Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process of creating objects by adding layers of material on top of each other. Additive manufacturing can produce complex shapes and structures that are difficult or impossible to make with traditional methods such as machining, casting or molding. Additive manufacturing can also reduce waste, save time and enable customization.
There are many types of additive manufacturing technologies, each with its own advantages and limitations. In this blog post, we will introduce seven of the most common types of additive manufacturing and their applications.
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the oldest and most widely used types of additive manufacturing. FDM works by extruding a thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle and depositing it layer by layer on a build platform. FDM can create strong and durable parts that are suitable for functional testing, prototyping and end-use applications. FDM can use a variety of materials, such as ABS, PLA, nylon, PETG and TPU.
- Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) is a type of additive manufacturing that uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers. SLA can create high-resolution parts with smooth surface finish and intricate details. SLA is ideal for producing models, prototypes and molds that require high accuracy and aesthetics. SLA can use different types of resins, such as standard, tough, flexible and castable.
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a type of additive manufacturing that uses a laser to fuse powdered material into solid layers. SLS can create parts with complex geometries and high mechanical strength. SLS is suitable for producing functional parts that can withstand high temperatures, stresses and impacts. SLS can use various materials, such as nylon, polypropylene, TPU and metal.
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is a type of additive manufacturing that uses a laser to fuse metal powder into solid layers. DMLS can create metal parts with high density, hardness and durability. DMLS is used for producing metal parts that require high performance and quality, such as aerospace, medical and automotive components. DMLS can use different metals, such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum and copper.
- PolyJet
PolyJet is a type of additive manufacturing that uses a jetting system to deposit droplets of liquid photopolymer onto a build platform and cure them with UV light. PolyJet can create parts with high resolution, smooth surface finish and full color. PolyJet is ideal for producing models, prototypes and molds that require realistic appearance and texture. PolyJet can use multiple materials in the same part, such as rigid, flexible, transparent and opaque.
- Binder Jetting
Binder jetting is a type of additive manufacturing that uses a print head to deposit droplets of binder onto a bed of powder material and bond them together. Binder jetting can create parts with low density, high porosity and full color. Binder jetting is suitable for producing models, prototypes and molds that require low cost and fast production. Binder jetting can use various materials, such as sandstone, gypsum, ceramic and metal.
- Material Jetting
Material jetting is a type of additive manufacturing that uses a print head to deposit droplets of molten material onto a build platform and solidify them by cooling or curing. Material jetting can create parts with high resolution, smooth surface finish and full color. Material jetting is ideal for producing models, prototypes and molds that require high quality and versatility. Material jetting can use different materials in the same part, such as wax, plastic and metal.
