Marketplace Pulse: 3D Printing RFQs

3D Printing, or three-dimensional printing, is a process that builds parts by adding material one layer at a time. The 3D Printing processes can also be referred to as “additive manufacturing”. A 3D printing software is used to virtually slice a 3D model into thin cross-sectional layers which are to be deposited layer by layer to form a complete part. There are several different 3D printing techniques. These include: FDM, MJF, SLA, SLS, and DMLS. The 3D printing techniques differ in how the layers of material are deposited and solidified. The 3D printing technique used can determine the usable materials and the mechanical properties of the 3D printed part.

Stereolithography (SLA) is a rapid prototyping process that uses a vat of liquid UV-curable photopolymer resin and a UV laser to build parts one layer at a time. SLA rapid prototyping is a great process for concept models, master patterns and tradeshow models.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a rapid prototyping process that uses a high power laser to fuse small particles of powder to build parts one layer at a time. SLS rapid prototyping is a great process for functional testing and for low volume manufacturing.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a rapid prototyping process that uses a plastic filament of material supplied to an extrusion nozzle. The nozzle is heated to melt the material and can be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions. FDM rapid prototyping is a great process for functional testing and for low volume manufacturing. It is especially helpful since the materials used are actual ABS and Polycarbonate. Ultem is also a material option.

PolyJet is a rapid prototyping process that jets photopolymer materials in ultra-thin layers (16µ) onto a build tray layer by layer until the part is completed. Each photopolymer layer is cured by UV light immediately after it is jetted. PolyJet rapid prototyping is a great process for concept models, master patterns and tradeshow models.