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3d_printing [2018/06/29 12:33]
peek |
3d_printing [2018/06/29 13:56] (current)
peek [What Is 3D Printing] |
| 3D printers are machines that "print" three-dimensionally, CAD-rendered objects by precisely layering bits of material and then solidifying that material into a larger object. There are a number of ways that this is done, and the method chosen often depends on balancing price, material properties, and the speed and precision with which you can print: | 3D printers are machines that "print" three-dimensionally, CAD-rendered objects by precisely layering bits of material and then solidifying that material into a larger object. There are a number of ways that this is done, and the method chosen often depends on balancing price, material properties, and the speed and precision with which you can print: |
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| * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereolithography|Stereolithography]] (SLA)\\ This process is the oldest process, and the process first developed by Hull. This process involves converting a liquid plastic into a solid using photopolymerization, a process by which light causes chains of molocules to link together forming polymers. The light source used is usually produced by a laser. The laser light is moved around on the plastic to trace out a single layer of the model, then the model is moved up allowing more liquid plastic to seep in underneath and the layering process is repeated until the model is finished. Depending on the materials and methods used, once printed a model may require curing time under special conditions to finish the job.\\ {{ ::3d-printing-0003.gif?400 |}} \\ **Pros:** Speed, accuracy, and surface finish.\\ **Cons:** Limited material selection, materials are unpleasant for both the human operators and the environment, materials lack strength. | * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereolithography|Stereolithography]] (SLA)\\ This process is the oldest process, and the process first developed by Hull. This process involves converting a liquid plastic into a solid using photopolymerization, a process by which light causes chains of molocules to link together forming polymers. The light source used is usually produced by a laser. The laser light is moved around on the plastic to trace out a single layer of the model, then the model is moved up allowing more liquid plastic to seep in underneath and the layering process is repeated until the model is finished. Depending on the materials and methods used, once printed a model may require curing time under special conditions to finish the job.\\ {{ ::3d-printing-0003.gif?400 |}} |
| | * **Pros:** |
| | - Speed -- Printing is fast. |
| | - Accuracy -- Dimensional tolerance is +/- 0.1 mm (desktop) to +/- 0.01 mm (industrial) |
| | - Scaling -- If you can build a tank big enough, and a gantry large enough to move your laser around, then you can make large parts. |
| | - Surface finish -- Printed parts are nice and smooth. |
| | * **Cons:** |
| | - Limited material selection -- Your material has to be a photo-sensitive, polymerizable liquid. |
| | - Materials are unpleasant -- Special care must be taken to handle the materials. Home-grade SLA printing resins require the same handling as other household chemicals or adhesives, such as gloves and eye protection to avoid direct exposure. Materials are not environmentally friendly. |
| | - Models lack strength -- Models are only suitable for display, prototyping, or light-duty functional use. This will likely change over time as new materials are developed with specialized properties. \\ \\ |
| * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Light_Processing|Digital Light Processing]] (DLP)\\ Similar to SLA, DLP printing uses light to solidify a liquid plastic. The difference is that DLP uses a projection system to solidify an entire layer of the model at once. | * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Light_Processing|Digital Light Processing]] (DLP)\\ Similar to SLA, DLP printing uses light to solidify a liquid plastic. The difference is that DLP uses a projection system to solidify an entire layer of the model at once. |
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| ====== Why Your Crazy IT Manager Thinks This Is Cool ====== | ====== Why Your Crazy IT Manager Thinks This Is Cool ====== |
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