3D Printing Techniques and Material Types

THE 3D PRINTING REVOLUTIONEdward Hallehall@Petrics.comwww.Petrics.com

BACKGROUND• Dr. Kodama in Japan – 1st RP Technology patent 1980• Charles Hull – 1st Stereolithography patent 1986• SLA-1 introduced in 1987

• Carl Deckard – 1st SLA patent filed 1989• 1st SLA system sold – 1990• FDM Patent issued to Stratasys - 1992• Technology not new, but affordable 3D printing is.

TYPES OF MANUFACTURING

Subtractive• Removing material to create a part,

often done with CNC software.• CNC routers • CNC Milling• CNC Laser cutting• CNC Water jet

• Additive Mfg created to build complex parts that subtractive can’t build.

Additive• Adding material to create a part layer by

layer with CAD software• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)*• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)*• Selective Laser Melting (SLM)• Electronic Beam Melting (EBM)• Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)• Vat Photopolymerisation

• Stereolithography (SLA)*• Digital Light Processing (DLP)

SLA

Electronic Beam Melting

Laminated Object Mfg

FDM

DLP

Selective Laser Melting

Selective Laser Sintering

MATERIAL SCIENCE – THE REAL INNOVATION

CONSUMER PRINTING OPTIONSWHICH DO I CHOOSE?

FDM / FFF• Pros:

• Low Cost• Strong prints – can use in production• The most materials to choose from• Faster innovation

• Cons• Limited resolution (50 microns)• Longer print times• Higher maintenance• Often requires finishing

Photopolymer (SLA, DLP)• Pros:

• Very high resolution (1 micron)• Finer details• Faster print times• Cleaner finish

• Cons:• Higher cost• Limited material types• Weaker parts – not for production• Sensitive to UV light

SUMMARY

3D printing has changed the way people design, test, and create. Making it affordable to consumers, has allowed rapid prototyping and innovation like never before. The technology will continue to evolve, but the Material Science is the real innovation to watch! - IMO