Types of Plastic 3D Printing
Figure 4
Figure 4 is a modular and scalable manufacturing solution using non-contact membrane technology, state-of-the-art plastic resins, and a light-based UV curing process that takes minutes versus hours with heat-based curing processes.
This enables superior final part and material quality, improvements to toughness, durability, high temperature deflection and elastomeric properties. How? The speed of the non-contact membrane process combined with the low static volume print tray allows for more highly reactive material chemistries that are not achievable with other photopolymer 3D printing methods.
See how 3D printing service, Rapid Application Group, delivers 3D printed prototypes and production-grade plastic parts in less than a day with 3D Systems’ Figure 4 Standalone and 3D Sprint print software.
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA delivers the gold standard in surface finish and accuracy, and is available in large build platforms with high resolution settings. SLA addresses a wide range of rapid manufacturing applications, including prototyping, investment casting and indirect manufacturing aids.
SLA 3D Printers cure liquid resin materials with a UV laser to produce durable plastic parts with surface smoothness, high resolution, edge definition and tolerances that rival the accuracy of machined or molded plastic parts. The best SLA printers work with a wide range of materials, sizes and price points, which are designed for prototyping, end-use part production, casting patterns, molds, tooling, fixtures and medical models.
The ProX 800, 3DS' latest industry-leading Stereolithography 3D printer, features a revolutionary new laser print head and a print material management system to go along with its legendary SLA accuracy and speed.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering is a process that uses high-powered CO2 lasers to selectively melt and fuse powdered thermoplastics. This process is ideal if you are looking to produce tough, functional parts, with the possibility to achieve excellent surface finish and fine detailing. SLS allows you to go beyond design prototyping and achieve highest accuracy, durability, repeatability and low total cost of operations. SLS is also ideal for complex geometries that would be difficult to produce using other processes, or when the time and cost of tooling becomes prohibitive. It is the best choice for engineers looking for functional parts and prototypes in the sectors of automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, surgical instruments and shop floor manufacturing.
Watch our application expert, Michael Grun, as he talks through and demonstrates SLS material properties and how they work for his customers.
MultiJet Printing (MJP)
MultiJet Printing (MJP) is ideal for high quality, functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, indirect manufacturing tools, and direct investment casting applications in jewelry, dental, medical and aerospace.These high resolution printers are economical to own and post processing is virtually handsfree, enabling delicate and complex features to be printed and cleaned without damage.
3D Systems’ new engineering materials for the ProJet® MJP 2500 Series deliver advanced capability for functional prototyping across a range of applications, from high impact to high pliability to high contrast.
ColorJet Printing Systems (CJP)
From healthcare and educational settings to the most demanding commercial environments, Colorjet Printing Systems (CJP) provide unparalleled color capabilities at exceptional print speeds, efficiency, and low operational costs.
With a vast color range, CJP composite material can generate photo-realistic full-color parts for concept validation and communication. Using cyan, magenta, yellow and black binders to print onto a white powder, it can create both monochrome and full CMYK parts.
See how Deckers Brands uses full-color 3D printing to advance design verification, improve communication and significantly reduce lead-time on new products.