3D Printing Services (Additive Manufacturing)
Additive Manufacturing (also known as AM, 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping) is a process of making a three-dimensional object of virtually any shape from a digital model. Additive Manufacturing is a process, where successive layers of material are laid down to grow 3D objects, the opposite to subtractive manufacturing processes such as CNC (Computer Navigated Cutting). We can provide all the latest technologies and materials.
Overview
There are a number of additive processes now available, differing in the materials that can be used and the way layers of material are deposited.
Producing Layers
Some prototyping processes create 3D physical prototypes by solidifying layers of deposited powder using a liquid binder, e.g. standard 3D Printing; other processes melt, or soften material, e.g. SLM (selective laser melting) or DMLS (direct metal laser sintering), SLS (selective laser sintering) and FDM (fused deposition modelling); and yet other processes cure liquid materials using sophisticated technologies e.g. SLA (stereolithography) and DLS (digital light synthesis™) which prints up to 100 times faster than traditional 3D printing methods. It uses a software-controlled chemical reaction process to grow parts. The resultant parts are similar to injection moulding – virtually layer free with consistent isotropic and predictable mechanical properties.
Advantages And Drawbacks
Each process has its own advantages and drawbacks, however additive manufacturing offers significant advantages over more traditional engineering subtractive processes, with significantly shorter lead-times and lower material costs, proven to yield long-term strategic value by enhancing design-to-manufacturing capabilities and reducing time to market.
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If you cannot find what you’re looking for please contact us as new materials come onto the market constantly and we are used to finding new materials and process solutions for our customers.