In this method, a numerically controlled mechanism, which is directly managed by a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software program, moves the heated nozzle that melts the material in both the horizontal and vertical directions.3D Printing Materials Used in FDM Technology:
- ULTEM 1010
- ULTEM 9085
- Polylactic acid (PLA)
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
- ABS-M30i
- ASA
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polycarbonate-ISO (PC-ISO)
- NYLON 6
- NYLON 12
- NYLON 12 CF
Applications:
- Concept models
- Functional prototypes
- Prosthetics
- Tools, jigs, and fixtures
- Pre-surgical models
- Customized domestic products
- Props & cosplay items
Selective laser sintering is one of the most popular additive manufacturing methods that fuses minute powdered pieces of plastic, ceramic, metal, or glass into a mass with the desired three-dimensional shape using a high-power laser. By scanning cross-sections created from a 3-D digital representation of the product (for instance, from a CAD design or scan layout) on the surface of a powder bed, the laser precisely fuses powdered material. The powder bed is reduced by one layer thickness after each cross-section scan, a fresh layer of material is added on top, and the procedure is repeated till the entire printing is finished.
3D Printing Materials Used in SLS Technology:
- Nylon PA2200
- Glass Filled Nylon PA3200
- Alumide
- Flexible PEBA 2301 Plastics
Applications:
- Rapid manufacturing of tooling, jigs, and fixtures
- Functional prototypes
- Investment casting patterns
- Wind tunnel models
- Mockups of existing products
- Medical device prototyping
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Custom automotive hardware
- Production of replacement spare parts
Stereolithography is the 3D printing technology that is most frequently used in creating 3D objects. This method builds the object’s layers one at a time using an ultraviolet laser and a vat of fluid ultraviolet-curable photopolymer resin. A cross-section of the part pattern is traced by the laser beam on the surface of the liquid resin for each layer. The design that was traced on the resin solidifies and links to the layer below after being exposed to the ultraviolet laser light. Stereolithography requires the use of supporting structures in order to connect the object to the elevator base, minimize deflection caused by gravity, and keep the cross sections in place so they can bear tensile stresses from the recoater blade.
3D Printing Materials Used in SLA Technology
- Accura 25
- ABS resin plastic
- Transparent resin plastic
- White Soft resin
- Temperature resin plastic
Applications:
- Concept-based prototypes
- Dental models
- Investment casting patterns
- Rapid tooling, jigs & fixtures
- Designer models
- Snap-fit assemblies
- Exhibition or display models
- Transparent coverings
- Molds and casting patterns
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Multi-Jet Fusion is the most popular industrial 3D printing technique used for swiftly manufacturing functioning nylon prototypes and finished production parts. MJF 3D printing services have gradually emerged as the go-to additive manufacturing (AM) solution for industrial applications due to their ability to consistently and quickly manufacture components with high strength properties, precise feature resolution, and well-defined mechanical properties.
3D Printing Materials Used in MJF Technology:
- HP Premium Nylon PA12
- PA11
- PA12GB
Applications:
- Functional nylon prototypes
- End-use production parts
- Spares with high quality surface finishes
- Customized dental molds
- Customizable medical prosthetics
The PolyJet 3D printing technique manufactures 3D products using a UV light and tens of thousands of photopolymer droplets shot onto a construction platform. It’s currently one of the fastest and most accurate 3D printing techniques. In other words, PolyJet printing creates parts, prototypes, and tooling that are accurate and smooth. It is capable of producing thin walls and complicated geometries using the broadest range of materials that are currently possible with any technology, having microscopic layer resolution and precision down to 0.014 mm.
3D Printing Materials Used in Polyjet Technology:
- Basic Vero
- Vero Clear
- RGD 450
- Agilus 30
- MED 610
- Digital ABS plus
- Multicolor
- Vero White
Applications:
- Concept modeling
- Rapid prototyping
- Prototyping for complex parts
- Preclinical testing parts
- Prosthetic limbs
- Replicas of human organs
- Flexible, rubber-like models
- Zero slip or soft surfaces
Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM)
One of the most widely used 3D printing technologies, Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM), creates final 3-D products by stacking layers of photopolymer material on top of one another and curing them with UV light. MJP is used to create intricately detailed parts, patterns, and molds for a variety of purposes. These low-cost, high-resolution printers use a meltable or dissolvable support material to streamline post-processing and are both affordable to purchase and run. Additionally, it essentially eliminates the need for manual labor during support removal and enables damage-free comprehensive cleaning of even the most delicate features and intricate internal cavities.
3D Printing Materials Used in MJM Technology:
- UV Cured Acrylic Plastics
- Frosted Details
- Transparent Acrylic
- Castable Wax
Applications:
- High-detail and intricate parts
- High-end model making
- Filigreed concept-based models
- Design prototypes
- Models with a delicate design
- Models with thin walls
- Precise mold and casting templates
Direct Metal Laser Sintering is the method of metal 3D printing that is most frequently used because of the numerous advantages it provides for a variety of applications. In this method, a CAD (computer-aided design) file is used to direct the laser as it is pointed at the powder bed to manufacture each layer of a part. DMLS is excellent for creating innovative forms and shapes with consistent mechanical and material qualities.
3D Printing Materials Used in DMLS Technology:
- Stainless Steel 316L
- Titanium
- MS1 Steel
- Nickel Alloy IN625
- Nickel Alloy IN718
- Cobalt Chrome
Applications:
- End-use parts
- Prototyping of production-grade materials
- Functional prototypes
- Die and Mold Inserts
- Waveguides
- Custom Implants
» Close