What are the categories of additive manufacturing technology?
With the rapid development of science and technology, 3D additive manufacturing printing technology has gradually penetrated into all areas of our daily lives. From industrial production to medical devices to personal consumer goods. There are many different methods of additive manufacturing on the market today, and the International Organization for Standardization has developed ISO/ASTM Standard 52900 to regulate a large number of terminology related to 3D printing.
According to the different molding principles, the International Organization for Standardization divides 3D printing technology into the following 7 categories (as shown in the figure):
1. Vat Polymerization: Light-cured liquid photopolymer (SLA/DLP/CDLP)
This technique uses a light source (such as laser or digital light processing DLP) to irradiate a liquid photopolymer, triggering a chemical reaction to solidify it into a solid state. Representatives of this technology include stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and continuous digital light processing (CDLP). Light curing technology is widely used in precision parts and model manufacturing due to its high precision and smooth surface finish.
2. Material Extrusion: Deposition of molten thermoplastics (FDM/FFF) by heating nozzles
The well-known fused sedimentary modeling (FDM, also known as FFF) falls into this category. This technology extrudes molten thermoplastic wires through a heated nozzle and builds them layer by layer. Due to its relatively low equipment cost, it is a common 3D printing method in the home and education sectors.
The 3D printer F210 independently developed and produced by Hanyin belongs to FDM technology.
3. Powder Bed Fusion: Powder particles are melted by high energy (SLS/SLM/MJF/EBM)
This type of technology works by applying an energy source, such as a laser or electron beam, to the powder bed, which melts and solidifies the powder particles. Its representative technologies include selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), jet melting (MJF), and electron beam melting (EBM). Powder bed melting technology is suitable for metals and polymer materials (such as plastics, etc.) and is commonly used to manufacture complex industrial components.
4. Material Jetting: Moldable materials are deposited in the molding area in the form of droplets and cured layer by layer (MJ/NPJ/DOD)
A mixed liquid material (e.g., nanosilver particle suspension) is sprayed in the form of small droplets in the forming surface or molding area through a nozzle and cures immediately under suitable conditions to establish the object layer by layer. This technology can achieve full-color printing, special-shaped surface circuit board printing, ceramic printing, etc., and is often used to make high-precision prototype models or electronic components.
5. Binder Jetting: Liquid adhesive droplets are deposited on a bed of granular material and then sintered together (BJ)
The adhesive is sprayed onto the powder material, which binds the powder particles and prints layer by layer. After that, post-processing such as sintering, curing, or impregnation is often required to enhance strength. This technique is widely used in sand casting and full-color model printing.
6. Direct Energy Deposition: Simultaneous deposition and melting of molten metal (LENS/EBAM)
It is a highly flexible printing technology that enables the addition of material to existing parts. During the molding process, it is necessary to feed (metal powder) and apply energy (laser, etc.) at the same time to melt and solidify the powder to form the material in the desired area. Commonly used to repair or enhance the performance of components.
7. Sheet Lamination: Individual sheets of material are cut into thin sheets and laminated together (LOM)
Thin sheets of material such as metal or paper are cut into shape and laminated layer by layer. This method is less costly but generally less precise and robust than other techniques, making it suitable for rapid mock-ups or functional prototypes.
With the continuous evolution and maturity of 3D printing technology, we can foresee that the future manufacturing field will be more diversified and personalized to meet the needs of users in terms of design innovation, product customization, and production efficiency.