Introduction to 3D Printing

3D printing has advanced greatly in recent years and can now play critical roles in a variety of fields, the most important of which being manufacturing, medical, architecture, custom art, and design.

3D printing techniques are finally reaching their full potential, and are now being employed in the manufacturing and medical industries, as well as by sociocultural sectors that promote commercial 3D printing.

In the past decade, there has been a lot of excitement about the possibilities that can be realized by using 3D printing as one of the primary manufacturing methods.

WHAT IS 3D PRINTING?

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is the technique of creating three-dimensional solid items from a computer file.

Additive manufacturing technologies are used to create 3D printed objects. An object is built in an additive technique by laying down successive layers of material until the object is complete. Each of these layers can be viewed as a cross-section of the item that has been lightly cut.

Subtractive manufacturing, which involves cutting or hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic with a milling machine, is the polar opposite of 3D printing.

When compared to traditional production methods, 3D printing allows you to create complicated shapes with less material.

HOW DOES 3D PRINTING WORK?

There are many different types of 3D printers, but the two most common are:                     

WHAT IS 3D PRINTING?

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is the technique of creating three-dimensional solid items from a computer file.

Additive manufacturing technologies are used to create 3D printed objects. An object is built in an additive technique by laying down successive layers of material until the object is complete. Each of these layers can be viewed as a cross-section of the item that has been lightly cut.

Subtractive manufacturing, which involves cutting or hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic with a milling machine, is the polar opposite of 3D printing.

When compared to traditional production methods, 3D printing allows you to create complicated shapes with less material.

  1. Fused-deposition modelling (FDM)
  2. Stereolithography (SLA)

The foundation material for FDM is filament. This filament is usually coiled into strands and wound onto a spindle. The FDM machine heats the filament, directs it using an extruder nozzle, and maps out the material layers on a build surface. These are extremely thin and heated layers. Each layer is printed on top of the one before it, and as it cools, it partially fuses.

This technology is the most popular of all of the 3D printing technologies due to the fact that it is simple to implement and can create very high-quality products.

In contrast, SLA uses resin, which is a light-reactive thermoset material. Short molecular chains come together when this resin is exposed to certain wavelengths of light, polymerizing oligomers and monomers into hardened flexible or rigid shapes.

The SLA 3D printer works by slowly exposing each layer of the object to light until it is entirely produced by lowering a build tray into resin.

The most common type of light polymerization 3D printing is SLA, while the most common type of material extrusion 3D printing is FDM. Both have reached a low enough price point to be affordable to hobbyists, educators, entrepreneurs, small enterprises, and consumers.

DESIGN AND PREPARATION OF PRINTS

Slicers and 3D-modeling (or CAD) software are required to take an idea from concept to reality.

3D-modeling programs

The creative engine for 3D models is 3D modelling software, also known as CAD (Computer-Aided Design).  3D-modeling programs are used to create the design for a 3D model in the same way that image-editing software is used to create a graphic.

There are a variety of 3D modelling software solutions available, each with its own set of capabilities. Fusion 360 and TinkerCAD are two of the most popular.

TinkerCAD is a beginner-level program that is frequently taught in schools. It allows the user to quickly sketch down a minimal design prototype. Fusion 360, on the other hand, is a comprehensive engineering design program. It can be used to create 3D models as well as stress testing and motion simulation.

Slicers

Although 3D modelling software creates a virtual model of a 3D object, most 3D printing is done layer by layer or in slices. A slicer program turns a three-dimensional design into machine motions.

G-code is a numerical language used by various computer-aided manufacturing devices, and slicers produce it.

Although G-code is the industry standard, suppliers frequently introduce modifications and additions. This means that G-code for certain models and brands of numerically controlled devices must normally be generated by the slicer.

Most modern slicers include an interactive interface, whereas traditional slicers were used programmatically by feeding a 3D design file in and obtaining G-code outputted. This allows the user to change the object orientation and observe the output process, allowing them to identify potential printing errors before sending a design to print.

3D PRINTING TIME

It can take anywhere from half an hour to seven days or more to 3D print an object. A print’s duration is determined by a number of factors, including:

  1. Dimensions in total
  2. Geometry in general
  3. The 3D printing technology used in this project

The more sophisticated the geometry or the larger the part, the longer it will take to print.

3D PRINTING IN QATAR

3D printing’s future here in Qatar is exciting and full of possibilities. The method is expected to transform the way we design and make products in every industry, from fashion to automotive to medical.

3D Printing Applications Across A Large Number Of Industries.

We will see even more diverse applications as technology becomes more accessible. It’s already revolutionized the way most sector’s function, providing corporations and individuals with more cost-effective and environmentally responsible manufacturing possibilities.

Al Hirfa have been in the business here in Qatar for helping customers solve problems with 3D printing solutions. We can help you determine what technology is right for your application. Our product design service lets you prototype, test and validate your ideas.

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Al Hirfa for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders.

Contact us today and let us help you take the next step with this transformative technology.