3D PRINTING (3DP)
Three Dimensional Printing (3DP) technology was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and licensed to several corporations. The process is similar to the SLS process, but instead of using a laser to sinter the material, an ink-jet printing head deposits a liquid adhesive that binds the material. The Process starts by depositing a layer of powder object material at the top of the fabrication chamber. To accomplish this, a measured quantity of powder is first dispensed from a similar supply chamber by moving incrementally. The roller then distributes and compresses the powder at the top of the fabrication chamber. The multi-channel jetting head sunsequently deposits a liquid adhesive in a two dimensional pattern onto the layer of the powder which becomes bonded in the areas where the adhesive is deposited, to form a layer of the object. Once a layer is completed, the fabrication piston moves down by the thickness of a layer and the process is repeated until the entire object is formed within the powder bed. Material options are somewhat limited but are inexpensive relative to other additive processes. 3D printing is quite fast, typically 2 – 4 layers/minute. However, the accuracy, surface finish, and part strength are not as good as some other additive processes. At the end the part is infiltrated with a sealant to improve strength and surface finish. Among the items manufactured using the process are false teeth, filters of various types and casting patterns.
Abbreviation: 3DP
Material type: Powder
Materials: Ferrous metals such as Stainless steel; Non-ferrous metals such as Bronze; Elastomers; Composites; Ceramics
Min layer thickness: 0,05 mm
Surface finish: Rough
Build speed: Very Fast
Applications: Concept models, Limited functional testing, Architectural & landscape models, Consumer goods & packaging
Three Dimensional Printing (3DP) technology was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and licensed to several corporations. The process is similar to the SLS process, but instead of using a laser to sinter the material, an ink-jet printing head deposits a liquid adhesive that binds the material. The Process starts by depositing a layer of powder object material at the top of the fabrication chamber. To accomplish this, a measured quantity of powder is first dispensed from a similar supply chamber by moving incrementally. The roller then distributes and compresses the powder at the top of the fabrication chamber. The multi-channel jetting head sunsequently deposits a liquid adhesive in a two dimensional pattern onto the layer of the powder which becomes bonded in the areas where the adhesive is deposited, to form a layer of the object. Once a layer is completed, the fabrication piston moves down by the thickness of a layer and the process is repeated until the entire object is formed within the powder bed. Material options are somewhat limited but are inexpensive relative to other additive processes. 3D printing is quite fast, typically 2 – 4 layers/minute. However, the accuracy, surface finish, and part strength are not as good as some other additive processes. At the end the part is infiltrated with a sealant to improve strength and surface finish. Among the items manufactured using the process are false teeth, filters of various types and casting patterns.
Abbreviation: 3DP
Material type: Powder
Materials: Ferrous metals such as Stainless steel; Non-ferrous metals such as Bronze; Elastomers; Composites; Ceramics
Min layer thickness: 0,05 mm
Surface finish: Rough
Build speed: Very Fast
Applications: Concept models, Limited functional testing, Architectural & landscape models, Consumer goods & packaging