3D Printing Introduction
01 Mar 2022
Introduction – What is 3D printing?
3D Printing is a process for making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many successive thin layers of material. It brings a digital object (its CAD representation) into its physical form by adding layer by layer of materials.
3D Printing Technology is Additive Manufacturing Process.
Additive Manufacturing Process is a process in which 3D object is completed by means of depositing (adding) a physical material in form of layers whereas, in traditional Subtractive Manufacturing activity, the process is completed by means of successively removing/cutting the physical material to make a 3D object.
Subtractive manufacturing can be done by manually cutting the material but is most typically done with a CNC Machine.
3D Printing Process
3D Printing process begins with a computer model (CAD) design - the blueprint of the physical object. Later this CAD design file is sliced into thin layers by software provided with 3D Printer machine. These layers are very thin and 2-dimensional, laying down successively makes a complete 3D object. The file with this layer instructions generated by the software is called G-code used as instruction-set for 3D Printer.
From here-on 3D Printer works as per its process.
3D Printers use multiple processes viz. FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), SLA (Stereolithography), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), DLP (Digital Light Processing), SLM (Selective Laser Melting) ..etc
Among all these methods - FDM, SLA and DLP are widely used in industries and consumer applications also.
All these processes use a different type of raw material as input -
FDM uses Filament plastic for melting and printing layer
SLA & DLP uses Resin liquid
Large scale industrial SLS 3D Printer uses a laser to melt (sinter) thin layer of metal or plastic in powder form.
This wide range of materials provides a wide scope to use 3D Printing technology in Industrial Manufacturing, Automotive, Medical, Healthcare, Education, Robotics, Jewellery, Arts, Gift & Decor, Food and many more.
Now Gcode will be processed by 3d printer using 3d printing material to make a 3d object as per the process. Time for 3d printing an object may vary as per technology and 3d printer specification.
3D Printing vs. Traditional Manufacturing
3D Printing is a great tool for manufacturing custom jobs for prototyping & testing before mass production or for even very small requirements.
When compared with other traditional manufacturing methods like subtractive (CNC) or formative (Injection Moulding) manufacturing technology, additive manufacturing technology (3D Printing) is a low cost and quick turnaround time option. 3D Printing is a very efficient cost and time-wise in cases where one or very few parts are required.
3D Printing can produce prototypes very quickly at a low-cost by eliminating high-cost setup requirements of the traditional manufacturing process. This special advantage compared to traditional manufacturing for prototype & testing job work makes 3D Printing technology goto solutions at many industries.
3D Printing Application
3D Printing also referred to as "Rapid Prototyping" technology is now being used in almost all industrial verticals as prototyping tool and small scale manufacturing setups also.
Here is a quick list of a few application references:
1.) Medical and Dental
3D printing technologies are being used for making prototypes to support new product development for the medical healthcare and dental industries, the technologies are also utilized to make patterns for the downstream metal casting of dental crowns and in the manufacture of tools over which plastic is being vacuum-formed to make dental aligners.
2.) Aerospace
Aircraft development is very critical in nature, the R&D process and standards are very demanding & high-end. For this industrial-grade 3D printing systems are solutions. Over the years 3D Printing Process and new-age 3D Printing materials development have seen a number of key applications developed for the aerospace sector — and some non-critical parts are all-ready flying on aircraft.
3.) Automotive
4.) Jewellery
5.) Art / Design / Sculpture
6.) Architecture
7.) Fashion
8.) Food
9.) Consumer
3D Printing is a process for making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many successive thin layers of material. It brings a digital object (its CAD representation) into its physical form by adding layer by layer of materials.
3D Printing Technology is Additive Manufacturing Process.
Additive Manufacturing Process is a process in which 3D object is completed by means of depositing (adding) a physical material in form of layers whereas, in traditional Subtractive Manufacturing activity, the process is completed by means of successively removing/cutting the physical material to make a 3D object.
Subtractive manufacturing can be done by manually cutting the material but is most typically done with a CNC Machine.
3D Printing Process
3D Printing process begins with a computer model (CAD) design - the blueprint of the physical object. Later this CAD design file is sliced into thin layers by software provided with 3D Printer machine. These layers are very thin and 2-dimensional, laying down successively makes a complete 3D object. The file with this layer instructions generated by the software is called G-code used as instruction-set for 3D Printer.
From here-on 3D Printer works as per its process.
3D Printers use multiple processes viz. FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), SLA (Stereolithography), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), DLP (Digital Light Processing), SLM (Selective Laser Melting) ..etc
Among all these methods - FDM, SLA and DLP are widely used in industries and consumer applications also.
All these processes use a different type of raw material as input -
FDM uses Filament plastic for melting and printing layer
SLA & DLP uses Resin liquid
Large scale industrial SLS 3D Printer uses a laser to melt (sinter) thin layer of metal or plastic in powder form.
This wide range of materials provides a wide scope to use 3D Printing technology in Industrial Manufacturing, Automotive, Medical, Healthcare, Education, Robotics, Jewellery, Arts, Gift & Decor, Food and many more.
Now Gcode will be processed by 3d printer using 3d printing material to make a 3d object as per the process. Time for 3d printing an object may vary as per technology and 3d printer specification.
3D Printing vs. Traditional Manufacturing
3D Printing is a great tool for manufacturing custom jobs for prototyping & testing before mass production or for even very small requirements.
When compared with other traditional manufacturing methods like subtractive (CNC) or formative (Injection Moulding) manufacturing technology, additive manufacturing technology (3D Printing) is a low cost and quick turnaround time option. 3D Printing is a very efficient cost and time-wise in cases where one or very few parts are required.
3D Printing can produce prototypes very quickly at a low-cost by eliminating high-cost setup requirements of the traditional manufacturing process. This special advantage compared to traditional manufacturing for prototype & testing job work makes 3D Printing technology goto solutions at many industries.
3D Printing Application
3D Printing also referred to as "Rapid Prototyping" technology is now being used in almost all industrial verticals as prototyping tool and small scale manufacturing setups also.
Here is a quick list of a few application references:
1.) Medical and Dental
3D printing technologies are being used for making prototypes to support new product development for the medical healthcare and dental industries, the technologies are also utilized to make patterns for the downstream metal casting of dental crowns and in the manufacture of tools over which plastic is being vacuum-formed to make dental aligners.
2.) Aerospace
Aircraft development is very critical in nature, the R&D process and standards are very demanding & high-end. For this industrial-grade 3D printing systems are solutions. Over the years 3D Printing Process and new-age 3D Printing materials development have seen a number of key applications developed for the aerospace sector — and some non-critical parts are all-ready flying on aircraft.
3.) Automotive
4.) Jewellery
5.) Art / Design / Sculpture
6.) Architecture
7.) Fashion
8.) Food
9.) Consumer
Editor’s Picks
Vendor:Anycubic
Anycubic Standard UV Resin - 1Kg
Professional LCD molding resin: Optimize the formation of LCD low light source and printing efficiency is higher than the market compatible DLP / LCD / SLA resin. The resin is only designed for the LCD model of the resin, not recommended DLP or SLA...
- Rs. 1,699.00
- Rs. 1,699.00
- Unit price
- per
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Grey
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Light Beige
-
White
-
Clear
Vendor:ELEGOO
Elegoo Standard Resin 2Kg
ELEGOO Standard 3D Printing Resin – 2KG Variant Elevate your 3D printing projects with the ELEGOO Standard Resin, a trusted choice for precision and high-quality results. Designed for LCD 3D printers, this resin offers superior performance, vibrant details, and a smooth surface finish....
- Rs. 2,799.00
- Rs. 2,799.00
- Unit price
- per
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Gray
Vendor:Anycubic
Anycubic ABS-Like Resin Pro 2
● Toughness Upgrade● High Flowability, High Success Rate● Low Odor for Peaceful Printing Strong & ToughBased on the excellent tensile and bending strength of the previous version of ABS-like resin + , ABS-Like resin Pro 2 strengthens the toughness performance, increases the elongation at...
- Rs. 2,300.00
- Rs. 2,300.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Grey
-
Black
-
White
Vendor:Anycubic
Anycubic Water-Wash Resin+
Anycubic Water-Wash Resin+ : Low Viscosity, Fast Printing No Alcohol Needed, User-Friendly: Easy to clean, rinse 3D prints with water instead of alcohol, so save your time and budget; ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure machines are suggested to ensure better effect.Low Viscosity, Fast Printing: Low viscosity...
- Rs. 1,999.00
- Rs. 1,999.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Grey
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Black
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Clear
-
White
Vendor:Anycubic
Anycubic 14K Texture Resin
Product Features● Superior Precision● Matte Finish● Upgraded Toughness● Minimal Shrinkage● Broad Compatibility and Versatile Applications
- Rs. 2,500.00
- Rs. 2,500.00
- Unit price
- per
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Apricot
