What is 3D printing? This question has always been asked due to the novelty of this technology and the lack of good knowledge of its details. Therefore, today’s article will provide a comprehensive answer to this question, and at the same time, it will address its mechanism of action and the different methods by which it is implemented.
What is 3D printing?
In brief, the answer to the question, what is 3D printing? is that it is a technology that aims to create three-dimensional objects based on a digital file, which means that a technology of this type does not require a block of materials or a mold to create the objects, as it depends on stacking layers of materials that are combined together to complete the construction process.
3D printing is different from what is known as subtractive manufacturing, which is the type that creates cuts or cavities within a block of material using specialized machines and equipment.
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How 3D printing works
The working mechanism of 3D printing is based on two main pillars. The first pillar is related to the use of a 3D software dedicated to this purpose, while the other pillar is related to the slicing process.
- (3D Software): There are many programs that are relied upon to perform 3D printing, the most prominent examples of which are: SketchUp , Fusion 360 , Blender , and SolidWorks .
- Slicing: This process aims to cut the 3D model into hundreds or thousands of layers using one of the previously mentioned programs, thus creating a digital file in STL or OBJ format, ready for printing.
The most prominent 3D printing methods
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).
- Stereolithography (SLA).
- Digital Light Processing (DLP).
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
- Masked Stereolithography (MSLA).
Fused Deposition Modeling
If we talk about the most commonly used method in this field, there is no doubt that the talk will be directed to the fused deposition modeling method, which depends on compressing the material used in printing through a tube that is heated until the material reaches the melting point, and then the molten material is extruded through a thin hole to print the shape according to the design that was prepared in advance, but this process is repeated many times, and each time a slice of the object is printed, so that the slices accumulate on top of each other until the final object is obtained.
stereolithography
- This method is compatible with certain types of materials, as it relies entirely on photopolymer resin fluids, which are fluids that can harden if exposed to ultraviolet laser rays.
- The laser shines on the surface of the liquid, tracing a specific path that represents the cross-section of the object to be printed. This section solidifies, producing the first slice. The process is then repeated several times to produce the desired object.
Digital Phototherapy
This method is faster than others, but it is very similar to stereolithography, as both rely on the use of light-sensitive polymers, but the difference between them lies in the nature of the light used.
Stereolithography relies on ultraviolet lasers, while digital photolithography uses other light sources such as arc lamps.
In this method, the slices of the object are made up of small rectangular blocks known as Voxels, which is the unit that expresses the degree of accuracy and detail that appears on the printed object, as is the case with the Pixel unit that expresses the accuracy of two-dimensional images.
Selective laser sintering
- This method uses a high-powered laser to combine a group of small particles into a mass that has the shape of the desired object.
- Low cost per part, high productivity, and the ability to handle different materials are the main advantages of this method, which have made it used in a wide range of applications.
masked lithography
- Masked laser lithography (MSLA) is an improved form of stereolithography (SLA), in which an LCD display is matched to an LED light source to selectively cure the photosensitive resin.
- By processing successive layers on the previous layers, we produce the object according to the pre-set design, and in the meantime, the use of the LCD screen acts as a mask that can be reshaped several times.
- High speed, high accuracy, and high production capacity are the most prominent features of this technology, but it is criticized for the high price of the printers that support it, in addition to the production complexities, as the printing processes are carried out in complete darkness due to the sensitivity of the resin to light sources.
The most important features of 3D printing
After answering the question of what is 3D printing, another question may come to mind regarding the advantages of this technology that has made all fields turn to it at the present time, so the following lines will review the most prominent advantages of this technology:
- Creating complex objects: This technology can be used to create objects that are more complex than those created by traditional techniques, making it a suitable option for all fields.
- Manufacturing speed: 3D printing is characterized by the ability to manufacture models in a short time. Once the prototype is available, the manufacturing process is completed within a few hours.
- Uses a small amount of materials: Since it is an additive process in which layers of materials are stacked to create the object, this technique consumes a small amount of materials and does not cause waste of materials.
- Print on demand: Unlike other manufacturing processes that require an entire workshop with warehouses to store raw materials, 3D printing does not require a large space, as printing is done only when needed.
- Environmentally friendly: This technology reduces material waste and can improve energy efficiency, making it an environmentally friendly option.
- High cost effectiveness: 3D technology saves time and costs by relying on manufacturing processes that consist of a small number of steps.
Best Saudi Company for 3D Products
Rakin Company is at the forefront of Saudi companies that provide integrated solutions for designing and printing models that express the identity of different establishments. Therefore, business owners can use this company to increase awareness of the institution’s identity and strengthen ties with employees and customers.
Shields, employee handouts, office decorations, and marketing handouts for clients are the company’s most prominent products, and it can implement all designs using contrasting colors and materials.
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Samples of products of the company Rakeen
Rakin is distinguished by its ability to transform ideas into tangible reality through advanced 3D printing technologies. Some of these models are as follows:
Unique Palace Model - AlUla
The Al-Farid Palace Al-Ula model highlights the finest details of the sculptural work of Al-Farid Palace, located in the Nabataean tombs of Madain Saleh in Al-Ula Governorate.
Dakar Rally 2024 route model
A 3D model of the Dakar Rally logo shows the route of the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally, which was hosted by the Kingdom for the fifth consecutive time.
With this amount of information, today’s article reaches its final scene. Through it, we answered the question of what is 3D printing, and we learned about the different methods of this technology. In conclusion, we discussed its most prominent features and the Saudi company that designs and prints models with great accuracy.