Currently in the market, rapid prototyping technology is classified into 3DP, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling),SLA(Steroligograph Apparatus), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), DLP (Digital Light Procession) and UV Prototyping Technology.
3DP Technology: the 3D printer with 3DP is applying the standard inkjet technology, by placing the liquid junction in the thin layer of powder to create the various components and 3D solid model in the way of printing cross-section data layer by layer. The sample model manufactured by 3DP has the same color as the actual product, and the color analysis result can be directly drawn on the model.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): FDM is to heat and melt filamentous hot-melt materials; meanwhile, according to the section profile information, the 3D nozzle under the control of the computer selectively coats the materials on the working table which will form a layer of cross-section after rapid cooling. When a layer of molding is finished, the machine table will descend and form the next layer, until the entire solid model completed. As the type of molding materials is various, strength and precision of molding pieces are high, FDM is mainly used for forming small plastic parts.
SLA (Steroligograph Apparatus):SLAuses the photosensitive resin as raw materials, controlled the laser via computer to do the point-by-point scanning in the liquid photosensitive resin surface according to the various layers of parts’ cross-section information. The thin resin layers of the scanning area will generate photopolymerization and solidify to form a thin layer of a part. After solidified a layer, the table will move down and coat a new layer of liquid resin on the surface of the solidified resin, until the 3D solid model completed.SLAhas the advantages of high speed of modeling, high degree of automation, high accuracy of dimension, and can be formed into any complex shape. It is mainly applied for the rapid prototyping of complex and high precision fine parts.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): SLS is to pre-laid a layer of powder material (metal or non-metallic powder) on the table, and let the laser under the computer control sinter the solid part of the powder in accordance with the interface profile information. Mold layer by layer, over and over. SLS has simple manufacturing process, wide range of material selection, low cost and fast molding speed, and is mainly used for directly making rapid molds in the foundry industry.
DLP (Digital Light Procession): DLP is relatively similar toSLA. However, it uses high-resolution digital light processor projector to cure liquid photopolymers, light cures layer by layer. As it solidifies each layer via a slide-like sheet curing, the speed is faster than the same type ofSLAtechnology. DLP has high precision of molding, the molds’ material properties, details and surface finish can match the durable plastic parts by injection molding.
UV Technology: UV technology is also similar toSLA. The difference is that it uses ultraviolet light irradiate the liquid photosensitive resin, do the stack forming layer by layer, from bottom to top. There is no noise produced during the forming process. UV technology has the highest precision molding in the same type of molding technology, and it is usually used in high precision jewelry and mobile phone casing industries.
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