Printing techniques

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling or "wire printing

In FDM printing (sometimes called FFF - Fused Filament Fabrication), a wire (filament) is melted and layered on top of each other. Over the layers the 3D object is formed.

The main features of this technology are:

It is usually the cheapest and fastest solution.

Ideal for enclosures and pieces with straight walls.

Ideal for serial production of all kinds of parts where the surface finish is less important.

The PCB lines are visible. The degree of visibility depends on the geometry of the piece, the layer thickness and the orientation on the board.

Support is needed to support overhanging parts during printing. This results in a rougher surface at the bottom of the print.

Layer thickness: 0.1 to 0.3 mm (and possibly up to 0.6 mm for large parts that may have a rougher appearance)

Usually hollow printed, with an internal grid structure for strength

Measurement accuracy: ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.5 mm

FDM Materials

SLA

Stereolitography or "liquid printing

SLA Materials

In SLA printing, a liquid epoxy resin is cured by UV laser on the surface of the liquid bath against the print bed. Each layer raises the print bed and a new layer is cured against the piece to form the entire object, which hangs upside down on the print bed.

The main features of this technology are:

Gives a smooth surface. Almost no print lines are visible, except for faintly curved surfaces.

Ideal for visual parts with small details.

Provides watertight pieces.

Support is needed to support overhanging parts during printing. The support remnants can usually be removed very well so that the surface remains smooth.

Layer thickness: 0.05 to 0.1 mm (and 0.3 mm for Draft resin).

Measurement accuracy: ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.15 mm

SLS

Selective Laser Sintering or "powder bed printing".

In SLS printing, a strong laser melts powder particles together locally. It does this layer by layer to build up an object.

The surface is slightly grainy.

The print lines are less visible than with FDM but more than with SLA, especially on faintly curved surfaces and depending on the print direction.

Ideal for complex pieces with internal cavities.

No support is needed for overhanging parts during printing because the unmelted powder around the object provides support. As a result, there are no support marks.

Layer thickness: 0.08 to 0.12 mm

Measurement accuracy: ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm

SLS Materials

Other techniques

Apart from the most common printing techniques described above, there are several other production techniques that we use from time to time, depending on the needs of a project.

Metal printing (in stainless steel, aluminium or titanium)

Full colour printing (in sandstone or plastic)

Vacuum casting (in PU, TPU or epoxy; for this we first make a 3D printed mould or a silicone mould; suitable for small series or for the (re)production of works of art)