3D Printing Technologies | FDM 3D Printing | Stereolithography Printers

3D Printing Technologies

Some of the 3D Printing Technologies are mentioned below. For quick prototyping, creative components, and the development of jigs and fixtures, companies such as Ford, Volvo, and BMW currently use 3D printing. Mercedes-Benz is going to be leading this market, with over 100,000 printed prototypes created annually. Recent forecasts for the global 3D printing industry were as large as $15.2 billion by 2025.

1. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

2. Direct Ink Write (DIW)

Both technologies work based on extrusion processes

3. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)

4. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

These two technologies work based on the laser to cure or fuse the polymeric materials

3D Printing General Technique

The accelerated development of parts of designs built to satisfy specific needs has rendered 3D printing increasingly common since the 1980s. Additive Manufacturing allows a range of forms to be fabricated layer by layer, without even post-processing, including machining. Additive Manufacturing begins modelling a graphical model utilizing the tools of CAD (computer-assured design), which creates a file format STL (stereolithography named well after SLA method of Charles Hull). A slicer software recognizes and executes the STL file (e.g. Slic3r, 3DPrinterOS, MakerBot Print, etc.).

Other Popular Modelling Free Packages (For 3D Printing Technologies) are:

1. Cura

The software is developed by Ultimaker. It’s a compatible Desktop 3D printer software. It executes the file formats such as .STL, .OBJ, .X3D, .3MF and also it supports GIF, BMP, PNG and JPEG image file formats.

2. 3DPrinterOS

It’s a cloud based platform. Three slicing options are available within this package. 1. Cloud Slicer; 2. Slicer 2; and 3. MakerBot Slicer

3. IdeaMaker

The software is developed by Raise3D. It executes the file formats such as .STL, .OBJ and .3MF and also the software provides limitless customization. The printing job can be done remotely.

4. KISSlicer

Keep It Simple Slicer – KISS is a free and pro version available in the market. This software enables many advanced slicing programs for the rich experience in developing the 3D printed parts.

5. Repetier-Host

This software enables the user to handle 16 extruder at one time. So the user can access the different filaments printing and different colours printing. The advantage of suing this platform is the user can load or duplicate as many models in a single build plate and print them simultaneously.

6. OctoPrint

This software  works in web based platform. So the user can monitor and control the program activities through an Internet browser or mobile devices.

7. Slic3r

The formats supported are .STL and .OBJ. Its a cutting edge technology which also works along with octoPrint.

8. AstroPrint

It supports different slicer engines such as CURA, OctoPrint and 3DPrinterOS. This software works in two modes. They are 1. Beginner Mode; and 2. Advanced Mode.In Beginner mode the user can select the material and their desired quality (Draft, Normal or Best) before printing the model. In advanced mode the user achieves greater results.

9. Simplify3D

The easy to use software automatically suggests where support material is required for the given model. Also, simulation of the realistic object can be viewed before printing. But this software only comes in Pro version.

10. IceSL-Forge

This software includes a 3D modelling tool, so users generate a model within this environment. So it avoids the step of meshing.

These are the some of 3D Printing technologies software to create the 3D models. Nevertheless, 3D printing is also relatively costly, hence it is more commonly used in high-end production.

3D printing produces much less waste on one element, and 3D printing usually makes materials recyclable. The key benefits of 3D printing are realised in terms of speed, versatility and cost advantages.

References:

1. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/top-10-slicer-software-200520194/