Discover 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, with 3DEXPERIENCE Make and Any-Shape

3D printing, what is it?

3D printing is a manufacturing method that involves depositing layers of material on top of each other. When used on an industrial scale, 3D printing is called additive manufacturing (AM), as opposed to traditional subtractive manufacturing processes like CNC milling. This technology, invented in the early 1980s, has been around for about four decades. While 3D printing initially seemed like a slow and expensive manufacturing method, today it is faster and more affordable than ever.

3D printing: how does it work?

A 3D model is first cut into hundreds, even thousands of thin horizontal layers by dedicated software (“slicer”), and then exported in G-code format. This 3D printing format is a language that allows the 3D printer to know where and when to deposit material. Each layer corresponds to the exact 2D shape of the object at its different height levels. For example, in 3D printing a pyramid, the first layer (at the base of the pyramid) would be a flat square, and the last (at the tip of the pyramid) would simply be a dot. Layers are 3D printed one over and after another until the object is complete. The main 3D printing technologies There are several ways to print objects in 3D.

The main 3D printing processes or technologies available today are:

• FFF (fused deposition modeling) or FDM (fused deposition modeling), with spools of plastic filament as consumables
• SLA (stereolithography), where a laser or light projector light cures (solidifies) resin
• Fusion or powder sintering (PBF, SLS, SMS…), methods where particles of plastic or metal material are fused using powerful lasers
• Material jetting (“material jetting” or “binder jetting”), when microscopic drops of material or binder are deposited on a bed of powder

These 3D printing technologies each have their strengths and limitations, and are suitable for different types of industries and use cases.

Why choose 3D printing?

3D printing offers many advantages. Its main added value lies in its ability to print very complex geometries that would remain impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods such as injection molding. Another important facet of additive manufacturing: speed. Despite the fact that 3D printing an object can take several hours or even days, the process of manufacturing prototypes using traditional methods is still much longer. Rapid prototyping remains, in fact, one of the most widespread professional uses of 3D printing. Prototypes can be produced in very short lead times, with the advantage of being able to quickly improve the models and print each version. This technology also offers many possibilities in terms of the materials used.

What materials can be used in 3D printing?

It is possible to 3D print with almost any material. The most common 3D printing materials are plastic-based, ranging from standard PLA to high-performance polymers such as PEEK or PEI, and many more. It is even possible to reinforce thermoplastics with carbon fiber or fiberglass. Some niches have also been emerging for a few years. Scientists and researchers are exploring 3D bio-printing, restaurant owners are getting into 3D food printing.