Additive manufacturing is a fancy way of talking about 3D printing. 3D printing is a really fascinating manufacturing process. When 3D printing is taking a place, a variety of materials are laid down layer by layer to create a 3D item.
There are seven main types of additive manufacturing. So what are those seven types? And which one is going to best help you accomplish your needs?
We’re glad you asked. So keep on reading and we will take you through the different kinds of additive manufacturing that you need to know about!
Vat Photopolymerization
This is a process that utilizes a technique known as photopolymerization. It is when photopolymers are used to make 3D objects by selectively exposing them to UV light. When these materials go through chemical reactions, they become solid.
Powder Bed Fusion
This is when an electron beam or laser is used to melt the powdered material. The material is then fused together to make a solid object.
Binder Jetting
Binder jetting is when a liquid binding agent selectively deposits onto a powdered material. The powder spread and the print head deposit alternating layers of bonding agent. They then create a 3D object.
Material Extrusion
This process has been around for several decades. With this technique, a continuous filament of thermoplastic is squeezed through a heated nozzle. It is then deposited into layers onto a build platform and makes a 3D object.
Directed Energy Deposition (DED)
Using focused thermal energy, directed energy deposition technology melts and fuses the material together as it is deposited to make a 3D product.
This is very similar to welding but it is much more detailed.
Material Jetting
This kind of additive manufacturing process acts a lot like regular inkjet printers. Here, the material droplets are deposited layer by layer to make a 3D object.
After the layer is complete, UV light is used to cure it.
Sheet Lamination
Sheet lamination technology is more or less a general term used for Laminated Object Manufacturing, Selective Deposition Lamination, and Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing. All of these processes use sheets of material to make 3D items by stacking them with either ultrasonic welding or adhesive.
After the item is built, the unwanted parts of the objects are removed layer by layer.
No matter which kind of additive manufacturing you go with, make sure that you work with a reliable company, like GoEngineer Manufacturing.
The Importance of Knowing About the Different Types of Additive Manufacturing
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of what the different types of additive manufacturing are. As we can see, these are useful techniques that can help you achieve your manufacturing goals. And by knowing how they differ, you can make better decisions for your company.
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