What is FDM technology?
FDM – Fused Deposition Modeling
FDM is one of the most popular 3D printing technologies. FDM technology builds objects layer by layer from bottom to top by heating and extracting plastic fibers from an extruder. Before the 3D printing process begins, special software cuts out CAD models on layers, which are then physically constructed with sizes between 0.05 mm and 0.35 mm.
The plastic is then warmed up and applied by the extruder at X and Y coordinates. If necessary, the 3D printer can add support material during the process to make the object construction possible. When printing is complete, the support material is removed.
Advantages and materials.
FDM technology is preferred because of the thermal and mechanical resistance of the products created and the relatively easy handling. It allows the creation of elements with thermoplastic qualities on a production level, possessing perfect mechanical, thermal and chemical properties that can then be used for other engineering and manufacturing activities.
Last but not least: it is an eco-friendly and sustainable practice. The most widely used materials by the technology are ABS, PLA and Nylon, which are suitable for both prototypes and end products. The most widely used material in this printing technology is ABS.
FDM is used in a wide range of industries and activities, including some of the largest automakers in the world, the aviation industry, architecture, and the production of small series of end products in multiple sectors. It is especially suitable for the production of spare parts, which often require small or single pieces produced in short terms.
What is LCD Technology?
LCD technology works with a matrix through which the photopolymer layer is illuminated by LEDs and hardens the resin layer by layer. This is a type of stereolithography. With LCD printing, the light source is a system where light from the LEDs passes through a liquid crystal matrix similar to that used on a smartphone or tablet display.
LCD technology
Thus, LCD printing technology is broadly similar to DLP printing technology, the only difference being that in the case of LCDs, the luminous flux is dimmed by the display and, in the case of DLPs, it is rejected by many micro-mirrors.
LCD printing allows you to speed up printing over a large area of layers, since the entire photopolymer layer is illuminated simultaneously. The main advantage over all other technologies like DLP and SLA is the best price for the printer and its easy maintenance.
A typical representative of 3D printers with LCD technology is Liquid Crystal Precision 1.5
What is Polijet Technology?
PolyJet is a 3D printing technology based on solidification of layer upon layer of liquid photopolymer material under the influence of ultraviolet illumination. Used by Stratasys Objet 3D printers.
Advantages:
- high surface quality
- accuracy
- build speed
- maintenance, washing and others
The principle of building products using PolyJet technology
Finished product properties
Objects built using PolyJet technology have different properties – depending on the material used. Materials differ in mechanical, thermal, electrical and chemical characteristics.
Build precision
PolyJet technology provides high assembly accuracy of 0.02-0.085 mm for objects up to 50 mm in size. For objects over 50 mm, the accuracy of the construction varies from 0.1 to 0.2 mm. The accuracy of printing depends on the geometry of the model, the parameters of its construction and orientation, and the material used.
Available colors of materials
In the line of FullCure materials used for printing by PolyJet technology, you can choose solid, flexible, translucent and transparent materials as well as biocompatible materials that have the appropriate certification.
What is Laser Sintering SLS?
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), or laser sintering, is a 3D printing technology where the final 3D products are molded using a laser that manipulates special powder.
Like other 3D printing technologies, SLS also uses a computer-based (CAD) based on which a real product is built. This is done through a kind of polymer powder, which is applied in thin layers (in the order of 0.08 mm).
After applying each layer, a laser beam passes through the powder and solidifies it, following the pre-set pattern. Then the next layer is applied and the process is repeated.
Materials: Due to the nature of SLS technology, a wide variety of materials can be used, including polycarbonate, acrylic-styrene and nylon, but also ceramics, glass and even aluminum or silver.
The technology is actively used in a number of industries such as the automotive, aviation, medical, and other manufacturing fields. It is also suitable for activities such as painting and sanding, as well as for creating artistic and other patterns that require coloring in the printing process.
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