3D printing
3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology where a three dimensional object is created by laying down successive layers of material. It is also known as rapid prototyping, is a mechanized method whereby 3D objects are quickly made on a reasonably sized machine connected to a computer containing blueprints for the object. The 3D printing concept of custom manufacturing is exciting to nearly everyone. This revolutionary method for creating 3D models with the use of inkjet technology saves time and cost by eliminating the need to design; print and glue together separate model parts. Now, you can create a complete model in a single process using 3D printing. The basic principles include materials cartridges, flexibility of output, and translation of code into a visible pattern. 
What is 3D printing?
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.
How does 3D printing work?
It all starts with making a virtual design of the object you want to create. This virtual design is made in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file using a 3D modeling program (for the creation of a totally new object) or with the use of a 3D scanner (to copy an existing object). A 3D scanner makes a 3D digital copy of an object.
3d scanners use different technologies to generate a 3d model such as time-of-flight, structured / modulated light, volumetric scanning and many more.
Recently, many IT companies like Microsoft and Google enabled their hardware to perform 3d scanning, a great example is Microsoft’s Kinect. This is a clear sign that future hand-held devices like smartphones will have integrated 3d scanners. Digitizing real objects into 3d models will become as easy as taking a picture. Prices of 3d scanners range from very expensive professional industrial devices to 30 USD DIY devices anyone can make at home.
To prepare a digital file for printing, the 3D modeling software “slices” the final model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers. When the sliced file is uploaded in a 3D printer, the object can be created layer by layer. The 3D printer reads every slice (or 2D image) and creates the object, blending each layer with hardly any visible sign of the layers, with as a result the three dimensional object.
History of 3d Printing
The technology for printing physical 3D objects from digital data was first developed by Charles Hull in 1984. He named the technique as Stereolithography and obtained apatent for the technique in 1986. After obtaining the patent, he founded 3D Systems and developed the first commercial 3D Printing machine. However the term “3D Printer†was not used by that time and the machine was called only as Stereolithography Apparatus. As the technology was very new, 3D Systems delivered the first version of the machine to only a few selected customers and based on their feedback, 3D Systems developed an improved version, named SLA-250, which was made available to the general public in 1988.
While Stereolithography systems had become popular by the end of 1980s, other similar technologies such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) were introduced. FDM was invented in 1988 by Scott Crump who founded Stratasys in the next year to commercialize the technology. Stratasys sold its first FDM-based machine, "3D Modeler", in 1992.During the same year, DTM marketed SLS based systems.
In 1993, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) patented another technology, named "3 Dimensional Printing techniques", which is similar to the inkjet technology used in 2D Printers. In 1995, Z Corporation obtained an exclusive license from MIT to use the technology and started developing 3D Printers based on 3DP technology.
In 1996, three major products, "Genisys" from Stratasys, "Actua 2100" from 3D Systems and "Z402" from Z Corporation, were introduced. It was only during this period, the term "3D Printer" was first used to refer rapid prototyping machines. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, several relatively low-cost 3D Printers came into the market.
In 2005, Z Corp. launched a breakthrough product, named Spectrum Z510, which was the first high definition color 3D Printer in the market.
Another breakthrough in 3D Printing occurred in 2006 with the initiation of an open source project, named Reprap, which was aimed at developing a self-replicating 3D printer. The first version of Reprap, which was released in 2008, can manufacture about 50 percent of its own parts. The second version of Reprap is currently under development.
While Stereolithography systems had become popular by the end of 1980s, other similar technologies such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) were introduced. FDM was invented in 1988 by Scott Crump who founded Stratasys in the next year to commercialize the technology. Stratasys sold its first FDM-based machine, "3D Modeler", in 1992.During the same year, DTM marketed SLS based systems.
In 1993, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) patented another technology, named "3 Dimensional Printing techniques", which is similar to the inkjet technology used in 2D Printers. In 1995, Z Corporation obtained an exclusive license from MIT to use the technology and started developing 3D Printers based on 3DP technology.
In 1996, three major products, "Genisys" from Stratasys, "Actua 2100" from 3D Systems and "Z402" from Z Corporation, were introduced. It was only during this period, the term "3D Printer" was first used to refer rapid prototyping machines. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, several relatively low-cost 3D Printers came into the market.
In 2005, Z Corp. launched a breakthrough product, named Spectrum Z510, which was the first high definition color 3D Printer in the market.
Another breakthrough in 3D Printing occurred in 2006 with the initiation of an open source project, named Reprap, which was aimed at developing a self-replicating 3D printer. The first version of Reprap, which was released in 2008, can manufacture about 50 percent of its own parts. The second version of Reprap is currently under development.
3D Printers and 3D Printing: Technologies, Processes and Techniques
Here you will find information about the different types of 3D printing processes as well as the various 3D printers used for each technology.Stereolithography (SLA)
PolyJet & MultiJet
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Metal 3D Printing (DMLS & EBM)
Full Color 3D Printing (Binder Jetting, SDL & Triple jetting)
Fused Deposition Modeling or Fused Filament Fabrication (FDM/FFF)
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SL) is one of several methods used to create 3D-printed objects. It's the process by which a uniquely designed 3D printing machine, called a stereolithograph apparatus (SLA) converts liquid plastic into solid objects.The process was patented as a means of rapid prototyping in 1986 by Charles Hull, co-founder of 3D Systems, Inc., a leader in the 3D printing industry.
3-D printing is a very good example of the age we live in. In the past, it could conceivably take months to prototype a part -- today you can do it hours. If you can dream up a product, you can hold a working model in your hands two days later! In this edition of HowStuffWorks, we will take a tour of the stereolithography service bureau at PT CAM (Piedmont Triad Center for Advanced Manufacturing) so that you can understand everything involved and see some actual 3-D models that this technology has produced!
PolyJet & MultiJet
Post processing is really different for the two. PolyJet requires manual labor in the form of pressurized water to remove the wax supports. This is a tedious process with more complicated parts, but the shape of the part is retained provided it doesn't suffer in the process. More intricate shapes require dentist tools to clear of support. MJM uses an oven to melt the support material. While this is a good idea because of the hands-off aspect, the part suffers from deformation due to being a plastic part being stuck in an oven. Every company I have visited has reported the same problem. It's not that problematic if you print big, thick parts though, as those tend to be more resistant to deformation.
PolyJet technology is a powerful additive manufacturing method that produces smooth, accurate prototypes, parts and tooling. With 16-micron layer resolution and accuracy as high as 0.1 mm, it can produce thin walls and complex geometries using the widest range of materials
How PolyJet 3D Printing Works
PolyJet 3D printing is similar to inkjet printing, but instead of jetting drops of ink onto paper, PolyJet 3D Printers jet layers of curable liquid photopolymer onto a build tray.The process is simple:
Pre-processing: Build-preparation software automatically calculates the placement of photopolymers and support material from a 3D CAD file.
Production: The 3D printer jets and instantly UV-cures tiny droplets of liquid photopolymer. Fine layers accumulate on the build tray to create a precise 3D model or part. Where overhangs or complex shapes require support, the 3D printer jets a removable gel-like support material.
Support removal: The user easily removes the support materials by hand or with water. Models and parts are ready to handle and use right out of the 3D printer, with no post-curing needed.
PolyJet 3D Printing Benefits
PolyJet 3D Printing technology offers many advantages for rapid tooling and prototyping, and even production parts including astonishingly fine detail, smooth surfaces, speed and precision.- Create smooth, detailed prototypes that convey final-product aesthetics.
- Produce short-run manufacturing tools, jigs and assembly fixtures.
- Produce complex shapes, intricate details and smooth surfaces.
- Incorporate color and diverse material properties into one model with the greatest material versatility available
.- See more at: http://www.stratasys.com/3d-printers/technologies/polyjet-technology#sthash.UkO19Irh.dpuf
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a process in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing and stereolithography, which takes a design created in a 3D modeling software and uses DLP technology to print a 3D object.How Digital Light Processing Works in 3D Printing
In this process, once the 3D model is sent to the printer, a vat of liquid polymer is exposed to light from a DLP projector under safelight conditions. The DLP projector displays the image of the 3D model onto the liquid polymer. The exposed liquid polymer hardens and the build plate moves down and the liquid polymer is once more exposed to light. The process is repeated until the 3D model is complete and the vat is drained of liquid, revealing the solidified model. DLP 3D printing is faster and can print objects with a higher resolution. The Envision Tec Ultra, MiiCraft High Resolution 3D printer, and Lunavast XG2 are examples of DLP printers.
History of Digital Light Processing
Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments created the technology for Digital Light Processing in 1987. DLP is used for projectors and uses digital micromirrors laid out in a matrix on a semiconductor chip called the Digital Micromirror Device. Each mirror represents a pixel in the image for display. Several applications use DLP technology including projectors, movie projectors, cell phones, and 3D printing.
Refered Source From:
http://www.mahalo.com/3d-printers/
http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/
http://nicsu.up.nic.in/knowdesk/3D-Printing-Technology.pdf
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