Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing is a process of additive manufacturing in which objects are made by adding layers of additives like plastic. The objects are made based on a 3D model designed by any modeling software, and the 3D printer is used to create those objects. So, a blueprint of any object is designed, and a product is created directly from the digital source.
3D printing has made possible the production of complex and sophisticated objects of which traditional machining could only dream of. Products being created by 3D printing include tools, toys, jewelry, weapons and even body parts. 3D production is rapid, efficient and accurate with minimal waste. Multiple disciplines like engineering, medical, automotive and aerospace are utilizing 3D printing service.
3D PRINTING PROCESSES:
Variety of 3D printing processes is used depending upon the way layers of material are deposited to create a physical object. Some methods, like Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), involve melting and softening of the material. At the same time, other processes cure liquid materials using various sophisticated technologies such as Stereolithography (SLA).
First Part 3D Processes:
First Part Company delivers world-class professional services in rapid prototyping, low volume manufacturing and rapid tooling. First Part delivers 3D printing services by using Stereolithography and Laser Sintering processes.
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA):
SLA is a 3D printing technology that uses UV sensitive liquid resins. It is based on photo polymerization of liquid materials into solid products. UV laser scans and draws on the surface of liquid thermoset resin and hardens the material by creating thousands of thin layers. In this way, an object is built from bottom to top with intricately fashioned parts.
SLA is one of the most widely-applied 3D printing technologies. The reasons for choosing SLA are that it builds low volume products with complex geometry and has a quick turnaround. The SLA process can create products with ultra-small features.
LASER SINTERING (LS):
In LS 3D printing process sinter powder is made using a laser as a power source. Products are created by automatically aiming lasers into 3D model defined spots and ultimately binding material together into a solid finished object. LS technology can also be used with nylon-based material to produce durable and tough products.
LS technology is a fast service that delivers within 24 hours. It is cost-effective and produces precise and functional parts with great speed. This service is highly recommended for parts of machines, interlocking parts, airplanes, wearables, mobile parts and other tools. It also delivers customized manufacturing service.
3D PRINTED MATERIALS:
Thermoplastic is used in most 3D printed products. Most widely adopted 3D printed material is plastic which comes in granule, filament, resin and powder form.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a tough and non-toxic plastic used for the production of gears and interlocking parts. It is chemical and water-resistant and easy to shape when it melts.
PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol)
PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer used to support other 3D-printed objects.
NYLON
Nylon is non-toxic and has high tensile strength that is why it is used in the production of damage resistant and tough 3D products. It is an inexpensive material used for printing utensils and plant pots.
CONCLUSION
Technology is revolutionizing manufacturing of products. Traditional machining is being replaced by 3D printing. Variety of printing material is producing objects of every field of life with great speed, accuracy and efficiency.
