The layer-by-layer build process of most 3D printing systems gives designers quite a bit of design freedom. For example, designers can embed components in a design, take advantage of anisotropic properties, work with interesting, unusual materials, … [Read more...] about 10 unexpected ways to take advantage of 3D printing capabilities
FAQs
What is STL?
It’s easy to create a three-dimensional object with a CAD program. But to build that three-dimension object with 3D printing/additive manufacturing will require a special three-dimensional file. Several exist including AMF and 3MF. The Standard … [Read more...] about What is STL?
What 3D printing materials were introduced in 2019?
Materials are key to the success of additive manufacturing whether it is for prototyping or production. In 2019, a number of companies announced partnerships to develop more materials for AM. And some of those materials are emerging. Here’s a … [Read more...] about What 3D printing materials were introduced in 2019?
5 ways to make additive parts faster
As customers demand faster build speeds from additive manufacturing, vendors have developed interesting and innovative new ways to deliver that speed. Check out these recent developments in making parts fast. Multimaterial multinozzle 3D (MM3D) … [Read more...] about 5 ways to make additive parts faster
Understanding 3DP: Selecting the right process and material for you
By Ishan Bhide, Applications Engineer, Fictiv Advances in manufacturing have recently provided product developers with new materials to make the manufacturing process more diverse. However, material choice can make a big difference in the success … [Read more...] about Understanding 3DP: Selecting the right process and material for you
Is elongation an important measure in 3D printing materials?
It can be, depending on the design needs of a part. Since many designs call for plastic or resin materials, the designer may wish to known the limits of a material’s elongation. In general, elongation is the measure of how much strain a material can … [Read more...] about Is elongation an important measure in 3D printing materials?
What is injection molding?
Injection molding is one of three main manufacturing technologies used to create parts. (The others are machining and additive manufacturing.) Injection molding offers a predictable and scalable process for rapidly prototyping and/or producing … [Read more...] about What is injection molding?
What’s the difference between stereolithography and selective laser sintering?
Stereolithography and selective laser sintering are two very different forms of 3D printing/additive manufacturing technology. They have little in common other than building parts a layer at a time. First, these two systems build with different … [Read more...] about What’s the difference between stereolithography and selective laser sintering?
What is Young’s modulus (with 3D printing materials)?
Vendors and companies involved in 3D printing/Additive manufacturing continuously introduce new materials suitable for these machines. These materials offer a range of characteristics fitting to a design. We’re going to examine a material’s … [Read more...] about What is Young’s modulus (with 3D printing materials)?
In what ways does additive manufacturing give users design freedom?
Additive manufacturing offers a new way to make objects. First, let’s distinguish the dominant manufacturing technologies. Machining, in the form of milling, cutting, drilling, stamping, and so on makes objects by removing material off of a block of … [Read more...] about In what ways does additive manufacturing give users design freedom?
