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Introduction
What can you print?
Material Science
Preparing to print
The Design Process

Introduction



Types of 3D Printers

  • Stereolithography (SLA)

    A process that works by curing and solidifying successive layers of liquid photopolymer resin using an ultraviolet laser.


    Examples of Desktop 3D Printers are:
    SLA models can:
    • be translucent
    • have a high resolution
    • have undercuts
    • be large
    • have high level of accuracy and details
    The cons
    • The resin is expensive.
    • Only works with photopolymers which are not stable over time.
    • Leftover resin can't be reused.
    • May cause skin, eyes and respiratory system irritation, and skin sensitization/allergic reaction by skin contact. Inhalation of high vapor concentration may cause headaches and nausea.
    • Cannot be disposed of in drains, sewers, water supplies, or soil. Dispose of in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations.
    • Must be used in well-ventilated areas.
    • You must wear impervious gloves (nitrile or neoprene) for routine handling. Aprons, long pants, and long sleeved shirts are also recommended.
    • Chemical splash goggles or a face shield is recommended during operations where splashing could occur.
  • Digital Light Processing (DLP)

    This process is similar to stereolithography in that it works with photopolymers. DLP uses a more conventional light source than SLA, such as an arc lamp, with a liquid crystal display panel or a deformable mirror device (DMD).

    DLP produces highly accurate parts with high resolution, but its similarities also include the same requirements for support structures and post-curing. One advantage of DLP over SLA is that only a shallow vat of resin is required to facilitate the process, which generally results in less waste and lower running costs.

    Desktop example
  • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

    This process uses certain melted thermoplastic materials that are joined together to form a shape. As the material hardens, a 3D object is formed.


    Desktop printers of this sort use Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology. Examples of these 3D printers are:
  • Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

    Similar to SLA, but instead of using liquid resin, powdered material is used. The material can be anything from nylon, ceramics, glass, aluminum, to steel or silver. The laser is traced across a powder bed of tightly compacted powdered material, according to the 3D data fed to the machine, in the X-Y axes. As the laser interacts with the surface of the powdered material it sinters, or fuses, the particles to each other forming a solid.

    The build chamber is completely sealed as it is necessary to maintain a precise temperature during the process specific to the melting point of the powdered material of choice.

    Key advantages
    • Powder bed serves as support structure allowing for overhangs and undercuts.
    • Parts made through this process are strong.


    Key disadvantages
    • Requires high temperatures.
    • Requires long cooling times.
    • Porosity is an issue with this process, and some applications necessitate infiltration with another material.
    • There can be surface inaccuracies.
  • Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

    Similar to SLS. However, instead of simply combining the powder granules together, the powder is melted.
  • Electronic Beam Melting (EBM)

    In this process electronic beams are used instead of UV rays.
  • Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)

    In this process, to manufacture an object, plastic, paper and metal are glued together. After that, they are cut with a knife or a laser to give them a shape.
  • Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL)

    This process builds parts layer by layer using standard copier paper. Each new layer is fixed to the previous layer using an adhesive. A higher density of adhesive is deposited in the area that will become the part, and a lower density of adhesive is applied in the surrounding area that will serve as the support.

    After a new sheet of paper is fed into the 3D printer, the build plate is moved up to a heat plate and pressure is applied. Pressure ensures the bonding between the two sheets of paper. The build plate then lowers and an adjustable Tungsten carbide blade cuts one sheet of paper at a time, creating the edges of the part. When cutting is complete, the 3D printer deposits the next layer of adhesive and so on until completion.

Why would you want to 3D print



3D printing

  • Allows for data visualization.
  • Provides tactile feedback.
  • Facilitates prototyping
  • Invites one into the realm of the D.I.Y. ethic.
  • Engage one in STEM based projects.
  • Is another means of communication.

Topics that 3D Printing incorporates

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
  • Rapid Prototyping (RP)
  • Reverse Engineering.
  • Brainstorming and ideation
  • Workflow
Source:Griffin, Matthew. Design and Modeling for 3D Printing. N.p.: O'Reilly Media, Incorporated, 2014. Print.

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