3D printing technology is completely revolutionizing the product design, development, and manufacturing processes. The additive progression of 3D printing to create a 3D object out of a digital profile has opened a lot of opportunities and prospects. It is empowering for the creators that a digital profile is so conveniently changing into physical reality. It takes only a few hours from the design to production of a 3D object, hence making it ready for inspection and feedback.
• Stereolithography (SLA) - Stereolithography printing is a technology capable of creating highly intricate and sophisticated designs. SLA printing service is either laser-based or projection-based. This technology uses a photopolymer resin, a UV laser, and then traces one layer of the scheme. Since the resin is photosensitive, it solidifies and creates a layer of the object. The process is repeated continuously until it results in the final product.
• SLA printing service technology is the oldest type of 3D printing still in use. SLA printers result in smooth mechanical surfaces. Depending upon the size of the printer, 3D printing can take a few hours to complete a model. This method of 3D printing is relatively cheaper and faster, though not suitable for final products. Creativity comes at a cost - The cheap attribute of a 3D print loses value during mass manufacturing of customized objects.
• Digital Light Processing (DLP) – DLP 3D printing service uses micro mirrors on a silicon chip as a projection technique. It uses an LCD panel over the full surface and plastic resin. A light beam of high energy source is directed on the resin, which melts and forms the surface. Upon hardening, the real surface emerges.
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) – DMLS 3d printing service is one such 3D technology that can design metal parts from its metallic powder itself. The whole process begins with 3D designing of layers. Metal powder is put into the printer, which upon heating, melts to form layers over the build platform. This sintering process continues forming new layers one upon the other.
DMLS 3d printing has a lot of advantages, as well. Direct use of metal powder to form 3D models does not affect its metallic properties. Also, the metallic powder left behind is reusable. A wide range of metal use is possible in this printing technique. The functionality and strength of the finished product are exceptionally good.
