3D Printing
3D Printing (additive manufacturing) is a process that utilizes a CAD file to produce a 3-dimensional part.
We provides a range of 3D printing (additive manufacturing) services
Including: FDM, SLA, SLS and SLM.
3D printing can produce parts that were previously impossible to create using conventional methods allowing engineers to create increasingly complex parts and topologically optimised designs.
This allows for the 3D printing of plastics and metals, and provides options for both prototyping and production. 3D printing is a great way to create one-off parts or small batches.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process where materials are joined together to make objects from 3D model data (CAD). Typically, 3D printing is a manufacturing process that builds a part layer by layer, which deposits or hardens material in a preprogrammed pattern, creating layers in succession. 3D printing processes can build objects in plastics, photopolymers, reaction polymers, composites, metal, glass, and other materials.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF 3D PRINTING
Advantages
Highly flexible: 3D printing services have come on greatly in recent years and can produce complex and intricate designs. The automation of the process means there is a greater range of manufacturing options compared to traditional methods.
Speed of production: 3D printing services can be used to produce complex designs in hours, which is more efficient compared to moulding or machining. The use of CAD files as part of the online 3D printing service also greatly speeds up part production.
On-demand production: One of the major advantages of using a 3D printing service is that you are not required to stock an inventory or print in bulk. Designs can be stored and retained virtually, meaning that you can easily optimise your parts and manufacture what you need when you need it.
Strong and lightweight results: The service can be optimised for use with a huge range of materials, meaning that you can produce parts suitable for a wide variety of applications. Using a 3D printing service also allows you to tailor materials for lightness, and heat and corrosion resistance.
Cost-efficient: Using a 3D printing service is one of the most cost-effective ways of manufacturing complex parts. This is due to the fact that it is a single-step process, as the machines can run unaided without the need for an operator.
Disadvantages
Limited materials: Although the range of materials suitable for 3D printing services is expanding, there are still many metals and plastics that cannot be temperature controlled enough for the manufacturing process.
Size limitations: 3D printing services are limited by the dimensions of the chambers used in the machines, meaning there is a size limitation on the designs that can be manufactured. Larger parts must be printed separately and joined together.
Less suited to mass production: 3D printing services have a static cost, which is not easily scaled up for mass production. Unlike other manufacturing methods, the process does not benefit from economies of scale with an increased number of units.
Scope for structural errors: While largely hugely reliable, the process can give rise to errors. 3D printing services produce parts layer-by-layer, and these layers can, on occasion, delaminate under stress or a change in orientation.
Additional post-processing costs: A 3D printing service has the advantage of fast production speeds. However, the production time does not account for post-processing procedures. Parts often require removal of support material and finishing to achieve the final result, which can increase the overall cost of creating the required designs.