- PolyJet: Stratasys Objet 260 Connex3 -
The Stratasys Objet 260 Connex3 is a 3D printer that uses PolyJet technology, which solidifies liquid photopolymer resins with UV light. Here's a brief explanation:
- Digital Model Preparation: Create a 3D model using CAD software.
- Material Loading: Load the printer with photosensitive resins.
- Layer-by-Layer Printing: Resin is jetted onto a build tray in thin layers.
- UV Light Curing: Each layer is solidified by UV light according to the 3D model.
- Multiple Materials and Colors: The Connex3 can jet multiple materials and colors in one print job.
- Support Material: Support material may be jetted to aid complex geometries and is removed later.
- Layer-by-Layer Buildup: The process repeats until the 3D object is complete, allowing for the creation of multi-material and multi-color assemblies.
- Post-Processing: The printed object is removed, and any support material is taken away.
- Two-Photon Polymerization: NanoScribe GT -
Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP) in the NanoScribe GT allows high-precision 3D printing of micro and nanostructures:
- Laser System: Uses an ultrafast laser emitting short pulses of light.
- Photosensitive Resin: The printer uses a special resin that solidifies when exposed to the laser's specific light wavelength.
- Two-Photon Absorption: The resin undergoes a localized chemical reaction when absorbing two laser photons simultaneously.
- 3D Printing in Voxel Units: The laser is focused on a voxel (volumetric pixel). Two-photon absorption at this point triggers the resin's polymerization.
- Scanning and Layering: The laser scans the resin layer by layer, controlling polymerization voxel by voxel for precise 3D printing.
- High Precision and Resolution: The NanoScribe GT's two-photon absorption process results in high-precision, detailed micro and nanostructures.
- 3D Structure Formation: The laser scans and polymerizes the resin to form a layered 3D structure.
- Post-Processing: The printed object may be rinsed or cured post-printing to remove excess resin and enhance structural integrity.
- Multi Jet Fusion: HP Jet Fusion 580 Printer -
The HP Jet Fusion 580 is a 3D printer using Multi Jet Fusion technology. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works:
- Digital Model Preparation: A 3D digital model of the object is created using CAD software.
- Model Slicing: The model is sliced into thin layers, each a cross-section of the final object.
- Printing Bed Preparation: A powdered material layer, usually made of a thermoplastic polymer like Nylon, is spread evenly as the printing bed.
- Ink Application: The printer uses Multi Jet Fusion, applying two liquid agents to the powdered layer: a fusing agent (for material fusion) and a detailing agent (for appearance enhancement).
- Heating and Fusing: Infrared light is used to heat and fuse areas coated with the fusing agent, creating the solid cross-section of the object.
- Process Repetition: Steps 3 to 5 are repeated layer by layer until the entire object is formed.
- Cooling and Removal: After printing, the build chamber is cooled and excess powder is removed to reveal the finished object.
- Post-Processing: Depending on the application, the object may undergo steps like cleaning, polishing, or dyeing.
- Selective Laser Sintering: SLS 2500 Plus
The SLS 2500 Plus, based on Selective Laser Sintering, is known for its ability to produce functional and durable parts with complex geometries. The SLS 2500 Plus is an SLS 3D printer that works as follows:
- Powder Material: The process starts with a bed of thermoplastic polymer powder, the build material.
- Layer Application: A thin layer of powder is spread across the platform.
- Laser Sintering: A CO2 laser selectively fuses the powder, tracing the 3D model's cross-section.
- Selective Fusion: The laser fuses particles to create a solid layer matching the 3D object's shape.
- Platform Lowering: After each layer is sintered, the platform lowers for a new layer of powder.
- Repeat Process: Steps 3-5 are repeated until the whole object is built.
- Heat Distribution: The laser's heat helps maintain thermal consistency in the build chamber.
- Cooling and Post-Processing: The printed object cools, excess powder is removed, and surface finishing may occur.
