3D Printing is rapidly evolving and revolutionizing the entire manufacturing process in the whole world. And due to its cheaper and faster prototyping, 3D printing is now gaining even faster acceptance in different fields.
But, one question still asks many people! “What materials does a 3D printer use for printing?”
We know there are several materials that 3D Printers can use, with many of them stronger, cheaper, lighter, and more resistant to temperature than those used for traditional manufacturing processes.
The Process of 3D Printing:
The simplest way to define 3D printing is to describe it as a process that uses models fed into a computer to create three-dimensional objects.
And the process for doing this is describe below:
1. Modeling:
The process of 3D printing begins with modeling. Modeling is the process of turning digital images or geometric data into computer-aided design (CAD) packages. The packages save as files that can be later read and processed using slicers.
2. Printing:
Once the printable models have been fed into the system, printing begins. The printing involves an additive manufacturing process where the material is melted and stacked layer upon layer until the creation is complete.
3. Post Finishing:
The post-finishing treatment then ensues once the object is made. This final process varies according to what has been created as well as its intended use. And, while some products need no finishing treatments at all, others require some form of finishing ranging from surface smoothing to treatments with acetone or other solvents.
Common Materials Used in 3D Printing
4 of the most common materials used in 3D printing:
1. Plastics:
These are the most common types of raw materials used by 3D printers because of their versatility.
Different types of plastics exist and can be use for manufacturing different kinds of three-dimensional objects. The different types of plastics in 3D printing are Polylactic acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC), and Polyvinyl Alcohol Plastic (PVA).
The plastics preferred because they’re firm, smooth, flexible, and come in a variety of colors.
2. Metals:
The second most common raw materials used in 3D printing today. And Considered the best when using the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology.
Metals are attractive because they’re strong and can be used to create solid objects. These objects mostly used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Examples of metals that used in 3D printing are Titanium, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Bronze, Gold, and Nickel.
3. Resins:
Many 3D printers utilize resins, but less frequently. They have their limits, but are useful in producing strong objects that must have smooth surfaces with detail.
Some types of commonly used resins include Urethane Methacrylate (UMA 90), Rigid Polyurethane (RPU), Flexible Polyurethane (FPU), Elastomeric Polyurethane (EPU), and VeroWhite and VeroClear resins.
4. Powders:
The use of powders as raw materials is also becoming popular with the more recent 3D printers. The powders first melted then carefully distributed to form layers of the object. Printers that use powders do so because they’re easier to control texture, thickness, and patterns.
The most popular powders being used today are Polyamide (Nylon) and Alumide.
Conclusion
There are several types of material 3D printers use in manufacturing objects and preference is usually based on the technology being used as well as the type of objects to be produced. However, the ones we have listed above are the most common materials 3D printers use.
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