Additive manufacturing (AM), usually we call it 3d printing, uses computer-aided design to build objects layer by layer. It becomes more and more popular. There are several types of 3d printing technology that 3d printer use today: FDM,SLA,DLP,SLS,MJ,DOD,BJ,DMLS,etc.
1. FDM
Fused Deposition Modeling-FDM
It is the most popular 3d printing technology.
Material:
Thermoplastic filament(PLA,ABS,PET,TPU,PETG,Nylon,wood)
Dimensional Accuracy:
±0.5%（lower limit 0.5mm）
Best surface finish; full color and multi-material available; brittle, not sustainable for mechanical parts
2. SLA/DLP
Stereolithography-SLA ; Direct Light Processing-DLP
Material:
Photopolymer resin (Standard, Castable, Transparent, High Temperature)
Dimensional Accuracy:
±0.5%（lower limit 0.15mm）
Smooth surface finish; fine feature details, brittle,not sustainable for mechanical parts
3. SLS
Selective Laser Sintering-SLS
Material:
Thermoplastic powder (Nylon 6, Nylon 11, Nylon 12)
Dimensional Accuracy:
±0.3%（lower limit 0.3mm）
Functional parts, good mechanical properties; Complex geometries
4. MJ/DOD
Material Jetting-MJ; Drop on Demand-DOD
Material:
Photopolymer resin (Standard, Castable, Transparent, High Temperature)
Dimensional Accuracy:
±0.1mm
Best surface finish; Full color and multi-material available; Brittle, not suitable for mechanical parts
5. BJ
Binder Jetting-BJ
Materials:
Sand or metal powder: Stainless / Bronze, Full color sand, Silicia (sand casting)
Dimensional Accuracy:
±0.2 mm (metal) or ±0.3 mm (sand)
Large build volumes; Functional metal parts;
6. SLM/DMLS/EBM
Direct Metal Laser Sintering –DMLS; Selective Laser Melting -SLM;Electron Beam Melting –EBM
Materials:
Metal Powder: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium
Dimensional Accuracy:
±0.1 mm
Strongest, functional parts; Complex geometries
3d printing technology
3d-printing-technology-types
3D printing is popular nowadays. This is just a simple introduction of 3d printing technology, including FDM,SLA,SLS,MJ,BJ,SLM ,and so on.
