3d printing metal Summary 3D printing is a kind of rapid prototyping technology, also known as additive manufacturing. It is a kind of technology based on digital model file, which uses powder metal or plastic and other adhesive materials to construct objects through layer by layer printing. Plastic is the most common 3D printing material. Advantage Can be applied to large size parts Low cost High production efficiency Various surface treatments available Materials and technology Plastics in 3D printing 鈥?FDM 3d printing plastic process 3d printing Fused deposition modeling technologies are the best known for using plastic materials in 3D printing. They are in the form of a filament spool to be placed in or on the 3D printer. With FDM technologies there are many varieties of plastics and different characteristics for each of your projects. 1.ABS ABS filament is the most commonly used 3D printing plastic, and is used in the bodywork of cars, appliances, and mobile phone cases. It is a thermoplastic and contains a base of elastomers based on polybutadiene that makes it more flexbile, and resistant to shocks. ABS is used in 3D printing when heated to between 230潞C and 260潞C. It is a tough material, able to easily withstand temperatures of -20潞C to 80潞C. In addition to its high strength, it is a reusable material and can be welded with chemical processes. ABS is mainly used in fused deposition modeling technologies, the most affordable and accessible 3D printing technology. There is however also a liquid form of ABS which is sometimes used in stereolithography and PolyJet processes. 2.PLA Known as Polylactic acid, or PLA, this material has advantages as it is biodegradable, unlike ABS. PLA is manufactured using renewable raw materials such as corn starch.PLA also prints at a lower temperature than ABS, at between 190潞C to 230潞C. PLA is simple to use, and comes in a wide variety of colors, making it suitable for FDM 3D printing. 3.PET Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is commonly seen in disposable plastic bottles. PET is the ideal filament for any pieces intended for contact with food. Moreover, the material is fairly rigid and has good chemical resistance. To obtain the best results when printing with PET, print at between 75-90潞C. PET is commonly marketed as a translucent filament, with variants such as PETG, PETE, and PETT also sold. Advantages of PET include that the material doesn鈥檛 release any odours when printing, and is 100% recyclable. 4.PC or Polycarbonate Polycarbonate (PC) is a high strength material designed for engineering applications. The material has good temperature resistance, able to resist any physical deformation until around 150潞C. Plastics in 3D printing: Stereolithography Within technologies such as SLA, DLP, or even PolyJet, photosensitive liquid resins are used for manufacturing. These can be divided into two categories, thermoplastics and thermo-solids. These resins allow for objects to be printed with either matte or glossy finishes. 3d printing plastic part3d printing product Plastics in 3D printing 鈥?SLS Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology uses plastic powders to manufacture pieces, by using a laser to fuse these powders layer-by-layer to create a finished model. Within these technologies there are different varieties of materials that allow manufactured objects to have different characteristics such as strength, flexibility, and texture.3D Printing factory website:http://www.langjuemould.com/3d-printing/