3D Printing 101: Printing Technologies on the Market

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technology that has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years. It allows people to create three-dimensional objects from digital designs, making it possible to produce complex shapes and structures that would be impossible with traditional manufacturing methods. But did you know that there are several different types of 3D printing technologies? Today, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of 3D printing technologies and how they work.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most common type of 3D printing technology. It works by extruding a thermoplastic material through a heated nozzle to create layers of material that build up to form the object. FDM is a versatile and affordable technology that is widely used in home 3D printers, making it accessible to hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) uses a liquid resin that is cured by a laser or other light source to create the object. The resin is cured layer by layer, creating a solid structure that can be removed from the printer and finished as required. SLA is popular in the production of highly detailed and accurate parts, making it a go-to technology for creating prototypes and models.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a laser to melt a powdered material, such as nylon or polyamide, layer by layer. The melted material fuses together to create a solid object. SLS is popular for creating complex parts and is widely used in industrial applications.

Binder Jetting
Binder Jetting is a process in which a liquid binder is used to bind together layers of powdered material to create the object. The process is repeated layer by layer until the object is complete. Binder Jetting is a popular technology for creating metal parts, such as jewelry, and is widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Direct Energy Deposition (DED)
Direct Energy Deposition (DED) is a process in which a material, such as metal, is melted by a high-energy heat source and deposited onto a substrate to create the object. DED is widely used in the aerospace and defense industries to create large, complex metal parts.

Each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different applications. Whether you’re creating prototypes, models, or finished products, there is a 3D printing technology that can meet your needs. By choosing the right technology for your project, you can achieve better results and bring your ideas to life with greater accuracy and efficiency.