Nowadays, there are a large number of 3D printers in the market. More and more 3D printers are applied to various fields. For those who have just come into contact with 3D printers, they don't know how to choose from a wide range of 3D printers. Now Xiaobian simply introduces the mainstream 3D printing technology types.

1. FDM (fused deposition rapid prototyping): main materials ABS, PLA, etc

The materials of FDM process are generally thermoplastic materials, such as PLA, ABS, nylon, etc., which are fed in the form of filaments. The materials are heated and melted in the nozzle. The nozzle moves along the cross-section and filling track of the part, extrudes the melted material, solidifies the material rapidly, and binds with the surrounding material. Each layer is stacked on the basis of the previous layer, which plays a role of positioning and supporting the current layer.

2. SLA (light curing molding): main material photosensitive resin

UV curing is the earliest rapid prototyping technology, which is based on the principle of photopolymerization of liquid photosensitive resin. This kind of liquid material can undergo photopolymerization rapidly under certain wavelength and intensity of UV irradiation, and the molecular weight increases rapidly, so the material will change from liquid to solid. At present, UV curing is the most researched method and the most mature one in technology. Generally, the thickness of the layer is 0.1 to 0.15mm, and the precision of the formed parts is high.

3. DLP (light curing molding): main material photosensitive resin

DLP molding technology is similar to SLA molding technology, but it uses a high-resolution digital light processor (DLP) projector to solidify liquid photopolymer, which is light cured layer by layer. Because each layer is solidified by slide like flake, the speed is faster than the same type of SLA stereo printing technology. The technology has high molding precision, and can match the durable plastic parts in material properties, details and surface finish.

4. SLS (selective laser sintering): main material powder material

SLS process is also called selective laser sintering. SLS process is formed by powder materials. The material powder is spread on the upper surface of the formed part and scraped flat; the cross section of the part is scanned on the newly laid layer by the high-intensity CO2 laser; the material powder is sintered together under the high-intensity laser irradiation to obtain the cross section of the part and bond with the formed part below; When a layer of cross-section is sintered, a new layer of material powder is paved, and the lower cross-section is selectively sintered.

The above is a brief introduction of the current mainstream 3D printing technology types. I hope it will be helpful for you to purchase 3D printers. If you have other views and opinions, welcome to communicate with us!

Sources from: https://creality3dpro.store/