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Industrial Applications of 3D Printing Services

2024-03-15 14:19

3D printing services have gained popularity in recent years because it’s simple technology with many applications. It is applied in various fields such as education, manufacturing & prototyping, construction, medicine, and art & jewelry.Earlier 3D materials and printer models were pricey, but with advancements in technology, the cost of these materials and machines has gone down. As a result, 3D printing applications have become cost-effective and more accessible across different sectors.3D printing is also referred to as additive manufacturing, and 3D represents Three-Dimensional Printing. 3D printing is a process that makes solid objects from a digital design. It involves laying down thin material layers in either metal, powdered plastic, or liquid and then joining these layers together.3D printing technology has helped many manufacturing companies to increase their productivity. In most cases, this technology is used to decrease the lead time in making prototypes of various devices or parts and the tooling required to develop them.This mainly benefits small-scale manufacturers since it helps them decrease their production costs and reduce the time to market. 3D printing allows producers to make complex shapes with less material compared to subtractive manufacturing techniques like milling. It’s primarily used in stamping, hydro-forming, injection molding, among other methods.

Here are the types of 3D printing services:

SLA 3D printing

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing technology that creates an object by particularly curing the liquid resin layer-by-layer with the use of an ultraviolet (UV) laser beam. Since its invention, this SLA 3D printing has undergone various changes, and it’s now more affordable and accessible. It has helped many professionals cut down on outsourcing costs, maximize production processes, and iterate faster.Manufacturers have created new SLA resin formulations with a wide range of thermal, mechanical, and optical properties to match industrial, engineering, and standard thermoplastics perfectly. SLA 3D printing helps to produce high-dimensional accuracy parts with intricate details. SLA rapid prototyping parts are suitable for visual prototypes since they have a smooth surface finish. The main advantage is that the materials are flexible, explicit, and moldable resins.

SLS 3D printing

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a 3D technology that creates a solid structure using a high-power laser by sintering polymer powder particles on a 3D model. This technique has been the manufacturer’s and engineers’ choice for many years because it involves low cost per part, which translates to high productivity. It is suitable for different applications ranging from SLS rapid prototyping to custom, bridge, or small-batch manufacturing. Recently, SLS 3D printing has been readily accessible due to machinery, software, and material advancements. This has enabled many companies to use this technology that was used by high-tech industries only.

Manufacturers and engineers use SLS 3D printing because of its design freedom. It produces impossible intricate geometrics like moving parts, interlocking parts, interior channels’ parts, and other complex designs. SLS 3D printing is also known for producing long-lasting and functional prototypes. Besides, this technology’s versatility is vested in its proven, end-use materials. Nylon, together with its composites, is high-end, premium thermoplastics. 3D printing services provide a wide range of benefits than traditional manufacturing processes. These include:

Offers sturdy and lightweight parts

Most materials used in 3D printing services are plastic, though metals are still used. Plastic is highly preferred in some industries like aerospace and automotive since light-weight is ideal in delivering exceptional fuel efficiency. Besides, the technology also allows to create parts from tailored materials for specific properties like water repellence, higher strength, and heat resistance.

Low costs

3D printing is one of the cost-effective manufacturing processes, making it ideal for small production. Traditional prototyping techniques such as CNC machining need costly machines and high labor costs because they require professional technicians and operators to operate them. 3D printing processes only require one or two machines and fewer technicians to produce a part. Plus, no additional tooling is needed; hence less waste of materials.

Flexible design

3D printing enables manufacturers and engineers to create more detailed and complex designs as compared to traditionally manufacturing methods. This is because many subtractive techniques have design restrictions, which is not the case with 3D printing. 3D printing enables users to edit designs in any way they like, allowing them to make unique and customized new parts. This means that different techniques can be produced using various materials.

Print on demand

Unlike traditional production methods, it does not require more space for stocking up inventories. This is because there is no need to print in bulk unless the need arises; thus, saving costs and space. The virtual library is used to store the 3D design files printed using STL file or CAD as the 3D model, which means one can locate and print them when required.

Fast speed

Rapid prototypes are the main benefits of 3D printing. 3D printing allows parts to be manufactured within the shortest time possible since it fastens any prototyping process. Also, 3D printing is much cheaper and quicker than
prototype machining in parts creation, enabling every part to be completed efficiently. 3D printing has evolved and has a wide range of applications. It facilitates the production of high-end products at a cheaper cost in a faster and efficient way. 3D printing services helps to minimize material wastage, risk reduction, and it’s highly sustainable. The additive manufacturing process enables manufacturers and engineers to design more complex designs, which is not the case with traditional manufacturing methods. It is highly used in the medicine & dental, automotive, aerospace, education, and manufacturing industries.Brozan 3D Printer is proud to offer an array of 3D printing design and contract 3D printing services. Whether you’re looking to create the CAD file you need to communicate with 3D printers or are looking to find a 3D printing service provider, Brozan 3D Printer has the expertise you need to realize your project goals.