Additive Manufacturing

September 12, 2024 - by mre3d

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a rapidly growing technology that is changing the way products are designed and manufactured. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, where materials are removed from a larger block to create a specific shape, additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer using a variety of materials.

There are several methods of additive manufacturing, each with its own advantages and limitations. In this post, I provide a brief overview of the most common methods of additive manufacturing.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused Deposition Modeling, or FDM, is one of the most popular methods of additive manufacturing. In this method, a thermoplastic filament is melted and extruded through a nozzle onto a build platform. The nozzle moves in the X and Y axes while the build platform moves in the Z axis, building up the object layer by layer.

FDM is widely used because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. However, it is limited by the types of materials that can be used and the quality of the finished product.

Stereolithography (SLA) (Liquid Resin Printing)

Stereolithography, or SLA, uses a laser to cure a liquid resin into a solid object. The laser is directed by a computer to selectively cure the resin in specific areas, building up the object layer by layer.

SLA is known for producing high-quality parts with very fine details and smooth surfaces. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming compared to other methods.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective Laser Sintering, or SLS, uses a laser to selectively fuse powdered materials together into a solid object. The powder is spread evenly over a build platform and the laser fuses the powder in specific areas to build up the object layer by layer.

SLS is known for its ability to use a wide range of materials, including metals and ceramics. However, it can be expensive and requires a high level of expertise to operate.

Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

Electron Beam Melting, or EBM, uses an electron beam to melt metal powder into a solid object. The beam is directed by a computer to selectively melt the powder in specific areas, building up the object layer by layer.

EBM is known for its ability to produce high-quality metal parts with complex geometries. However, it is limited to certain types of metals and can be expensive compared to other methods.

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Digital Light Processing, or DLP, uses a projector to cure a liquid resin into a solid object. The projector shines light onto the resin in specific patterns, building up the object layer by layer.

DLP is known for its ability to produce high-quality parts with very fine details and smooth surfaces. However, it can be expensive and requires a high level of expertise to operate.

Conclusion

Additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing technology that is changing the way products are designed and manufactured. There are several methods of additive manufacturing, each with its own advantages and limitations. By understanding these methods, manufacturers can choose the best method for their specific needs and create high-quality products more efficiently than ever before.