3D Printing Technology

Amr zayed 1180472

Contents
i. Introduction

ii. how does 3D printing works?

iii. Types of 3D printers

iv. Materials used

v. Advantages and Disadvantages

vi. Applications of 3D printing

vii. History of 3D printing

viii. Future of 3D printing

ix. Conclusion

Introduction

 What is 3D printing?
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid
objects from a digital file.

The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an

additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material
until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced
horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.

 How does 3D printing works?

3D printing starts with a task as simple as creating the designed model on a
computerized file using a digital design such as CAD (Computer Aided Design). Or it
 can be created based on data generated by a 3D scanner.

Next, comes a process called Slicing, the process that converts the 3D model to the
3D printer. Slicing is dividing a 3D model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal
layers and is done with slicing software. Each layer can be very complex, meaning 3D
printers can create moving parts like hinges and wheels as part of the same object.
You could print a whole bike - handlebars, saddle, frame, wheels, brakes, pedals and
chain - ready assembled, without using any tools. It’s just a question of leaving gaps
in the right places. Once the 3D model is sliced, it can be fed it to the 3D printer, via
USB, SD or Wi-Fi.

 Types of 3D printers
There are various 3D printing methods which were developed to build 3D structures
and objects. A number of them are prevalent nowadays, and a few have fallen off the
radar.

1. FDM(Fused deposition modeling)

One of the most popular and used 3D printing technology.What's great about this
technology that all components printed with FDM can go in high performance and
engineering-grade thermoplastic, which is quite beneficial for mechanic engineers and
manufacturers. FDM is used to manufacture not only operational prototypes but also
ready-for-use products such as lego and plastic gears.

2. SLA (Stereolithography)
Although this process is the earliest one in the history of 3D printing, it is still in use
today.SLA 3D printers operate with an excess of liquid plastic that after a while hardens
and forms to a solid object.Parts printed by stereolithography 3D printers usually have
smooth surfaces, but its quality depends on the quality of SLA printer used.

3. SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)

SLS is a technique that uses a laser as power supply to form strong 3D printed objects.
The most notable difference between SLS and SLA is that it uses powdered material in
the vat rather than liquid resin in a cube, like SLS does.

Marterial used
Six types of materials can be used in additive manufacturing: polymers, metals, concrete,
ceramics, paper and even certain edibles such as chocolate. Materials are often
produced in wire feedstock a.k.a. 3D printer filament, powder form or liquid resin.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:
1. Customization – A major advantage in 3d printing. With just a raw
material, a blueprint and a 3d printer, one can print any design no matter how
complex it might be.

2. Constant Prototyping and Increased Productivity – It enables quick

production with a high number of prototypes or a small-scale version of the real
object in less time than using conventional methods.

3. Affordability – The initial cost for setting up a 3d printing facility is

definitely high; however, it is much cheaper compared to labor costs and
manufacturing costs while using the conventional way. Adding to it, is the fact
that the cost of producing or manufacturing products using 3d printing
technology is equal for small-scale and mass manufacturing.

Disadvantages:
1. Limited Size – The size of objects created with 3d printers is currently
limited however, in the near future; large items such as architectural structures
can be created using 3d printing.

2. Limited Raw Materials – Traditional manufacturing of products has an

enormous range of raw materials that can be used. Presently 3d printers can
work up to approximately 100 different raw materials and creating products that
uses more raw materials are still under development.

Applications of 3D Printing
1. Rapid Prototyping
Manufacturers have long used 3D printers in their design process to create prototypes.
Using 3D printers for these purposes is called rapid prototyping.
For instance, Nike uses 3D printers to create prototypes of running cleats. It’s fast and
relatively cheap. They used to spend thousands of dollars on a prototype before they
could hold it in their hands.

2. Automotive
Car manufacturers, restorers and repairers have been utilizing 3D printing for a long
time.Companies are using it to produce not just parts, but tools, jigs and fixtures. It has
also enabled on-demand manufacturing, leading to lower stock levels for spare parts.

3. Aerospace
The aerospace industry has been doing some of the most interesting, cutting edge
research in the entire field, all for the purpose of making interstellar exploration more
habitable. Multiple organisations, such as NASA, have been perfecting the shielding on
shuttles using 3D printers.

4. Accessories and Jewels

3D printing even contribures in something as simple as making women's jewels and
accessories.3D printers are great for making trinkets and tiny add-ons for our daily lives.

History of 3D Printing
In the history of manufacturing, the province of machining (generating exact shapes with
high precision) was generally the most common affair, from filing and turning through
milling and grinding. 3D Printing manufacturing’s earliest applications have been on the
toolroom end of the manufacturing spectrum. However, as the years go by and
technology continually advances, additive methods are moving ever further into the
production end of manufacturing. Parts that formerly were the sole province of
subtractive methods can now in some cases be made more profitably via additive ones.

Future of 3D printing
It is predicted by some additive manufacturing advocates that this technological
development will change the nature of commerce, because end users will be able to do
much of their own manufacturing rather than engaging in trade to buy products from
other people and corporations.

3D printers capable of outputting in colour and multiple materials already exist and will
continue to improve to a point where functional (electronic) products will be able to be
output. With effects on energy use, waste reduction, customization, product availability,
medicine, art, construction and sciences, 3D printing will change the manufacturing
world as we know it.

Conclusion
3D printing is one of the most commonly used manufacturing processes nowadays,
coming so far from where it used to be, and will probably continue growing and
expanding. With its many applications and advantages, It will remain one of the very
preferred go-to options in the industry. The world is forever changing with the help of 3D
printing. The use of 3D printing for medicinal purposes today is beyond astonishing but
what the future holds is unknown, however It is certain that additive layer
manufacturing will be a large corporate in solving our problems.

References
 https://3dprintingislimitless.weebly.com

 https://3dprinting.com

 https://www.techpats.com