There are various processes involved in 3d printing technology. This technology simply incorporates subsequent additive processes in which a controlled computer lays down various layers of materials.
The future 3d technology is expected to be of vast proportion. This unique technology will affect various sectors such as manufacturing, sciences, construction, medicine, art, product availability, customization, waste and energy use.
Popular 3d printing technology methods
(a) Syringe extrusion-Syringe extruders are very essential in 3d printers. This is because viscous materials are most preferred in this technology. These materials include materials such as cheese, frosting, chocolate, play doh, silicone, cement and clay. Silicone can be kept at normal room temperature while chocolate should be kept warm. The syringe may be heated depending on the material.
(b) Polyjet photolymer-The technology incorporates materials of different colors at higher resolutions and into single prints. These layers are then stacked successively. UV light is used to harden the photolymer liquid jetted out by a traditional inkjet printer.
(c) ) Selective Laser Sintering-This technology uses the concept of the traditional SLS 3D printer. This technology is almost similar to SLA. Powdered material such as silver, aluminum, titanium, steel, nylon, glass, ceramics and poly styrene are used instead of liquid photolymer in a vat. The powder is instantly fused (sintered) when the laser hits the powder. The un-sintered powder becomes the support structure of the object. The unused powder can then be used in the next printing.
(d) FDM(Fused Deposition Modeling)-This technology dates back in 1980s.The object in this technology is developed by extruding a stream of thermostatic material to form layers. The layers then fuses together as each layer stacks on top of the other. The material hardens immediately after leaving the extrusion nozzle. This method is considered among the cheapest 3d methods.
(e)SLA (Stereo lithography)-This method was developed in 1986.This is when the first 3d printer was produced for commercial purposes. This printer employed the concept of stereo lithography. This SLA 3d printer concentrates a beam of ultraviolet light on a surface filled with photo curable resin. A 3d model is then drawn by the UV laser beam, one thin layer at a time. The slices then harden to form a 3d model as the UV light continues to hate the resin. Unused resin is then used in the next level. A magnificent 3d model with an excellent resolution is eventually lifted up.
In summary, 3d printing technology has become simpler due to invention of high effective 3D printers. The chief aim of 3d printing is to develop an object with an extremely high resolution. The above technologies are among the most popular methods employed in this unique technology.
