Technological advancements have driven 3D printing from a mere concept to a concrete reality. The competitive industry landscape has caused manufacturers to pivot towards not only producing goods, but also utilizing cutting-edge techniques to boost productivity by manufacturing more products in less time. Consequently, various rapid prototyping methods are now being used by manufacturers, saving time and proving to be cost-effective. One widely used method is 3D printing, including SLA prototyping and SLS prototyping, which not only saves time and money but also provides functional prototypes based on the 3D CAD model of the product.
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Exploring the origins of 3D printing
The idea of 3D printing dates back to 1981, when the Nagoya City Industrial Research Institute utilized photohardening thermosetting polymers to produce three-dimensional models controlled by mask patterns for UV exposure. However, its usage was limited due to material and software constraints. By 2000, China had started importing commercial rapid prototyping equipment, primarily for industrial 3D printing. In 2013, the term “Gigabot” gained popularity in the industry following the introduction of the Gigabot prototype by NASA employees Samantha Snabes and Matthew Fiedler, marking the first affordable 3D printer.cnc lathe machining service
3D printing: The leading trend in rapid prototyping
Numerous individuals are enthusiastic about the potential impact of 3D printing on the future of manufacturing, from cost reduction through innovation to enhanced efficiency. However, it is important to note that this technology has already made a substantial impact on both the industry and individual consumers.cnc titanium turning machining
Utilize a household 3D printer for research and development purposes, creating 3D models for the design industry. It is inaccurate to assume that it is solely intended for industrial clientele. Thanks to its versatility, civilian customers have embraced it extensively. This is primarily attributed to the decreasing costs and increased accessibility of materials used in 3D printing. Furthermore, 3D printers occupy significantly less space compared to conventional toolroom techniques like CNC milling, lathes, and precision grinding.cnc machining lathe parts
The advancement of modeling software in the present era plays a significant role in the progress of this technology. Generally, models are stored in STL format, a CAD file format designed for rapid prototyping that stores data by triangulating CAD models. Nevertheless, this format saves files in a complex lattice structure, leading to errors.Additionally, the program features an intuitive interface, allowing individuals in both residential and commercial settings to easily design 3D product models. A recent study reveals that the worldwide sales of 3D printers are projected to hit 6.7 million units by 2020, which is a substantial increase from the numbers in 2016. The ongoing advancements in technology are expected to revolutionize the manufacturing industry.
3D printing technology
3D printing has two main technologies that are widely used: SLA rapid prototyping and SLS rapid prototyping.
1.SLA rapid prototyping
SLA Rapid prototyping, also known as stereolithography, is a 3D printing technique that employs photopolymerization technology to produce prototypes, models, and patterns. By adding layers, the method creates objects by combining molecules to form polymers when exposed to light. The resin used in the prototype is solidified using light and ultraviolet light. Consequently, the desired prototypes are produced layer by layer through the utilization of SLA rapid prototyping technology.cnc machining car body kit
Ultraviolet radiation is employed in the construction of pre-programmed shapes on photopolymer buckets. Due to the photopolymer’s sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, the resin undergoes curing and takes the form of a single layer, ultimately resulting in the desired prototype. Through this process, the resin layer is continuously cured until the desired prototype is achieved.cnc machining sheet metal spinning
SLA prototypes exhibit the highest resolution and surface finish among all 3D rapid prototyping technologies, and their versatility is attributed to the resin utilized. With advancements in technology, materials engineers have developed various resins specifically for SLA prototyping, ensuring that their properties align with those of standard engineering thermoplastic materials.custom cnc machining services stainless
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SLA rapid prototyping technology has been widely used in product development in different industries since its birth.carbon steel parts cnc machining service
Medical Modeling
Ever since the inception of the technology, SLA rapid prototyping products have found extensive application in the medical domain. They are employed to fabricate precise 3D models of various regions of a patient’s body, utilizing data acquired from computer scans. These models play a crucial role in facilitating diagnosis and treatment. Surgeons rely on these models to enhance their surgical procedures, whereas restorers utilize them to craft tailor-made implants.logo engraving steel cnc machining parts
Prototype production
The SLA rapid prototyping technique is employed for producing prototypes of both uniform and irregularly shaped materials at an affordable price. The prototypes created using this method can be further processed and serve as models for different metal casting procedures.titanium cnc machining milling turning parts
2.SLS rapid prototyping
SLS rapid prototyping technology, also known as selective laser sintering, utilizes a laser to solidify powder materials, with a focus on nylon, in order to achieve curing. Nylon, a specially designed thermoplastic, boasts impressive mechanical properties, a lightweight composition, and excellent stability. In this process, a laser is precisely directed towards the powder material by the 3D printer to create the desired structure.Let’s emphasize that SLS rapid prototyping and selective laser melting (SLM) are not the same. The key variation arises from the process used – SLM melts the material, while SLS rapid prototyping involves sintering it. Also, we take pride in being a reliable manufacturer that specializes in CNC machining for metal spare parts.
SLS rapid prototyping, like SLA rapid prototyping, uses computer-aided design to create prototypes by fusing sintered powders. A high-power laser, usually a carbon dioxide laser, is used to fuse small particles in powder form and mold them into the desired prototype. The laser scans the cross section produced by the CAD model and selectively fuses the sintered material, gradually forming the desired prototype. Once the cross section is scanned, the powder bed is lowered and a fresh layer of material is applied on top until the final product is achieved.customized high quality oem cnc machining service
Nylon material is commonly used in SLS rapid prototyping to produce prototypes that are strong, impact-resistant, lightweight, and water-resistant. The cost-effective nature and increased efficiency of this technology have made it a popular choice in the rapid prototyping sector.
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Since its birth, SLS rapid prototyping technology has been widely used in product development in different industries anodized parts turning 5 cnc machining service
Aerospace industry
SLS rapid prototyping has gained significant popularity in industries that necessitate a limited quantity of top-notch components. One such industry is aerospace, which demands aircraft prototypes. Given that aircraft and other aerospace vehicles are manufactured in small quantities and have extensive service lives spanning decades, the employment of SLS rapid prototyping technology becomes imperative to fabricate superior parts for the aircraft sector.dongguan fukuno oem aluminium cnc machining parts
Prototyping complex geometric shapes
SLS rapid prototyping technology is extensively utilized across different industries for creating intricate geometric shapes based on CAD models. This is due to its capability to fabricate prototypes from a variety of materials, which can fuse together through laser processing. Moreover, the absence of a support structure contributes to its widespread adoption in industries focused on manufacturing high-quality components.parts acrylic fabrication machining plastic cnc ma
Comparison of SLA and SLS
1.Raw materials used
SLS – the material used is different from nylon powder; Polycarbonate carbon powder transvinyl chloride; Powder but with high performance.printing parts services cnc lathe machining millin
SLA – The raw materials used are liquid polymers whose quality cannot be compared with thermoplastic materials.cnc machining center for metal 3 axis
2.material shrinkage rate
SLS – Material shrinkage ranges from 2 to 4%.5 axis machined part cnc machining parts
SLA – The material shrinkage is less than 0.4%, so finer parts can be produced.cnc machining service plastic cnc machining custom
3.Build dimensions
SLS – Prototype sizes up to 1500 x 750 x 500 mm can be produced.oem cnc parts centering machine machining cnc mach
SLA – Prototype sizes up to 145 x 145 x 175 mm can be produced.cnc machining psrts
4.Surface treatment
SLS – The surface of the material is rough and somewhat loose.big cnc machining
SLA — The surface treatment of the material is smooth.cnc machining tungsten
5.Strength
SLS – High strength of parts produced due to the raw materials used.cnc machining titanium
SLA – The material produced is relatively low strength.cnc machining centre
6.Machining operation
SLS – produces prototypes that are easy to process, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, etc.suzhou cnc machining
The strength of the SLA-prototype is low, so processing is difficult, and care should be taken.cnc machining 5axis
Pros: 3D printing with SLA and SLS
In order to mass produce products in a shorter time, 3D printing is an essential tool. There are many benefits to using this technique.
1.Cost effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness is one of the main advantages of 3D printing. The strength and surface treatment of the prototypes produced through this process do not require any modifications, which can save money. Moreover, the products can be mass-produced, which also saves a lot of money.
2.Speed
The technology allows industrialists to produce larger quantities of products at a faster rate and consume less time than the traditional industrial processes used. The user only needs the CAD model, and the printer can use the model and develop the product in less time. In addition, the high quality and strength of the prototypes designed have made the technology popular in industry and civil use around the world.
3.Reduce storage space
3D printers take up much less space than the traditional mass production machinery currently used by various industries. In addition, the tools of these machines are heavy and expensive compared to compact 3D printers that take up much less space.
4.Reduce risk
3D printing can also validate designs before producing expensive prototypes in CAD models. Therefore, the CAD model has been revised accordingly. In addition, it is much cheaper to test the production of molds than to change the molds already produced.
5.feedback
With prototypes, one can test the market potential of a product before actually producing it. The reaction of buyers before the actual production of the product can predict the future prospects of the product and help determine the quantity of product to be mass-produced to supply the market.
6.individuation
Since mass production uses standard machining operations, all parts that come off the machine or die have the same design or defect (if any). But as far as 3D printing is concerned, there is always a case for customizing and personalizing the product according to customer requirements or market needs.
Closing remarks
Both the SLA prototype and the SLS prototype are considered to be one of the great revolutions in the technology world. Now, the production of functional prototypes is no longer a difficult task, because according to the characteristics of the prototype, the use of these two technologies can easily produce functional prototypes. SLA is more suitable for surface finishing, but SLS is more suitable for producing high-strength products. Both are top-of-the-line rapid prototyping techniques that can be used for mass production of products with fewer errors.
