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3D – Printing Technologies

1. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

2. Direct Ink Write (DIW)

Both technologies works based on extrusion processes

3. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)

4. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

These two technologies works 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 3-D 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 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 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.

References:

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

3D Printing an Additive Manufacturing technique

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is really an evolving 3D printing technique that facilitates the design and rapid development of complicated materials with intrinsic microstructures. 3D printing development has allowed manufacturing firms to grow from concept design and 3D printing to fast end consumer manufacturing. Additive manufacturing allows the parts to be crafted in a layer by layer manner, contrast to traditional manufacturing techniques focused on machining, forging and subtractive processes in order to produce the finished product. Additive Manufacturing uses computer-aided design tools to plan and monitor the nozzle and stage of a 3D printing device for virtual objects.

Applications of Additive Manufacturing:

Polymers are the most widely used components for additive manufacturing because of their flexibility and wide variety of mechanical and chemical properties. Additive manufacturing polymers comprise thermoplastics, elastomers, polymers, biopolymers and polymers mixed with biological materials, as well as thermoplastics. With the architectural design and choice of polymers, we get an improved materials, mechanical properties, porosity, and stability can be created. This creation of multi-functional 3D polymer-based printing materials for the manufacture of medicinal equipment, electronic devices and items that are applicable to aircraft.

History of 3D Printing:

3D printing is an additive manufacturing technique (AM), which enables the layer-by – layer creation of parts with complicated geometries. When Engineer “Charles Hull” who brought the first printer to the market in 1986, and after that 3D printers became popular. The first stereolithography (SLA) technique was invented by Charles Hull for the quick creation and production of tiny plastic prototypes. Stereo lithography uses light to enable polymers inside a resin to build 3D, complex shapes (the reaction process is called as photo polymerisation). The firm “3D Systems” commercialized this SLA system in 1987.

After this discovery, considerable endeavour has been made to manufacture a range of plastics in machines. Couple of the techniques currently available in the commercial market are Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM) and Direct Ink Writing (DIW).

Mechanical Engineering Blog

A Complete Online Guide For Every Mechanical Engineers

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

3D – Printing Technologies

3D – Printing General Technique