printing technology in which the model material is treated with an ultraviolet laser beam in order to produce the final shape. Liquid resin which is the component of SLA printing, is stored in the tank. The work platform is then submerged into the tank and then local illumination is used (in areas where the model will be created) by using the UV laser. The curing process of resin through light is repeated until the part is ready, and the final step is to wash it using isopropyl alcohol to eliminate the polymer that has not been cured. The printed model is then put in a speciality lighting-setter to make the resin models have the final appearance.


A wide range of SLA materials


SLS is particularly interesting when it comes to using materials widely used in the plastics industry. We can print, for example, using a PA 2241 FR flame-resistant plastic that has the German certification of JAR25/CS25/SS25 SS 25-853 (a). F Part I, ABD 0031. For parts that require to be more robust, the PA 3200 GF (glass fibre) is strengthened by powdered glass. PA 12 (PA 2220) is another material that is commonly used in industry.


Direct Metal Laser Sintering


DMLS is among the most modern technologies. 3D printing uses a powerful laser to fuse metals and alloys on the smallest scale. The primary uses of DMLS consist of the production of metal parts of complicated geometry. The parts can be used immediately after 3D printing. They are resistant to heat, sturdy, and durable. The parts are superior to those cast with regard to density. This is reflected in their mechanical properties.


DMLS technology is a benefit


Direct Metal Laser Sintering has numerous advantages over conventional production techniques. Even the most complex components can be manufactured in one cycle of production. This reduces production costs. The DMLS technology combined with topological analysis permits the manufacturing of parts which are lighter than those produced by conventional manufacturing methods.


PolyJet


3D PolyJet technology has the highest quality 3D printing technology in the world. The principle of operation is similar to the SLA technology, since it is based on curing liquid resin. The photopolymer resins can be cured using UV lamps. A single layer printed in the process is 0.016 mm thin (less than the hair’s thickness). Other additive technologies may not be as precise as this technique that is less than 0.099mm.


PolyJet technology’s advantages


The PolyJet technology will prove to be adequate in making precise components where precision is required, thanks to the application of resins of varied properties including mechanical properties and the support material that is soluble. It’s designed to speed up prototyping and produce quality, high-end, smooth-surfaced final prototypes.