Most common used techniques in Additive Manufacturing

Description: FDM works by extruding thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle, which melts the material and deposits it layer by layer to build the object.

Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more.

Applications: Prototyping, hobbyist projects, and some functional parts.

Resin based 3d printing

Description: SLA uses a laser to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic in a layer-by-layer process. The laser traces a cross-section of the part pattern on the surface of the liquid resin, solidifying it.

Materials: Photopolymer resins.

Applications: High-detail prototypes, molds, and medical devices.

Description: SLS uses a laser to sinter powdered material, binding it together to create a solid structure. The laser selectively fuses powdered material by scanning the cross-sections of the object.

Materials: Nylon, polyamide, thermoplastic elastomers, and some metals.

Applications: Functional prototypes, end-use parts, and complex geometries.

Description: MJF uses a fine-grained material, typically nylon powder, which is spread across the build platform. A fusing agent is selectively jetted onto the powder bed where the particles are meant to fuse together. A detailing agent is jetted around the fusing agent to improve resolution and surface finish. A heat source then passes over the layer, causing the areas with fusing agent to solidify.

Materials: Primarily nylon (PA 12, PA 11), but also other thermoplastics and elastomers.

Applications: Functional prototypes, end-use parts, complex geometries, and parts requiring high strength and detail.

Key Characteristics of MJF:

Speed: Faster than many other 3D printing technologies due to its layer-by-layer fusion process.

Surface Finish: Generally offers a good surface finish and fine detail.

Mechanical Properties: Produces parts with high strength and durability, suitable for functional use.

Cost: Competitive for mid to large production runs due to efficient use of materials and speed.

MJF is particularly valued in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and healthcare for its ability to produce high-quality, functional parts quickly and cost-effectively.

Description: PolyJet works by jetting layers of liquid photopolymer onto a build tray. UV light cures the photopolymer, layer by layer, creating a solid object. The print head moves back and forth, similar to an inkjet printer, and can deposit multiple materials and colors in a single layer, allowing for multi-material and multi-color parts.

Materials: A wide range of photopolymers, including rigid and flexible materials, as well as materials that can mimic various properties such as rubber, polypropylene, and ABS. Some PolyJet printers also offer biocompatible materials for medical applications.

Applications: High-detail prototypes, medical models, dental devices, multi-material and multi-color parts, and functional prototypes requiring over-molding or soft-touch features.

Key Characteristics of PolyJet:

Resolution and Detail: Exceptional resolution and detail, capable of printing very fine layers (down to 16 microns) for smooth surfaces and intricate features.

Multi-Material Capability: Can print with multiple materials and colors simultaneously, making it ideal for prototypes that require different material properties or visual effects in a single part.

Surface Finish: Excellent surface finish, often requiring little to no post-processing.

Precision: High precision, suitable for complex geometries and detailed features.

PolyJet is commonly used in industries such as healthcare for surgical guides and dental models, in consumer goods for realistic prototypes, and in engineering for functional testing of parts with multiple material properties.

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a prominent 3D printing technology, particularly used for metal parts. Here’s an overview:

Support structure

Description: SLM is a type of additive manufacturing that uses a high-power laser to fully melt and fuse metallic powders together to form solid 3D parts. Each layer of powder is spread across the build platform, and the laser selectively melts the powder according to the cross-sectional design of the part. This process is repeated layer by layer until the entire part is constructed.

Materials: A wide range of metal powders, including stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, cobalt-chrome, and nickel alloys.

Applications: Aerospace components, medical implants, automotive parts, and high-performance engineering parts requiring complex geometries and excellent mechanical properties.

Key Characteristics of SLM:

Material Properties: Produces parts with excellent mechanical properties and high density, comparable to those made by traditional manufacturing methods.

Complex Geometries: Capable of creating intricate and complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional manufacturing techniques.

Strength and Durability: Parts are typically strong, durable, and suitable for demanding applications.

Precision and Detail: Offers high precision and fine details, making it suitable for critical and high-performance applications.

SLM is particularly valued in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical for its ability to produce strong, lightweight, and complex metal parts that meet stringent performance and quality standards.