3D PRINTER
- 3D Printing is a manufacturing process that creates a phsical object from a design.
- It brings a digital object into its physical form by printing layer by layer of materials which are then joined and solidified using different techniques.
- There are many types of 3D printing techniques which process differennt materials in different ways to create the final object.
How does it work?
It starts with a 3D digital model, creater using any 3D software program or scanned with a 3D scanner. The model is then sliced into layer, which makes it readable by a 3D printer.
The 3D printer then layers the material according to the design and the process.
Few Types of 3D Printing
1. Material Extrusion
A fiber of material is melted and deposited, cooling and solidifying to form solid object.
2. A Heat Source (Metals & Polymers)
A thermal energy source fuses powdered metal & polymer particles layer to create a solid object.
3. Material Jetting
Drops of material are selectively deposited on a building plate and harden when exposed to light. It works similarly to a standard inkjet printer but instead of printing a single layer of ink, several layers of material are created to create a solid part.
Where it is used?
- Medical and dental
- Transport
- Space
- Construction
- Jewellery
- Fashion
Advantages
1. Complexity:
It allows the design of otherwise impossible complex designs.
2. Rapid Prototyping:
3D printing can manufacture parts within hurs, which speeds up the prototyping process. cost of edits to designs is low.
3. Tool-less:
Eliminaates the need for manufacturing tools and complex assemblies saving time and labour.
Disadvantage
1. Limited materials can be 3D printed currently
2. Reduction in Manufacturing Jobs
3. Less cost-competitive at higher volumes
4. Lower material properities
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