3d-printing methods guide 3d-printer shipments will more ... · pdf file3d-printer shipments...
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3D-printer shipments willmore than double in 2015.
Additive manufacturing: Machines add material to a part bit by bit. Subtractive manufacturing: Machines cut away material from a solid block.
Gartner’s predicted number ofworldwide 3D-printer shipments.
Learn more about 3D printing at Line//Shape//Space
FFF – Fused Filament Fabrication • Low-cost parts
FFF printers extrude a thin strand of molten plastic and build up an object layer by layer. They can have a large build area, make strong parts for many purposes, and use a wide variety of materials. When properly designed, parts from these printers require very little finishing.
Sources: https://www.supplybetter.com/blog/di�erences-between-major-commercial-3d-printing-types.html • http://makezine.com/magazine/make-ultimate-guide-to-3d-printing/cnc-machining-vs-3d-printing/ • http://3dprintingindustry.com/2014/08/14/first-low-cost-sls-3d-printers-hit-scene/ http://3dprintingindustry.com/2014/10/27/2-million-3dp-shipments-by-2018/ • https://www.solidconcepts.com/technologies/selective-laser-sintering-sls/ • https://www.solidconcepts.com/technologies/stereolithography-sla/ • http://www.livescience.com/39810-fused-deposition-modeling.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/38862-selective-laser-sintering.html • http://www.cncroutersource.com/cnc-woodworking.html • http://www.shopbottools.com/mproducts/whatscnc.htm • http://manufacturing.materialise.com/stereolithography • https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve
http://sd3dprinting.com/�f-vs-sla-vs-sls/ • http://lcamtuf.coredump.cx/gcnc/full/
Potential LimitationsPotential ProsBest Use CasePrinting Type
Used for: Prototypes | End-Use Parts | Custom Objects | CraftsMaterials: Thermoplastics such as ABS and PLABuild Size Range: 4.5" x 4.5" x 4.5" to 36" x 36" x 36"Resolution Range: 50 to 500 microns
SLA – Stereolithography
A UV laser or DLP video projector traces the pattern, hardens the resin, and produces plastic objects. For jewelry and dental applications, the printed parts are encased in a mold for futuremetal casting. Typically expensive, recent developments have brought these within reach ofentrepreneurs and individuals.
Used for: Models | Jewelry | Artwork | Prototypes | Dental & Medical Applications | Manufacturing PartsMaterials: PhotopolymerBuild Size Range: 1.5" x 2.5" x 5.2" to 6" x 6" x 6"Resolution Range: 25 to 50 microns
SLS – Selective Laser Sintering
A fine layer of powder is spread across the print bed, then a high-power laser fuses the powder. Another layer of powder is then added, and the process repeats. This technology is very expensive, though initiatives are under way to bring costs down.
Used for: Production Parts | Manufacturing Parts | Prototypes | Hearing Aids | Dental Retainers | ProstheticsMaterials: Powder materials like Nylon-11, Nylon-12—Nylons with fillers: glass beads, carbon fibersBuild Size Range: 6" x 6" x 6" to 18" x 18" x 24"Resolution Range: 100 to 125 microns
CNC – Computer Numerical Control
CNC machines cut shapes out of solids, resulting in extremely strong objects—as strong as the materials used. However, shapes are limited because details like internal voids aren’t possible.
Used for: Metal Objects | Metal Parts | Wood Objects | Wood Parts | Custom SignsMaterials: Metal, wood, foam, plastic, sandstone, cardboard, acrylic, etc. Build Size Range: 20" x 20" up to 48" x 96"Resolution Range: .006 to .13mm
• Material costs• Production speed• Design flexibility
• Accuracy• Overhang features• Surface finish
• Parts with intricate details • Smooth surface finish• Extremely fine detail• Design flexibility• Accuracy
• Build volume• Material flexibility• Material costs• Production speed• Requires work to remove
support material
• Parts with open voidsand flexibility
• Complex shapes andlarge prints
• Accuracy• Large build area• Consistent surface finish• Design flexibility• Material cost• Versatile• Extremely fine detail
• Manufacturing costs• Production speed• Expensive at the
professional level
• Production speed• Material options
• Design flexibility• Cost of materials• Manufacturing costs• Wasted materials• Messy
Your field guide to four types of machines, what they do, and which one is best for your project.
Additive manufacturing is still in its infancy, but 3D-printed artificial limbs, makeup, fashion, pizza, cars, jet-engine parts, human organs, and houses are already a reality. 3D printers are even printing 3D printers. (So meta.) But what’s it all about? Discover three types of 3D printers and their subtractive cousin, the CNC machine, with key information about each.
3D-Printing Methods Guide
• When working with hardplastics or other toughmaterials