Additive Manufacturing -
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3D Printing Technologies
geometries that could not be realised using traditional manufacturing processes.
FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING (FDM)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most widely used additive manufacturing process for desktop 3D printers. The process involves extruding a melted plastic from a computer-controlled nozzle, building a part layer by layer.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Most affordable 3D printing process for plastic parts
- Material options
- Widely available
Disadvantages
- Comparatively low resolution
- Produces visible layer lines
Typical accuracy & layer height
Typical accuracy
- ± 0.5% (desktop)
- ± 0.15% (industrial)
Typical layer height
- 50-400 microns
FDM Materials
- PLA: The most widely used FDM material, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is affordable, stiff and strong. It also comes in many colors and blends.
- ABS: Another common FDM material, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is also resistant to high temperatures.
- PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate) has high impact resistance and good thermal characteristics. It is also food safe.
- Nylon: Tough and flexible, nylon is strong and resistant to wear and chemicals. It is, however, vulnerable to humidity.
- TPE/TPU: A blend of plastic and rubber, these thermoplastic filaments produce highly flexible parts.
- PC (Polycarbonate) filaments produce extremely strong parts that are resistant to heat and impact.
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that works in a different way to FDM. In SLA 3D printing, a 3D object is created with a laser, which is directed at areas of photosensitive liquid resin. The laser causes areas of the resin to harden, forming a solid part.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- High resolution
- No visible layer lines; smooth finish
- Option of clear materials
Disadvantages
- Printers more expensive than FDM
- Weak parts will degrade with sunlight
- Extensive post-processing required
Typical accuracy & layer height
Typical accuracy
- ± 0.5% (desktop)
- ± 0.15% (industrial)
Typical layer height
- 25-100 microns
Stereolithography Materials
- Resin 8119: A common SLA material with a temperature resistance of up to 65°C.
- Resin 8118H: A nylon-like resin with exceptionally high tenacity.
- Resin 8228: An ABS-like resin resistant to impact and temperatures up to 70°C.
- Resin 8338: The most temperature-resistant of our resins, able to withstand temperatures up to 120°C.
SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder bed additive manufacturing process used to make parts from thermoplastic polymer powders. It is commonly used for functional parts, since SLS printed components have good mechanical properties.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Parts have consistent mechanical properties
- No support structures
Disadvantages
- Porosity
- Rough surface finish
Typical accuracy & layer height
Typical accuracy
- ± 0.3%
Typical layer height
- 100-120 microns
SLS Materials
- Nylon PA12: An SLS material that offers mechanical strength and thermal and chemical resistance, as well as long-term stability.
- Alumide: Aluminium-filled nylon provides high stiffness and a metallic appearance.
- TPU: A highly elastic material with high tear and abrasion resistance, as well as satisfactory thermal resistance.
SELECTIVE LASER MELTING (SLM)
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a metal additive manufacturing process used to create functional, end-use products. SLM printers use a laser to melt particles of metal powder, fusing them together to form a 3D object.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Strong and hard parts
- Complex shapes
Disadvantages
- Limited build size
- High cost
Typical accuracy & layer height
Typical accuracy
- ± 0.1mm
Typical layer height
- 20-50 microns
SLM Materials
- Titanium alloys (6Al-4V and 6Al-4V ELI) can withstand high temperatures, offer a high strength-to-weight ratio and are resistant to corrosion. Can be heat treated for superior strength.
- Aluminum alloys (AlSi12 and AlSi10Mg) provide strength and hardness, and work well with complex shapes or parts with thin walls.
- Nickel alloys are resistant to heat, corrosion and oxidation, and create parts with strength in high-temperature environments.
- Stainless steels are resistant to wear, corrosion and abrasion.
- Cobalt-chrome alloys offer high strength, hardness and resistance to high temperatures.
- Metals like gold, silver and platinum are ductile and provide a desirable appearance.
Why choose 3D Printing with Orhong？
Endless Solutions
At Orhong we can provide with endless manufacturing solutions and design guide to optimize your geometry.
Fast Delivery
The leadtime is a critical factor in 3D printing projects at Best Prototypes. The shorteset leadtime with 3D printing is starting from 48 hours.
High Quality
Every part shipped from Orhong we will be responsible until it gets tested or assembled, before delievery photos and inspection reports will be provided.
Capability
We can provide you with the most suitable processing solution based on your geometry and its usage as your reliable partner.
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