3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing. It is the process of using a digital file to create three solid objects. You use addictive methods to create these objects. It is possible to see every layer as a tiny section of the thing.
Subtractive manufacturing is the opposite of 3D printing. It entails using a milling machine to get rid of a piece of metal. You can print rigid shapes using 3D printers. You will also use less material than in other methods.
How 3D Printing Works
The 3D creation begins with a model. You can get these models from the library or create one from scratch.
3D Software
There are several software tools available. They range from open source to industrial grade. It is advisable to start with Tinkercad if you are a beginner. It is available in your browser for free. That means you can use it without putting it on the PC.
Tinkercad has lessons for beginners, and you can export your model for free. With a printable file, the next thing should be making it ready for the printer.
Slicing
Slicing refers to slicing your model using thousands of layers. You can do this using slicing software. The file becomes ready for printing after you slice it. You should then go ahead and put the file into a printer using Wi-Fi. You can get these printers at a CNC machine shop.
What Materials Do You Use in 3D Printing?
You can use the following materials in 3D printing;
- Thermoplastics- these include ABS
- Ceramics
- Metals
- Resins.
Origin of 3D Printing
Hideo Kodama made the first equipment used in 3D printing. He hailed from the Research Institute. Kodama also made techniques to fabricate 3D models. This invention occurred in 1981, and it was upgraded in the following years.
Expensive 3D printing systems came up in the 20th century. However, their cost was reduced in 2008 after their patents expired. This made way for other users to upgrade technology.
Technologies that use 3D Printing
There are three types of technologies in 3D printing; melting, sintering and stereolithography.
1. Sintering
This is a technology where a specific material is heated to create huge resolution items. It would help if you used metal powder in direct sintering. Thermostatic powders work in selective sintering.
2. Melting
Examples of methods that need melting in 3D printing are power fusion and beam melting. These processes use electric cars or lasers to print these items.
3. Stereolithography
This process uses photopolymerization to make its parts. It also uses the proper light source to mix with the material in a particular way.
The 3D Printing Procedure
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is divided into seven sections. 3D printing lies into any of the below categories;
- Material jetting
- Sheet laminationÂ
- Material Extrusion
- VAT polymerization
- Direct energy deposition.
1. Binder Jetting
Binder jetting puts a small layer of materials like polymer on the platform. This leads to the deposition of drops in a process that attaches the particles. This creates the layer part, and you need post-processing to complete the design.
You can sinter metallic parts with standard melting points in post-processing. The binder jetting has several appliances in 3D printing. It has complete prototypes and big ceramic moulds.
2. Direct Energy Deposition
This deposition makes use of thermal energy to fuse power. This process occurs horizontally to create a layer. These layers are stacked vertically to make a part. You can use several materials in this process. Examples of these materials are polymers and ceramics.
3. Powder Bed Fusion
This is a process whereby thermal energy creates a layer by fusing selectively. You can make a part by stacking these layers upon each other. It will help to note that PBF oversees melting and sintering processes,
The typical operation method of power bed systems works the same.
How Long Does it take to Print in 3D?
Time taken when printing 3D objects depend on several issues. An example of these factors is the part size and printing settings. You should also make sure the finished piece is of high quality. Remember, a high-quality object means a longer printing time.
This 3D printing process can last a few minutes or several days or weeks. All these factors depend on resolution and speed.
Merits and Demerits of 3D Printing
Examples of the advantages of 3D printing are;
- It cost-effectively creates complex geometries. You will enjoy the easy creation of geometric parts using this technology. 3D printing is more affordable than subtractive production in some instances. This is because it does not use extra materials.
- It is cheap to begin. Remember, you do not need moulds to start 3D printing. This means that it is affordable to manufacture these items. The cost of a specific part depends on the material you use.
- It is easy to customize. The 3D printing process relies on CAD. This means it is easy to alternate products without affecting their cost.
- It is best for prototyping. This is because the technology works with small batches, and it is best for prototyping. This also suggests you can create objects faster compared to the others.
- It lets you create parts with specific components. For example, you can make parts using high heat resistance.
Disadvantages of 3D Printing
Some disadvantages of 3D printing are;
- It is weaker than the old manufactures. Metallic parts have excellent components, but 3D parts are brittle than the old ones. Its features are made layer by layer, and this makes it weaker.
- It is expensive in high volumes. You will spend more when running vast parts of a 3D printer. This is because scale economies do not influence their process.
- It compromises accuracy. The printer part’s accuracy depends on the machine in use. Some printers have a small tolerance than others.
Final Thoughts
3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing. It is a process where you use a digital file to make solid objects. Now that you know what is 3d printing, you can apply it in real life.