Additive/generative manufacturing processes have experienced a real boom in public discussion in recent years. These are manufacturing processes that create components by partially adding material layer by layer.
Due to the manufacturing process, additive manufacturing offers several advantages, but also disadvantages, compared to "traditional" manufacturing methods (such as milling, injection molding, etc.). Two of the most important advantages are the design freedom and the reduced setup effort. Due to the very short setup times, parts can usually be produced very quickly and at very short notice using these processes. Small parts can be manufactured within a few hours and are available almost "immediately." Thanks to continuous development, there are now a wide variety of processes and usable materials, such as plastics, metals, plaster, paper, etc.
Colloquially, these processes are referred to as 3D printing. However, this can lead to misunderstandings, as the 3D printing (3DP) process is only one of several processes within the technology area of "additive manufacturing." According to their use, the generative processes are classified under the areas Rapid prototyping for the rapid production of prototypes, Rapid Tooling for the rapid production of tools and Rapid Manufacturing for (series) production. Since the boundaries between these areas are fluid, the term Rapid Technology used. Production requires a three-dimensional model, which must be prepared according to the manufacturing process. We are particularly interested in processes that can be used to produce plastic prototypes.
- FDM (FusedDexhibitionModeling)
Melting one or more plastic wires through one or more nozzles in the print head. Another material that can be dissolved in a liquid bath can be used as support material. - SLS (SelectiveLaserSinternal)
Local melting of plastic powder using laser radiation in a powder bed. The unmelted powder serves as support material. - STL (Stereollithography)
Local exposure of optically curing resin in a liquid bed. The support structures are created using the build material. - MJM (MultiJand – Modeling / Polyjet)
The polymer is applied through multiple nozzles in a print head and cured with UV radiation. Wax is often used as a support material, which can be removed mechanically. - MJF (Multijet Fusion)
Coating a powder bed with a heat-conducting and a heat-insulating agent. Fusion occurs through the application of heat from a heat source.
A good and more detailed overview can be found at 3druck.com.
Current 3D printing processes
We primarily use additive manufacturing to create samples and prototypes. We also employ these processes for small-batch production.
Do you have any questions about additive manufacturing or would you like to start a project with us? We're happy to help.