Everything you need to know about 3D Printing

How FDM Printing Works

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printing is a 3D printing technology that uses a thermoplastic filament as the printing material. It works by melting the filament and extruding it through a nozzle onto a build platform in a precise pattern, layer by layer, until the final object is formed.

The process begins with a 3D model that is created using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The model is then sliced into layers, with each layer representing a cross-section of the final object. The sliced model is then sent to the 3D printer, which begins the printing process.

In FDM printing, the thermoplastic filament is fed into a heated extruder, which melts the filament and forces it out of a small nozzle onto the build platform. The extruder moves in a precise pattern dictated by the sliced model, depositing the melted filament layer by layer until the final object is formed.

As the molten filament is deposited onto the build platform, it quickly solidifies and fuses with the previous layer, creating a strong and stable bond. The build platform is typically heated to prevent warping and improve adhesion between the layers.

FDM printing allows for a range of materials to be used, including PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, and carbon fiber filament, among others. It is a versatile and affordable 3D printing technology that is widely used for prototyping, product design, and small-scale production.

FDM Printing - Common Materials

  • PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a popular biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic material made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It is a versatile plastic that is widely used in 3D printing due to its ease of use and low printing temperatures. PLA is also commonly used in food packaging, disposable tableware, and medical implants.

    PLA has a semi-translucent, glossy finish and is available in a range of vibrant colors. It is a relatively stiff material with good strength, but it can become brittle over time and in extreme temperatures. It has a low shrinkage rate, which makes it a popular choice for printing complex geometries and sharp edges.

    One of the key benefits of PLA is its eco-friendliness. It is a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. When exposed to the right conditions, such as high heat and moisture, PLA will break down into harmless byproducts like water, carbon dioxide, and organic compounds.

    Overall, PLA is an excellent material for 3D printing and other applications where a biodegradable, compostable, and environmentally friendly material is desired.

  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, durability, and heat resistance. It is a popular material for 3D printing due to its versatility, ease of use, and wide range of applications.

    ABS has a semi gloss/matte finish and is available in a range of colours. It is a tough and rigid plastic that can withstand high impact and mechanical stress, making it a popular choice for products that require strength and durability, such as toys, automotive parts, and household appliances.

    ABS has a high melting point and is more resistant to high temperatures than PLA, making it suitable for applications that require heat resistance.

    One of the main benefits of ABS is its resistance to chemicals, making it an ideal material for printing products that may come into contact with harsh chemicals. It is also a recyclable plastic, which makes it a more sustainable choice than some other materials.

    Overall, ABS is a versatile and widely used plastic that is suitable for a variety of applications. Its strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance make it a popular choice for 3D printing and other industrial applications.

  • PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a strong, durable, and flexible thermoplastic material that is increasingly popular for 3D printing. It is a variation of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) that is glycol-modified to increase its toughness and durability.

    PETG has a glossy finish and is available in a range of colours. It is a versatile plastic that is used in a wide range of applications, including food packaging, medical devices, and consumer products. It is also a popular material for 3D printing due to its ease of use and excellent properties.

    PETG is a strong plastic that is resistant to impact, chemical corrosion, and weathering. It is also more resistant to heat than PLA, making it suitable for printing objects that require high-temperature resistance.

    PETG is also a recyclable plastic, which makes it a more sustainable choice than some other materials.

    Overall, PETG is a versatile and durable plastic that is suitable for a wide range of applications. Its strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, and clarity make it a popular choice for 3D printing, as well as for a range of industrial and consumer products.

  • Nylon is a strong and durable thermoplastic material that is increasingly popular for 3D printing due to its unique properties. It is a synthetic polymer that can be extruded into a wide range of shapes and forms, including fibres, films, and sheets.

    It is a strong and flexible material that is resistant to abrasion, impact, and chemical corrosion. It also has a high melting point, making it suitable for printing objects that require high-temperature resistance.

    One of the key benefits of nylon is its toughness and durability. It is a strong and flexible material that is resistant to wear and tear, making it a popular choice for products that require strength and longevity, such as automotive parts, sporting goods, and industrial components.

    Nylon is also hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. This property can make it challenging to print with, as moisture can cause bubbling or warping during the printing process. However, there are techniques and equipment available to help mitigate this issue.

    Overall, nylon is a versatile and durable plastic that is suitable for a wide range of applications. Its strength, flexibility, and high-temperature resistance make it a popular choice for 3D printing, as well as for a range of industrial and consumer products.

  • TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a highly elastic and flexible thermoplastic material that is increasingly popular for 3D printing. It is a polyurethane plastic that can be extruded into a range of shapes and forms, including filaments for 3D printing.

    TPU has a rubber-like texture and is available in a range of colors. It is a highly elastic material that can stretch and bend without breaking, making it a popular choice for products that require flexibility and durability, such as phone cases, shoe soles, and medical devices.

    One of the key benefits of TPU is its flexibility and elasticity. It can be stretched and twisted without losing its shape, making it suitable for printing objects with complex shapes or designs. TPU is also resistant to abrasion, impact, and chemical corrosion, making it a durable material for a wide range of applications.

    Overall, TPU is a highly versatile and flexible material that is suitable for a range of applications. Its elasticity, durability, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals make it a popular choice for 3D printing, as well as for a range of industrial and consumer products. However, TPU can be more difficult to print with than some other materials, and may require specialized techniques and equipment to achieve optimal results.

  • Carbon fibre filament is a high-performance 3D printing material made of carbon fibres embedded in a polymer matrix. It is a popular choice for printing lightweight and strong parts with a unique aesthetic.

    Carbon fibre filament has a matte black finish and is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is a lightweight and rigid material that is resistant to impact and fatigue, making it ideal for parts that need to withstand high stress and strain.

    One of the key benefits of carbon fibre filament is its stiffness and rigidity. It has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it maintains its shape and dimensions under temperature changes. It is also resistant to chemicals and UV light, making it suitable for outdoor and industrial applications.

    However, carbon fibre filament can be challenging to print with due to its abrasive nature. It can wear down the nozzle of the 3D printer faster than other filaments, so it is recommended to use a hardened nozzle or a nozzle with a protective coating. It is also important to ensure that the printer settings are optimized for printing with carbon fibre filament to achieve the best results.

    Overall, carbon fibre filament is a high-performance 3D printing material that is suitable for a range of applications that require lightweight, strong, and rigid parts. Its unique aesthetic and properties make it a popular choice for aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment industries, among others.

3D Printing In Industry

  • FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printing is a popular 3D printing technology used in the automotive industry for various applications, such as prototyping, tooling, and end-use parts production.

    Prototyping: FDM printing is commonly used in the automotive industry for prototyping, as it allows for quick and cost-effective production of parts and components. Engineers can create 3D models of parts and test their fit, form, and function before final production.

    Tooling: FDM printing is also used to create custom jigs, fixtures, and moulds that are used in the automotive manufacturing process. These tools are typically made from high-strength materials, such as carbon fibre filament or nylon, and are used to hold parts in place during assembly or manufacturing.

    End-use parts production: FDM printing is increasingly being used to produce end-use parts for the automotive industry. Parts such as brackets, housings, and ducting can be produced using FDM printing technology. The ability to produce low-volume, complex parts on-demand allows for greater flexibility in the manufacturing process and can lead to cost savings.

    In addition to these applications, FDM printing is also used in the automotive industry for creating concept cars and custom car designs. 3D printed parts and components can be integrated into the design process to create unique and innovative cars that push the boundaries of traditional manufacturing methods.

    Overall, FDM printing is a versatile and cost-effective 3D printing technology that is widely used in the automotive industry for prototyping, tooling, and end-use parts production. Its ability to produce complex parts quickly and on-demand makes it an attractive option for automotive manufacturers looking to improve their design and manufacturing processes.

  • The aerospace industry is a major user of 3D printing technology, as it offers several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. Here are some ways in which the aerospace industry uses 3D printing:

    Prototyping and design: 3D printing allows aerospace engineers to create complex, lightweight designs that are difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. With 3D printing, designers can quickly iterate and test multiple designs, allowing them to refine their ideas and identify potential problems before committing to final production.

    Tooling and fixtures: 3D printing is also used to create custom jigs, fixtures, and other tooling components that are used in the manufacturing process. These tools can be produced quickly and cost-effectively, allowing aerospace manufacturers to reduce production time and costs.

    Production of parts and components: 3D printing is increasingly being used to produce parts and components for aerospace applications. Parts such as turbine blades, ducting, and engine components can be produced using 3D printing technology. The ability to produce parts on-demand reduces the need for large inventories of parts and can lead to cost savings.

    Repairs and maintenance: 3D printing is also being used to create replacement parts for aircraft and spacecraft that are no longer in production. This is especially useful for older aircraft and spacecraft that have limited replacement parts available.

    Weight reduction: Weight reduction is a critical factor in aerospace design, as lighter aircraft and spacecraft require less fuel and are more efficient. 3D printing allows designers to create complex, lightweight parts that would be impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods.

    Overall, the aerospace industry uses 3D printing technology for a range of applications, from prototyping and design to the production of parts and components. 3D printing offers several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, including faster production times, lower costs, and the ability to produce complex and lightweight parts.

  • The medical industry has been one of the pioneers in using 3D printing technology for various applications. Here are some ways in which the medical industry uses 3D printing:

    Patient-specific implants and prosthetics: 3D printing allows the creation of custom implants and prosthetics that are tailored to the unique needs of individual patients. This can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery times.

    Surgical planning and education: 3D printed models of patient anatomy can be used to plan and practice surgical procedures, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes. 3D printed models can also be used for medical education and training.

    Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: 3D printing can be used to create scaffolds for tissue engineering, allowing for the production of tissues and organs that can be used in transplants. 3D printing can also be used to create customized drug delivery systems.

    Medical device prototyping: 3D printing is used to create prototypes of medical devices, allowing designers to test and refine their designs quickly and cost-effectively.

    Anatomical models for diagnosis and treatment planning: 3D printed models of patient anatomy can be used to help with diagnosis and treatment planning. These models can provide a better understanding of complex anatomical structures, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

    Overall, 3D printing is a valuable tool for the medical industry, allowing for the creation of customized implants, prosthetics, and medical devices, as well as aiding in surgical planning and education, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. As the technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to transform many areas of medicine and improve patient outcomes.

  • The education industry has been quick to adopt 3D printing technology as a valuable tool for enhancing student learning and engagement. Here are some ways in which the education industry uses 3D printing:

    STEM education: 3D printing is used in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education to teach students about design, engineering, and manufacturing. Students can design and create 3D models of objects, giving them hands-on experience with the entire design process.

    Art and design education: 3D printing is used in art and design education to create sculptures, models, and other objects. This allows students to explore and experiment with different design concepts and create unique works of art.

    History and archaeology education: 3D printing is used in history and archaeology education to create accurate replicas of artefacts and historical objects. This allows students to study and interact with these objects in a more tangible way, gaining a deeper understanding of history and archaeology.

    Special education: 3D printing is used in special education to create tactile objects that can help students with visual impairments or learning disabilities. For example, a 3D printed model of a molecule can help a student with a visual impairment understand its structure.

    Research and development: 3D printing is used in research and development in universities and other educational institutions to create prototypes and models for testing and experimentation.

    Overall, 3D printing is a valuable tool for the education industry, allowing for hands-on learning and experimentation, as well as creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. As the technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to transform many areas of education and provide new avenues for learning and exploration.

  • 3D printing is being used in the fields of architecture and construction in a variety of ways, including:

    Rapid prototyping of architectural models - Architects can quickly and easily create physical models of their designs using 3D printing technology. This allows them to test and refine their designs in a tangible way before moving on to the construction phase.

    Customized components - 3D printing is used to create customized components, such as facades, panels, and moulds. This allows for greater design flexibility and the creation of unique building elements.

    On-site construction - 3D printing can be used to create structures on-site, such as concrete walls or columns. This reduces the need for transporting pre-fabricated components to the construction site and can speed up the building process.

    Sustainability - 3D printing can be used to create structures using sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics or biodegradable materials. This can help reduce waste and environmental impact in the construction process.

    Repair and maintenance - 3D printing can be used to create replacement parts for building components, such as brackets or connectors, reducing the need to replace entire structures or components.

    Overall, 3D printing is becoming an increasingly important tool in the fields of architecture and construction, allowing for greater design flexibility, customization, and sustainability while also reducing costs and time in the construction process.