3d printing is an additive manufacturing process in which a product is made by adding of raw material layer by layer on machine bed.
3d printing is a non traditional manufacturing method in which raw material in added to make a final product. This is why it is known as an additive manufacturing process.
It is very useful for rapid prototyping as it can covert a design into reality within a few hours right from your desktop. This is reason why 3d printing is considered so powerful and amazing technology.
Types of 3D Printing
There are mainly 8 types of 3d printing:
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Digital Light Process (DLP)
- PolyJet
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
- Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
FDM/FFF involves melting plastic filament and depositing it layer by layer to build an object. Commonly used materials include PLA, ABS, and PETG. This method is popular for creating prototypes, educational models, and small-scale manufacturing parts.
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA uses a UV laser to solidify liquid resin layer by layer, creating a solid object. The material used is a photopolymer resin. This technology is ideal for producing detailed prototypes, jewelry, dental models, and functional parts.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS utilizes a laser to fuse powdered material together, layer by layer, to create solid structures. Nylon is a frequently used material. SLS is suitable for making functional prototypes, end-use parts, and complex geometries.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
MJF prints by spreading a fine powder and selectively applying a fusing agent, followed by infrared light to solidify each layer. Nylon powders are commonly used. This method is used for producing functional prototypes, complex designs, and production parts.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
DLP is similar to SLA but uses a digital light projector to cure the resin layer by layer. Photopolymer resins are used in this process. DLP is excellent for creating high-detail parts, dental and jewelry models, and intricate prototypes.
PolyJet
PolyJet technology works by jetting layers of liquid photopolymer onto a build tray and curing them with UV light. Various types of photopolymer resins can be used. This method is great for making high-resolution models, multi-material parts, and detailed prototypes.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
DMLS employs a laser to fuse powdered metal layer by layer, forming solid metal parts. Common materials include titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel. This technology is used in aerospace, automotive, and medical implants, where high-performance parts are required.
Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
EBM utilizes an electron beam to melt metal powder layer by layer. Typical materials include titanium and other high-performance alloys. EBM is used in aerospace, medical implants, and for creating strong metal parts.
In these eight types most used 3d printing processes are FDM and SLA. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most affordable type as it uses plastic filament.
SLA 3d printing is a bit expensive then FDM but still it is affordable and the quality of final product is extremely good. SLA printers uses liquid resin as raw material which has to be handled carefully.
FDM 3d printers are also quite affordale. The price range of these 3d printers is from ₹ 15000 can go upto ₹ 250000.
3D Printing Applications
This technology has a wide range of applications. It is used in following industries:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Fashion
- Jewelry
- Architecture
- Customised Products
- Prosthetics
- Dental
- Implants
- Education
- Aerospace
- Heathcare
3D Printing Websites
In your journey of 3d printing these following websites will help you to find a lot of useful stuff you can print.
Thingiverse is a large online community where users can share and download 3D printable designs. It features a vast library of free models created by users, ranging from practical tools to artistic pieces. The platform allows easy uploading, sharing, and modification of designs, making it a favorite among 3D printing enthusiasts.
Printables is a platform dedicated to 3D printable designs, known for its user-friendly interface and high-quality models. Developed by Prusa Research, it offers an organized collection of designs that are easy to search and download, with a strong focus on community interaction and quality assurance.
Cults3D is an online marketplace where designers can sell or share 3D printable models. The platform offers a diverse selection of models, including everything from decorative items to practical tools. Cults3D also fosters a community environment where users and designers can interact and share ideas.
Pinshape is a community-driven platform for 3D printing, offering a wide range of models that users can purchase or download for free. The platform supports multiple file formats and provides helpful resources, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned 3D printing enthusiasts.
MyMiniFactory is a curated platform for 3D printable models, emphasizing quality and originality. The site offers both free and paid designs, all of which are tested for printability. MyMiniFactory also includes unique projects, like “Scan the World,” which features 3D scans of cultural and historical artifacts.
These websites have thousands of 3d printable models that you can download and print.
Another handy website can be stlfinder.com, which is a search engine for stl files. This website will search the web and find the STL file you want without you searching each website manually. This can be a good time saver for you.
3D Printing Softwares
There are two kind of softwares that you need for 3d printing – 3d modelling and slicing.
1. 3D modelling software: This software is needed if you want to design your own 3d model that you can 3d print. There are a lot of 3d modelling softwares available, below I am listing a few you can use:
- Autocad
- Autodesk
- Fusion 360
- Onshape
Most of the 3d modelling softwares are paid softwares. If you don’t have software and don’t want to buy one, you can use onshape. Onshape is a free cloud software, so you have to install it you can use it right from your browser.
2. Slicer: A slicer or slicing software is needed in order to convert a 3d model into a program that 3d printer can understand and print the model. Below are some open source slicers that you can use:
Cura is a bit more versatile and comes with presets for popular 3d printers, so it’s my personal favourite.
3D Printing Examples
Below are a few examples of 3d printed things –
#1 Andro phone stand: Below is a phone stand in the shape of an android. It is a beneficial and good-looking print. It can also be customized; this phone stands with names or any other text.
#2 Octopus phone stand: Here is another cool looking phone stand made by 3d printing. This stand is in the shape of an optopus tentacle. This is a very unique design of a phone stand.
#3 Hexagonal pen stand: This is a designer pen stand with hexagonal flutes, and the flutes are also twisted at an angle as they go up; this gives a unique aesthetic look.
#4 Cable catcher: Below is the cable catcher that is custom-made for the Ender 5 3d printer for better cable management.
#5 Hearts: This is a simple yet beautiful heart design printed in just 20 minutes. These kinds of line designs are easy to model and fast to print. It can also be used as wall art, and similar things can be easily designed in any 3d modelling software like onshape, fusion, etc.
#6 Bubble fountain: Below is another FDM printed part, which is the lower part of a bubble fountain. The printing time for this part was half an hour. You can see the top portion of this part is having a conical structure which shows the accuracy of 3d printing.
FAQ’s
What is 3d printing used for?
3d printing is used for making different things like jewellery, parts, custom products, fixtures, prosthetics, artifacts, architectural models, miniatures, figures etc.
What is 3d printing process?
In 3d printing process, the product is made by adding layer upon layer on the machine bed. In this process raw material is being added and that is why it is a additive manufacturing (AM) process.
What is 3d printing machine?
A 3d printing machine is a called a 3d printer. There are various kind 3d printers available in the market today.
Can I 3d print a picture?
Yes, you can 3d print a picture in form of lithophane. A lithophane can be made in various shapes and sizes.
Defects in FDM 3D Printing
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