3D-Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modelling – FDM

3D-Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modelling – FDM

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is the most common 3D-printing technology and is what we commonly associate 3D printing with. This technology is also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Some have categorised this as two different technologies, but they are the same. The different names are due to trademarks that Stratasys filed back in 1991….

3D Printing Technology: Multi Jet Fusion – MJF

3D Printing Technology: Multi Jet Fusion – MJF

Invented by HP, Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is a relatively new technology in the additive manufacturing scene. Taking full advantage of HP’s decades of experience and investment in Ink Jetting technology. MJF is taking leaps and bounds and gaining industrial-scale maturity. How does Multi Jet Fusion work? Similar to processes like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS),…

3D Printing Technology: Binder Jetting – BJ

3D Printing Technology: Binder Jetting – BJ

Binder Jetting 3D printing technology essentially combines the techniques of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Material Jetting (MJ). It uses a binder to bind the material together and can be used in many applications. It is also able to create full-colour prototypes. How Does Binder Jetting work? The printing begins when the first layer of…

3D Printing Technology: Material Jetting – MJ

3D Printing Technology: Material Jetting – MJ

Material Jetting (MJ) is a relatively new additive manufacturing technique and is one of the most similar to 2D printing. This process allows for several materials and colours to be combined. It is also sometimes known as Drop On Demand (DOD). How Does Material Jetting Work? It uses an Inkjet print head, that moves on…

3D-Printing Technology: Direct Metal Laser Sintering – DMLS

3D-Printing Technology: Direct Metal Laser Sintering – DMLS

Direct Metal Laser Sintering, DMLS for short, is a subset of another 3D-printing technology called Selective Laser Sintering. It only uses metal and has a remarkably similar method to Selective Laser Melting (SLM). However, the difference can only be seen on a molecular level where the metal is only sintered together. How Does Direct Metal…

3D Printing Technology: Selective Laser Melting – SLM

3D Printing Technology: Selective Laser Melting – SLM

Selective Laser Melting, SLM for short, is a metal additive manufacturing method that is also known as Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM). It is commonly used interchangeably with Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) even though the two technologies differ slightly. You can find out more about DMLS 3D printing technology here. How Does Selective Laser…

3D Printing Technology: Digital Light Processing – DLP

3D Printing Technology: Digital Light Processing – DLP

Digital Light Processing, DLP in short, is used to fabricate 3D models, parts, and prototypes. It is sometimes confused with Stereolithography (SLA), another 3D printing technology. You can find out more about SLA and compare the differences here. How Does DLP work? The build platform is placed in a vat of photopolymer (resin). A DLP…

3D Printing Technology: Stereolithography – SLA

3D Printing Technology: Stereolithography – SLA

Stereolithography, SLA in short, is an additive manufacturing method to create 3D models, parts, and prototypes. SLA is one of the oldest technologies, and in principle, has a process that is very similar to Digital Light Processing (DLP). To find out more about DLP, you can check out our article on it here. How Does…