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Additive Manufacturing
- Industrial 3D Printing
Zigitech provides a range of high-quality 3D printing (additive
manufacturing) services, including FDM, SLA, SLS and SLM. 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, and can be used to create complex geometries that could
not be realised using traditional manufacturing processes.
Advantages of 3D
Printing
1 Affordability: Since 3D printing
uses only the required material and needs no tooling, it is one
of the most affordable manufacturing processes for one-off parts
or small batches.
2 geometries: trongse 3D printers
create parts layer by layer using a computer-controlled nozzle,
they can be used to create highly complex shapes, including
complex interior geometries.
3 Efficiency: Once a part has been
designed using CAD software, it can be printed in a matter of
hours, without a lengthy setup procedure.
4 Adaptability: Because 3D printed
parts require no tooling, there is less risk involved when
creating a part. If a fault is discovered after printing, it can
be amended digitally without the need to replace expensive
tooling.
5 Environmental factors: Although 3D
printers require power to operate, there is generally no
material wastage involved. Subtractive processes like machining,
on the other hand, produce waste material.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing, otherwise known as additive manufacturing, is a
manufacturing process that builds a part layer by layer. A
computer sends instructions to the 3D printer, which deposits or
hardens material in a preprogrammed pattern, creating layers in
succession.
There are several kinds of 3D printer, some of which are used to
print plastic parts, others to print parts made from metal or
other materials. While these various 3D printing technologies
are diverse, they have certain features in common.
3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing by giving businesses
access to a one-step manufacturing technology. 3D printers can
be set up in offices and small workspaces, and require minimal
training to operate. Moreover, startup costs are incredibly low,
since materials are affordable and can be purchased in small
quantities.
How to Select 3D Printing Process
If you need assistance in finding which 3D printing process is
the right fit for you, you can set up a consultation and
planning phase with our team of additive manufacturing experts.
All 3D CAD files you wish to have printed must be provided for
the design and reviewed by the production team so they can be
optimized and made to meet design requirements. These
requirements will differ between FDM, SLA, SLS, and SLM 3D
printing, so be sure to optimize your CAD model for the 3D
printing process you wish to use.
Review
All 3D Printing Services And Materials That We
Offer
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3D Printing Technologies
Selecting the right 3D printing process depends on many factors, including the
purpose of the part, its size and its material. Zigitech can help you decide on the
appropriate 3D printing technology for your project.
3D printing services we
offer:
1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most widely used additive manufacturing
process for desktop 3D printers. The process involves extruding a melted plastic
from a computer-controlled nozzle, building a part layer by layer.
FDM 3D printers use a spool of filament as raw material. This filament is directed
into the print head, where it is melted and deposited onto the incomplete part. In
accordance with computer instructions, the print head moves along 3 axes in order to
deposit material in the right place.
Because the material cools after it is deposited, further layers of material can be
deposited on top of the existing layers, allowing for the creation of 3D shapes.
FDM is also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).
Advantages
- Most affordable 3D printing process for plastic parts
- Material options
- Widely available
Disadvantages
- Comparatively low resolution
- Produces visible layer lines
Typical accuracy
- ± 0.5% (desktop)
- ± 0.15% (industrial)
Typical layer height
FDM Materials
PLA: The most widely used FDM material, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is
affordable, stiff and strong. It also comes in many colors and blends.
ABS: Another common FDM material, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Styrene) is also resistant to high temperatures.
PETG: PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate) has high impact resistance
and good thermal characteristics. It is also food safe.
Nylon: Tough and flexible, nylon is strong and resistant to wear and
chemicals. It is, however, vulnerable to humidity.
TPE/TPU: A blend of plastic and rubber, these thermoplastic
filaments produce highly flexible parts.
PC: PC (Polycarbonate) filaments produce extremely strong parts that
are resistant to heat and impact.
2. Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that works in a
different way to FDM. In SLA 3D printing, a 3D object is created with a laser, which
is directed at areas of photosensitive liquid resin. The laser causes areas of the
resin to harden, forming a solid part.
The SLA process uses a moving platform in a tank of liquid resin. The platform moves
up or down after each layer is fully cured, which is different to FDM, in which the
platform remains stationary. The SLA laser is focused using a system of mirrors.
SLA can only be used with photosensitive polymers, but offers high accuracy and fine
details. It also predates other forms of additive manufacturing, having been
invented back in the 1980s.
Advantages
- High resolution
- No visible layer lines; smooth finish
- Option of clear materials
Disadvantages
- Printers more expensive than FDM
- Weak parts; will degrade with sunlight
- Extensive post-processing required
Typical accuracy
- ± 0.5% (desktop)
- ± 0.15% (industrial)
Typical layer height
Stereolithography Materials
Resin 8119: A common SLA material with a temperature resistance of
up to 65°C.
Resin 8118H: A nylon-like resin with exceptionally high tenacity.
Resin 8228: An ABS-like resin resistant to impact and temperatures
up to 70°C.
Resin 8338: The most temperature-resistant of our resins, able to
withstand temperatures up to 120°C.
3. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder bed additive manufacturing process used
to make parts from thermoplastic polymer powders. It is commonly used for functional
parts, since SLS printed components have good mechanical properties.
An SLS 3D printer works by sintering areas of powder with a laser. During the
process, a thin layer of powder is distributed evenly across the build platform,
after which the laser sinters selected areas of the 2D layer. When the layer is
complete, the platform is lowered, more powder added, and the laser sinters the next
layer.
When all layers are complete, the part is left to cool. Unused powder is kept to be
used again, and the part is cleaned to remove excess material.
Advantages
- Parts have consistent mechanical properties
- No support structures
Disadvantages
- Porosity
- Rough surface finish
Typical accuracy
Typical layer height
SLS Materials
Nylon PA12: An SLS material that offers mechanical strength and
thermal and chemical resistance, as well as long-term stability.
Alumide: Aluminium-filled nylon provides high stiffness and a
metallic appearance.
TPU: A highly elastic material with high tear and abrasion
resistance, as well as satisfactory thermal resistance.
4. Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a metal additive manufacturing process used to
create functional, end-use products. SLM printers use a laser to melt particles of
metal powder, fusing them together to form a 3D object.
An SLM 3D printer uses a gas-filled chamber containing the metal powder. The laser
passes over the desired sections of the powder, causing the particles to melt and
bond. When a layer is complete, the build platform moves down to allow the laser to
pass over the next layer.
The SLM process can be used to create strong metal parts with highly complex shapes,
providing engineers with new levels of design freedom.
Advantages
- Strong and hard parts
- Complex shapes
Disadvantages
- Limited build size
- High cost
Typical accuracy
Typical layer height
SLM Materials
Titanium: Titanium alloys (6Al-4V and 6Al-4V ELI) can withstand high
temperatures, offer a high strength-to-weight ratio and are resistant to corrosion.
Can be heat treated for superior strength.
Aluminum: Aluminum alloys (AlSi12 and AlSi10Mg) provide strength and
hardness, and work well with complex shapes or parts with thin walls.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steels are resistant to wear, corrosion
and abrasion.
Cobalt: Cobalt-chrome alloys offer high strength, hardness and
resistance to high temperatures.
Nickel: Nickel alloys are resistant to heat, corrosion and
oxidation, and create parts with strength in high-temperature environments.
Precious Metals: Metals like gold, silver and platinum are ductile
and provide a desirable appearance.
