Diverse 3D printer technieken uitgelegd

3D printers are available in all shapes and sizes. In this article I will give you an overview of the different techniques. Later I will dive a little deeper into the matter for each technique.

At 3DPrinters-Store.com you can find a:

  • FDM printer.
  • SLA printer.
  • DLP printer.
  • SLS printer.

The 3D printing process.

The 3D printing process is actually the same for every technique. Only the implementation of the 3d printing itself differs.

  • First of all, a 3D scanner or 3D drawing software is needed.
  • Then a 3D model has to be made of what will be printed.
  • This model is saved in CAD (Computer Aided Design) file.
  • That file is loaded into the slicer that creates a gcode file.
  • The gcode is then loaded into the 3D. Via a USB / SD or WiFi.
  • The printer reads this file and then starts printing a 3D object.

FDM printer. FDM 3D Printer

The FDM printer technology has been around since the eighties. It uses thermoplastics (3D printer filament ) to print a 3D object. FDM printers are widely used for printing functional prototypes, concept models and production aids. But hobbyists also love the FDM printer. This technique allows you to print precise details with an exceptional strength to weight ratio.

Printing is done by melting the 3D filament and "extruding" it through the nozzle onto the printing surface. An FDM printer can often print with many different materials. Dual extrusion printers can also print support material. This is often a soluble material with which support layers can be applied. How long the 3D printing takes depends on various factors. There is a time difference between the different 3D printers, the choice of materials and of course the size and complexity of the object.

Popular FDM printers are: Ultimaker s5 , Raise3D Pro2 , Zortrax M200 , Wanhao Duplicator i3 mini .

SLA printer. SLA 3D Printer

SLA is a rapid prototyping process. An SLA printer is mainly for people who value accuracy and precision. Within a few hours you can print an object with fine details. SLA 3D printers are mainly used for unique models, patterns, prototypes and various production parts. An SLA printer turns a liquid photopolymer into a solid 3D object. The material is given a solid shape with the help of an ultra violet laser.

After printing, the object is carefully removed from the platform. After this, the object is almost always in a chemical bath to remove excess resin. The object is then often placed in a UV oven to make it extra hard and stable. Depending on the object, it can also be sanded and painted. SLA printing is preferred in various industries. Such as the car industry, medical, aviation, but also consumer products are experienced.

An example of an SLA printer is the XYZprinting nobel 1.0 advanced .

DLP Printer. DLP 3D Printer

The DLP printer is quite similar to the above SLA printer. The DLP printer also works with a liquid resin that gets a solid shape with the help of light. A big difference is the light source. Where the SLA printer uses a UV laser, the DLP printer uses a light projector. This makes a DLP printer quite fast. In general, a DLP printer will always be faster than an SLA printer. Because the DLP printer can cure an entire layer at a time.

Another plus for DLP printing technology is that it is robust and produces high-resolution models every time. It is also beneficial thanks to the ability to use cheaper materials for even complex and detailed objects. This not only reduces waste, but also keeps printing costs low.

Popular DLP printers are: Anycubic Photon , Wanhao Duplicator 7 Plus .

SLS printer. SLS 3D Printer

An SLS printer uses powerful CO2 lasers to fuse particles together. The lasers melt powdered materials such as nylon. This is how it works:

The build platform or bed descends with each successive laser scan. It is a process that repeats one layer at a time until it reaches the height of the object. Because the entire build volume is filled with powder, no other support structure is needed. After 3D printing with the SLS printer, the excess powder will have to be removed. With an SLS printer you can print durable parts with high precision. This technique is ideal for functional parts and end-use prototypes. SLS is comparable to SLA in terms of speed and quality. The big difference is in the material used. SLS works with powder and SLA with liquid resin.

An example of an SLS printer is the Sinterit Lisa 2 .

Other techniques

In addition to these techniques, there are also other techniques that we do not (yet) sell at 3DPrinters-Store.com. Such as SLM (Selective Laser Melting) and BJ (Binder Jetting) for example. If you are still interested in this. Then you can always contact our parent company, SEEDA 3D Printing Systems.