2. Additive manufacturing:
Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, is a
computer-controlled process for creating 3D objects.
• As the name implies, objects are built up by ‘adding’ material
— usually a plastic, ceramic, or metal powder — to a build
platform in thin layers, which are hardened using a curing
agent, heat, or a laser beam.
3. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, involves creating objects layer by layer
from a digital design.
the key steps in the process:
1.Designing the Model: Start with a 3D design using computer-aided design (CAD)
software. The design can be created from scratch or obtained from a library of models.
2.File Preparation: Convert the design into a format that the 3D printer can understand,
such as STL (Stereolithography) or OBJ files. Slice the model into layers using slicing
software, which generates the G-code for the printer.
3.Material Selection: Choose the material based on the desired properties of the final
product. Materials can range from plastics and metals to ceramics and composites.
4.Printing: The 3D printer creates the object layer by layer. Different techniques, such as
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), or Selective Laser Sintering
(SLS), are used depending on the material and application.
5.Post-Processing: After printing, the object might require finishing touches like sanding,
polishing, painting, or removing support structures.
6.Inspection and Testing: The final product is inspected for quality and may undergo
testing to ensure it meets the required specifications.
4. Classification in additive manufacturing (AM) typically refers to categorizing the various
technologies and techniques used in the 3D printing process.
These are generally classified based on the method of material deposition, bonding, or sintering.
1. Material Extrusion
• Technologies like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).
• Material, often thermoplastics, is extruded through a nozzle to build layers.
2. Vat Photopolymerization
• Includes techniques like Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP).
• Uses liquid photopolymer resin cured by light to create solid layers.
3. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)
• Techniques such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
• Layers of powdered material (metal, plastic, or ceramic) are fused using a laser or electron
beam.
4. Binder Jetting
• Involves depositing a liquid binding agent onto a powder bed to form solid layers.
• Common materials include sand, ceramics, and metals.
5. 5. Material Jetting
• Similar to inkjet printing but deposits liquid material layer by layer, which
hardens through curing.
6. Sheet Lamination
• Combines layers of sheet materials using adhesives or ultrasonic welding.
• Primarily used for creating composite materials.
7. Directed Energy Deposition (DED)
• Involves melting material (metal, in most cases) as it is being deposited,
often using lasers, electron beams, or plasma arcs.
• Each of these classifications has its unique applications, advantages, and
limitations, making AM a diverse and versatile technology
6. 1. Material Extrusion
• Example: A desktop 3D printer using PLA or ABS filament for prototyping, hobbyist projects, or educational
tools.
2. Vat Photopolymerization
• Example: Printing intricate jewelry or dental molds using resin-based SLA printers, such as Formlabs Form 3.
3. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)
• Example: Producing aerospace components with titanium alloy using Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
4. Binder Jetting
• Example: Manufacturing sand-based molds for metal casting or creating full-color prototypes using gypsum
powder.
5. Material Jetting
• Example: Printing high-resolution product prototypes or anatomical models for healthcare using PolyJet
technology.
6. Sheet Lamination
• Example: Creating composite material prototypes or large-scale models using Ultrasonic Additive
Manufacturing (UAM) with aluminum sheets.
7. Directed Energy Deposition (DED)
• Example: Repairing turbine blades or adding material to existing parts using metal powders and laser-based
DED systems.
8. Classification Description Example
Material Extrusion
Thermoplastic materials are
extruded through a nozzle to build
layers.
Prototyping using PLA or ABS
filament with a desktop 3D printer.
Vat Photopolymerization Liquid resin is cured using light to
create solid layers.
Dental molds or jewelry printing
with SLA printers like Formlabs
Form 3.
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) Powdered materials are fused
using laser or electron beams.
Aerospace components made with
titanium alloy using Selective Laser
Melting (SLM).
Binder Jetting Liquid binding agents are deposited
onto powder beds to form layers.
Sand-based molds for metal casting
or full-color prototypes using
gypsum powder.
Material Jetting
Liquid material is deposited in
layers and hardened through
curing.
High-resolution anatomical models
for healthcare using PolyJet
technology.
Sheet Lamination
Sheets of material are bonded
together using adhesives or
ultrasonic welding.
Composite material prototypes or
large-scale models created with
Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing
(UAM).
Directed Energy Deposition (DED)
Material is deposited and melted
simultaneously using lasers,
electron beams, or plasma arcs.
Repairing turbine blades or adding
material to existing parts with
laser-based DED systems.
9. Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers several advantages that have revolutionized
the way products are designed and manufactured. Here are some key benefits:
1.Design Flexibility: AM allows for the creation of complex geometries and
intricate designs that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve. This
opens up new possibilities for innovation and creativity.
2.Material Efficiency: Since AM builds objects layer by layer, it minimizes waste
compared to subtractive methods like machining, where excess material is
removed.
3.Cost-Effective for Prototypes and Small Batches: AM is ideal for prototyping
and producing small quantities, as it eliminates the need for expensive molds
or tooling.
4.Customization: Products can be easily tailored to meet specific requirements,
whether it's personalizing medical implants or customizing consumer goods.
5.Rapid Production: AM can significantly reduce lead times, enabling faster
product development and quicker responses to market demands.
10. 6. Reduced Inventory Costs: On-demand manufacturing eliminates the
need for large inventories, as parts can be printed as needed.
7. Lightweight Structures: AM enables the creation of lightweight yet
strong structures, which are especially valuable in industries like aerospace
and automotive.
8. Localized Production: It supports decentralization, allowing production closer
to the point of use, reducing transportation costs and environmental
impact.
9. Wide Range of Materials: From plastics to metals, AM accommodates diverse
materials, catering to a variety of applications.
10. Sustainability: The efficiency and reduced waste in AM contribute to a more
sustainable manufacturing approach.
11. Additive manufacturing (AM) supports a wide range of materials, each chosen based on the desired
properties and applications. Here's an overview of the types of materials used in AM:
1. Polymers
• Thermoplastics: Materials like PLA, ABS, PETG are widely used for prototyping and consumer
products.
• Resins: Photopolymers are used in Vat Photopolymerization processes for high-resolution
applications.
• Flexible Polymers: TPU for applications requiring elasticity and durability.
2. Metals
• Titanium: Lightweight and strong, ideal for aerospace and medical implants.
• Aluminum: Used for automotive parts due to its lightweight nature.
• Steel: Common in tools and industrial applications.
• Nickel Alloys: For high-temperature and corrosive environments, used in energy and aerospace
industries.
3. Ceramics
• Materials like alumina, zirconia, or silicon carbide are used for medical implants and high-
temperature applications.
12. 4. Composites
• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP): Provide high strength and
lightweight properties for automotive and aerospace industries.
• Metal Matrix Composites (MMC): Combine metal with reinforcing
particles for enhanced durability.
5. Biomaterials
• Biocompatible Polymers: Used in healthcare for prosthetics and
implants.
• Hydrogels: For tissue engineering and bioprinting applications.
6. Others
• Sand and Gypsum: Binder jetting processes for molds and prototypes.
• Precious Metals: Gold and silver for jewelry manufacturing