Read about the sizes of the parts we print, the materials we use, and compare 3D printing technologies to choose the optimal solution for your needs.
Select the type of material you are interested in, and underneath you will see boxes with the specific name of the material by printing technology. This will make it easier for you to choose the technology and the material that goes with it.
3D printing is several families of technologies with completely different assumptions. The different workflow and print characteristics of each technology will make a difference in your choice of service.
The plastic printing technologies we use are FDM, SLA, SLS, PolyJet and SAF. See their brief characteristics and a comparison table.
The graphic shows the way to choose technology depending on what your item should be.
Read in the table what properties you will achieve with the technology.
We know that our customers need a better understanding of what incremental manufacturing technologies are before deciding to outsource service printing.
With this in mind, we have created a “Guide to 3D Printing” to help you figure out the basics of 3D printing. It’s 40 pages of practical information and help for decision makers at our customers. You’ll learn about technologies, applications and materials so that it’s easier to choose solutions tailored to your case.
In FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), workpieces are created by supplying plastic in the form of a filament to the print head and heating it to a semi-fluid state. The print head applies the material on the work table, marking the shape of a single layer. Subsequent layers are applied when the head is raised or the work table is lowered. The semi-fluid plastic bonds when exposed to heat and quickly solidifies to form a uniform structure.
Polyjet technology uses liquid photopolymer resins cured layer by layer with UV light. The operation of a 3D printer here looks similar to that of large-format 2D printers. Piezoelectric heads apply a layer of liquid material to the work table, after which each layer is automatically exposed to the head with UV light. After curing, another layer of resin is applied.
In SLA (stereolithography), details are created from light-curing resins, cured by exposure to a laser beam. Resin is poured into a container, in which the work table is immersed. The laser beam “draws” the shape of the object in the XY plane, polymerizing the resin. The resin adheres to the surface of the work table, after which it is raised to the height of the next layer and the process repeats – this time the new layer adheres to the previously cured one.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) involves sintering a powdered material layer by layer using a focused laser beam. The laser, operating in the far-infrared band, is guided by an optical system to precisely fuse the material particles together. Once the layer is fused, the work table lowers by the height of the applied layer, and the printer’s knife or roller applies the unsintered material to build the next layer. The cycle repeats until a full-size model is achieved.
SAF (Selective Absorption Fusion) is a polyamide powder 3D printing technology developed by Stratasys. It is based on powder technology, but uses a sprayed binder and thermal energy instead of a laser beam. Piezoelectric heads precisely spray a special HAF liquid that binds the material particles. The action of the liquid causes the powder particles to reach their melting point, allowing them to bind into a cohesive layer. Another layer of powder is then spread and the process repeats.
In DMLS and SLM metal 3D printers, the main factor is the laser, which is responsible for melting and sintering layers of metal powder. The laser beam is directed at a thin layer of metal powder, which is sintered so that a finished part is produced in the working chamber.
The process uses supports that, in addition to preventing distortion, also serve as a heat sink to ensure as uniform cooling as possible. This ensures that nowhere on the component will appear prone to mechanical stress.
If you are thinking about using a 3D printing service and want to learn more, talk
with our 3D printing consultant.
As part of the conversation our specialist:
In furtherance of our cooperation:
Do you have a finished file/technical drawing of the part?
What kind of environment will the components operate in and will they be exposed to UV radiation?
In what temperature range will the component operate?
Will the details be exposed to chemical liquids, oils?
Will the item be subjected to any load, if so, what kind?
Does the print require; surface smoothing, varnishing, threaded inserts, polishing?
Is certification required?
– non-flammability
– for food contact
– biocompatibility
If you prefer a direct form of communication, below you will find
our phone and email contact.
+48 666 682 400
uslugi@druk3d.cx
