Top 3D Printing Technologies Being Used In 2023
- Harshit Thakral
- Mar 3, 2023
- 1 min read
Evolution of 3D Printing
3D printing technology has evolved dramatically, becoming more efficient and easier to use. The earliest 3D printing machines were large and slow, used mainly for prototyping and creating custom parts. However, since then, technology has made drastic improvements.
Unravel the Most Important Types of 3D Printing
The innovation of 3D printing technology has allowed for the creation of new products and the improvement of existing ones. As 3D printing continues to progress, it is certain to revolutionize the way we design, produce, and use products. Here are the types of 3D printing technologies that are now being deployed to create real-world things:
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM
FDM is the most commonly used 3D printing technology and it uses a plastic filament as its main material. The filament is heated and extruded by a nozzle on the 3D printer to create the desired shape.
FDM is known for its ease of use, affordability, and wide range of materials that can be used with the technology. This technology is commonly used for prototyping and in the production of parts with less accuracy in terms of small & complex designs.
Pros of FDM Machines
Cost-Effective: FDM machines cost as little as a few hundred dollars and the materials needed for FDM are also relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
Easy Setup: FDM printers are relatively easy to set up compared to other 3D printing technologies, making it an ideal option for those new to 3D printing, as well as those who don’t have the time or resources to spend on complex setups.
Wide Range of Materials: FDM can print with a wide range of thermoplastic materials, making it possible to create products with high strength and durability, as well as, those with intricate details and complex geometries.
Cons of FDM machines
Low Resolution: FDM printers have relatively low resolution compared to other 3D printing technologies. As a result, they are not able to produce products with very fine details or complex geometries.
Slow Printing Speed: FDM printers are relatively slow compared to other 3D printing technologies, and therefore are not suitable for printing large batches of products quickly.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography is another popular 3D printing technology that uses photosensitive liquid resin to create objects. A UV laser is used to harden the resin, layer by layer, and create the desired shape. The technology is known for its high accuracy and ability to produce incredibly detailed objects. It is often used for medical purposes, such as creating prosthetic parts and dental models.
Pros of Stereolithography
High Precision: Stereolithography is one of the most precise 3D printing technologies, capable of producing parts with a resolution down to 0.025 millimeters.
Fast Printing Speed: SLA requires minimal post-processing, allowing for faster time-to-market.
High Compatibility: SLA is able to print with a wide range of materials, including resins and plastics, which opens up a range of options for various applications.
Cons of Stereolithography
Expensive: SLA printers and resins can be expensive compared to other 3D printing technologies.
Less Capable: SLA printers are limited in size, compared to some of the other 3D printing technologies, which can be a problem for printing large parts or multiple parts at once.
Short life: SLA prints can be prone to warping and distortion due to the layer-based printing process, and some of the resins used in SLA can be brittle or prone to breakage.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering is a type of 3D printing technology that uses a laser to fuse small particles of plastic, metal, ceramic, and glass powder into a desired shape. The technology is known for its high accuracy and ability to create complex shapes with functional capabilities.
Perks of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
High accuracy: The SLS process offers very high accuracy and detail due to the fact that the laser can be precisely moved to create intricate shapes.
Versatility: SLS is able to use a variety of polymer materials, allowing for greater flexibility when it comes to the types of parts that can be made.
Low setup time: The setup time for SLS is relatively low when compared to other 3D printing processes.
Cons of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Cost: SLS machines can be quite expensive and could be unaffordable for those on a budget.
Limited build size: Most SLS machines have a limited build size and as a result, printing large products might not be possible.
Post-processing: Parts made with SLS require additional post-processing to reach the desired surface finish and accuracy.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Digital Light Processing is a relatively new type of 3D printing technology similar to SLA that uses digital light projection to harden a photosensitive resin layer by layer. This technology is known for its high speed and accuracy, as well as its ability to produce complex objects quickly. DLP is often used to create detailed models and architectural pieces.
Perks of Digital Light Processing (DLP)
High-resolution printing: DLP 3D printing is capable of producing highly detailed and accurate prints with resolutions up to 0.1 mm.
Cost-effectiveness: DLP 3D printing is relatively inexpensive compared to other 3D printing techniques.
Less post-processing required: DLP 3D prints require minimal post-processing, such as removing supports and smoothing rough edges.
Cons of Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Limited material selection: DLP 3D printers are usually limited in terms of the materials they can use. Generally, they are only capable of printing with photopolymer materials such as resin.
Susceptible to heat: Photopolymer materials used in DLP 3D printing are susceptible to heat, which can cause warping and cracking. As a result, it is important to maintain a cool environment to prevent the warping and cracking of prints.
Overall, 3D printing technologies have come a long way and the number of materials and objects that can be created is growing rapidly. 3D printers are getting much smaller, faster, and more precise, with the ability to create intricate, detailed objects with greater accuracy and repeatability than ever before.
Happy Printing!
Penned by:-
Tanya A. Mishra
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