Technology has evolved dazzlingly in the 21st century, bringing many changes. A few decades ago, it was not possible to make a real object from a printer. Today, this is a reality thanks to 3D printing, which makes the work of companies easier. The process of making objects with this tool is still complex for many people. There is some information necessary for a better understanding of this technology.
The 3D printer: what is the manufacturing process?
Also called additive manufacturing, 3D printing integrates many processes for creating volume parts. More precisely, the object is manufactured layer by layer. To achieve a suitable result, it is necessary to go through 3 essential steps.
Creating a 3D digital model
The object created by the 3D printer first comes to life in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) DAO or BIM software. We are talking more specifically about 3D modeling which leads to obtaining a three-dimensional model. Two methods make it possible to obtain a virtual model of the object that we wish to create.
The very first is called synthetic. It consists of designing and developing the object based on drawings made by CAD (Computer Aided Design). Once this is done, a texture is applied to make the model as realistic as possible. The rendering can then be viewed from all angles, to correct any imperfections.
The second method is the analytical one. This consists of scanning a pre-existing object, building, place, or living being. From the images from photos or videos, the model to be printed in 3D is virtually created.
Cutting the object in 3D
This step is made possible by software that helps the printer understand how the object will be created. Once the modeling is complete, the information is sent to the printer. The process is done layer by layer, to create the very structure of the object as well as its specificities.
To achieve a satisfactory result, you need a high-performance professional 3D printer that is suitable for your industry. The time it takes to manufacture an object using a 3D printer varies depending on its complexity and size.
Finishing the printed object
This is a complex step that requires specific skills and materials. The printed object is then sanded, sanded, varnished or painted to obtain its final appearance.
What are the different 3D printing techniques?
The diversity of materials used in the production of 3D printing has led to the development of 3 main techniques.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Fused deposition modeling is the most commonly used technique by printers to create a 3D object. The material used is a solid plastic wire 3 mm in diameter. Very flexible, it is packaged in the form of a spool containing a certain amount of material available in various colors.
To obtain the actual object, the wire is unwound and then gradually heated. It then melts and is then fed to the extrusion heating head. The molten filament that comes out of the device is then deposited in the right place on the layer of the object being manufactured.
Solidification by light
It is based on the properties of certain liquid resins to polymerize under the effect of light and heat. The object is printed on a plate immersed in a vat of liquid resin which gradually descends.
Selective laser sintering
Here, the 3D object is created by adding successive layers of powders (plastic or metal) heated and fused with a powerful laser. It is a simple process that is suitable for the manufacture of complex nested shapes.
Why choose 3D printing?
3D printing is a technology that accelerates the research and development process in a company. It allows prototyping in no time and obtaining a finished product ready for marketing.
It gives you the ability to easily create small runs of products at a lower cost. Similarly, you no longer need to spend money on storage costs, since you manufacture the parts when you need them.
Thanks to its many manufacturing techniques, 3D printing offers customization possibilities that are better than those obtained with conventional devices. Having such technology means having a significant competitive advantage.
