How 3D Printing Works
- First, the software slices a 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model into a large number of very small layers.
- The nozzles which extrude the molten plastic are then heated to around 450°F and the build plate is heated to around 230°F.
- Once the nozzles reach elevated temperatures, the 3D Printer then begins to print the first layer of material onto the hot build plate.
- After the layer dries, the leveling plate shifts downward by a very small amount and another layer of the 3D model is printed onto the previous layer.
- The process is then repeated until the entire 3D model is printed, at which time the printer stops, the model cools and is ready to be removed.
3-Dimensional (3D) Printing works by extruding molten plastic through nozzles using precise numerical computer control.
Types of Printable Material
3D Printers can print a variety of materials, from ABS & PLA plastic to filler material made with Wood, Copper or Brass.
ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE (ABS)
- Water Insoluable
- Excellent Waterproofing
- Resistant to Temperatures < 230°F
- Minimum Wall Thickness: 0.040"
- Flexural Strength: 11,000 psi
- Tensile Strength: 6,500 psi
- Impact Strength: 15 kJ/m^2
- Elongation at Break: 3-75%
- Shore Hardness: 97A
- Density: 1.05 g/cm^3
POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA)
- Water Insoluable
- Can Float on Water
- Can be used in Food Packaging
- Resistant to Temperatures < 230°F
- Minimum Wall Thickness: 0.020"
- Flexural Strength: 13,000 psi
- Tensile Strength: 9,000 psi
- Impact Strength: 30.8 kJ/m^2
- Elongation at Break: 6%
- Shore Hardness: 85A
- Density: 1.25 g/cm^3
Advantages of 3D Printing
Click on each of the advantages below to learn more.
SPEEDOne of the biggest advantages of 3D printing technology is Rapid Prototyping. With 3D printing techniques, rapid prototyping can design and manufacture a part on a professional 3D printer all within a few days. The design can also be modified without adversely affecting the speed of the manufacturing process. For small production runs and prototyping, 3D printing is the best option as far as speed is concerned.
COSTFor small production runs and applications, 3D printing is the most cost-effective manufacturing process. Traditional prototyping methods like CNC machining and injection molding require a large number of expensive machines plus they have much higher labor costs as they require experienced machine operators and technicians to run them.
FLEXIBILITYWith traditional manufacturing processes, each new part or change in part design, requires a new tool, mold, die, or jig to be manufactured to create the new part. 3D printing allows the creation and manufacture of geometries impossible for traditional methods to produce, either as a single part, or at all. Such geometries include hollow cavities within solid parts and parts within parts.
CONSISTENCYTraditional manufacturing processes can result in a percentage of a batch of parts being defective or inconsistent in quality compared to the rest of the parts. With 3D printing, the parts are printed in succession. Each successive individual part can be monitored, allowing errors to be caught in real time, reducing the overall number of failed parts and wasted materials while increasing consistent quality of the parts produced.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGESeeing a product on a screen cannot compare with actually physically touching a prototype. A physical prototype can be tested and if flaws are found, the CAD file can be modified and a new version printed out by the next day. The nature of 3D printing allows the step-by-step assembly of the part or product, which almost guarantees enhancement of the design and better quality parts/products.
