Alexei Volkov
3D printing is a process that uses a wide array of plastic materials, including thermoset resins, thermoplastic nylons, and elastomers, to create intricate shapes and prototypes. The first 3D printing systems commercialized in the 1980s used plastic polymer materials, and plastic remains one of the most common and versatile materials in 3D printing today. However, it is important to distinguish between traditional 3D printing and liquid 3D printing. Liquid 3D printing uses UV light to solidify photopolymer resin, resulting in a finer resolution. This process does not extrude melted plastic through a heated nozzle like traditional FDM 3D printers. Instead, it uses a jetting process that deposits small droplets of liquid photopolymer onto a build platform, curing it in layers to form elastomeric parts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic material | Synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds |
| Plastic properties | Malleable, flexible, impact-resistant, bio-compatible |
| Plastic types | ABS, ASA, PET, PETG, Polycarbonate, Nylon 11, Nylon 12 |
| Liquid 3D printing | Uses UV light to solidify photopolymer resin |
| Liquid 3D printing resolution | Finer than FDM printers |
| Liquid 3D printing cost | Higher than FDM printers |
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What You'll Learn
- Liquid 3D printing uses UV light to solidify resin
- FDM 3D printers extrude melted plastic through a heated nozzle
- Plastics used in 3D printing are made from synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds
- ABS is the most commonly used plastic in the industry
- PETG is a thermoplastic that is widely used in additive manufacturing
Liquid 3D printing uses UV light to solidify resin
Liquid 3D printing, also known as UV 3D printing, is a process that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to solidify photopolymer resin. This process is known as photopolymerization, where the UV light causes the liquid resin to cure and harden into a solid material.
The liquid resin used in this process is a photopolymer, which means it is sensitive to UV light. When exposed to UV light, the resin undergoes a chemical reaction that transforms it from a liquid state into a hardened, solid structure. The UV light initiates the polymerization process, where the liquid resin molecules form chains that create a solid object.
UV 3D printing offers several advantages over other 3D printing methods. It enables the creation of intricate and detailed objects with high resolution and smooth surfaces. The technology can produce objects with complex shapes and fine details, making it popular in industries such as jewellery, dentistry, and prototyping.
The UV light source used in liquid 3D printing can be a UV flashlight or a digital micromirror device (DMD) in DLP printing. The intensity and exposure timing of the UV light are critical factors that influence the quality of the printed object. Insufficient exposure may result in incomplete curing, while overexposure can cause warping or distortion. Therefore, achieving the right balance is crucial for successful printing.
Post-processing steps are typically required after printing to clean and finalise the object. These steps involve rinsing the object in a solvent or isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining liquid resin and ensure complete curing. Overall, liquid 3D printing with UV light solidification offers a versatile and precise method for creating complex objects with a wide range of applications.
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FDM 3D printers extrude melted plastic through a heated nozzle
FDM, or Fused Deposition Modelling, is a type of 3D printing that uses material extrusion to create objects. FDM is the most common type of 3D printing, likely what most people imagine when they think of 3D printing, due to its low cost and accessibility. It is also the most widely used technology across most industries.
FDM 3D printers work by extruding melted plastic through a heated nozzle, layer by layer, until a completed part is formed. The nozzle is attached to a three-axis system that allows it to move across the X, Y, and Z axes. The printer extrudes the melted plastic in thin strands, which are deposited along a predetermined path based on the digital design files that are uploaded to the machine.
The plastic is printed directly onto the surface of a build platform in a continuous stream. The print nozzle moves in the X-Y plane to control where the plastic is placed. Once a layer is completed, the platform can move downwards in the Z direction for the next layer to be built. As the deposited plastic is hot, it fuses to the layers below, softening and binding to the surface of the previous layer. This process is repeated until the object is complete.
FDM offers a wide range of plastic materials to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics such as flexibility, strength, and biocompatibility. The most common plastics used are ABS and PLA. FDM systems also allow for adjustments to various process parameters, such as nozzle and build platform temperatures, build speed, layer height, and cooling fan speed.
In contrast to FDM 3D printing, liquid 3D printing uses UV light to solidify photopolymer resin, resulting in a much finer resolution but at a higher cost.
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Plastics used in 3D printing are made from synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds
3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from digital 3D models, often by depositing or solidifying materials layer by layer. The materials used in 3D printing can vary, including plastics, liquids, metals, and powders. Plastics, in particular, are commonly used in 3D printing due to their versatility and range of characteristics.
Plastics used in 3D printing are typically made from synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds, with most plastics on the market being entirely synthetic. Synthetic plastics are derived from petroleum chemicals, but due to environmental concerns, there has been a growing trend towards using renewable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA). This type of plastic is popular in 3D printing because it is low cost, easy to manufacture, and versatile.
One of the most commonly used plastics in 3D printing is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is known for its flexibility and impact resistance. ABS is widely used in car bodies, household appliances, and roofing applications. Another popular plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is semi-rigid, has good resistance, and is suitable for objects intended for food contact.
Other plastics used in 3D printing include PETG, a thermoplastic that combines the simplicity of PLA with the resilience of ABS, and polycarbonate (PC), a strong and transparent material that can withstand high temperatures. Nylon, in powder form, is also used in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing to create durable and high-temperature-resistant parts.
The choice of plastic for 3D printing depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as flexibility, strength, or biocompatibility. With the range of plastics available, 3D printing can create complex shapes and geometries that would otherwise be challenging or impossible to construct using traditional manufacturing methods.
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ABS is the most commonly used plastic in the industry
3D printing uses a variety of materials, from plastic to resin. While plastic is a commonly used material, it is not a liquid. Instead, it is melted and extruded through a heated nozzle to form solid objects.
ABS plastic, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is the most commonly used plastic in the industry. It is a tough, durable, and versatile thermoplastic polymer with excellent impact resistance and electrical insulation properties. Its versatility allows it to be used across various industries, including consumer goods, electronics, automotive parts, and toys.
One of the key advantages of ABS plastic is its ease of processing. It can be easily melted and molded into various shapes and sizes, making it ideal for manufacturing. The manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, as ABS can be produced in a lab at a low cost. This results in lower prices for consumers and potentially more sales for businesses.
ABS plastic is also known for its strength and stiffness, with high mechanical properties that enable it to withstand loads and stresses. This makes it suitable for structural components and applications that require durability. Additionally, ABS can be made into thin or thick forms, providing impact resistance and safety for underlying parts.
However, ABS plastic does have some disadvantages. It has a low melting point, making it unsuitable for high-temperature applications, and it is susceptible to deformation or loss of mechanical properties at higher temperatures. ABS also has limited heat resistance and must be protected from UV rays and extreme weather conditions to prolong its life outdoors. Despite these limitations, ABS plastic remains the most commonly used plastic in 3D printing and various other industries due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
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PETG is a thermoplastic that is widely used in additive manufacturing
3D printing uses a variety of materials, including plastics, resins, and wax. FDM 3D printers, for example, extrude melted plastic through a heated nozzle to create objects. In contrast, liquid 3D printers use UV light to solidify photopolymer resin, resulting in a finer resolution.
One type of plastic commonly used in 3D printing is PETG, or polyethylene terephthalate glycol. PETG is a thermoplastic polyester known for its durability, formability, and chemical resistance. It has a low forming temperature, making it easy to vacuum and pressure-form, heat-bend, and cut to any desired size. PETG is also fully recyclable and meets FDA requirements for food contact.
PETG is widely used in additive manufacturing due to its versatility and ease of use. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and colours, making it ideal for retail displays, signage, and product materials. Its impact resistance, toughness, and thermal stability make it suitable for mechanical parts and electronic insulators. PETG's ability to withstand high temperatures also makes it a popular choice for heat-forming manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing.
Compared to other plastics, PETG offers several advantages. It is more pliable and less brittle than PET, providing better shock resistance. PETG is also more impact-resistant than acrylic and about five times stronger. While polycarbonate may have better impact resistance, PETG offers greater chemical resistance and is more affordable. These unique characteristics make PETG a preferred choice for impact-resistant glazing and high-strength display units.
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Frequently asked questions
3D printing liquid, also known as resin, is a type of plastic used in 3D printing. It is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material that can be solidified using UV light to create smooth and intricate shapes.
The liquid resin is solidified layer by layer using UV light in a process called photopolymerization. This results in a fully cured model that can be handled immediately after printing.
Using liquid resin in 3D printing allows for the creation of objects with a much finer resolution and intricate details. It also enables the production of complex shapes that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to create using traditional manufacturing methods.
One disadvantage of using liquid resin is that it can be more costly compared to other 3D printing methods, such as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or SLS (Selective Laser Sintering). Additionally, the printing process may require specific conditions, such as using a hot plate or printing in a well-ventilated area.
Other common materials used in 3D printing include various types of plastics such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), PETG (Glycolized Polyester), and Nylon. Metals, ceramics, and wax are also used in 3D printing, depending on the specific application and required properties of the final product.
