Equipment Name: Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Working Principle: The Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process constructs

three-dimensional objects directly from 3D CAD data. A temperature-controlled head extrudes thermoplastic material layer by layer. The FDM process starts with importing an STL file of a model into a pre-processing software. This model is oriented and mathematically sliced into horizontal layers varying from +/- 0.127 - 0.254 mm thickness. A support structure is created where needed, based on the part's position and geometry. After reviewing the path data and generating the toolpaths, the data is downloaded to the FDM machine. The system operates in X, Y and Z axes, drawing the model one layer at a time. Once the part is completed the support columns are removed and the surface is finished. Sketch:

Specifications: ( FDM3000 by Stratasys(R))

Specifications
Build Size Achievable Accuracy Modeling Material

Value
10x10x16 0.005 ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene polymer), ABSi (medical grade), Investment casting wax elastomer etc...

Specifications
Layer Thickness

Value
0.007 to 0.014

Equipment Name: Stereolithography (SLA) Working Principle: Stereolithography (SLA), the first Rapid Prototyping process, was developed by 3D Systems of Valencia, California, USA, founded in 1986. A vat of photosensitive resin contains a vertically-moving platform. The part under construction is supported by the platform that moves downward by a layer thickness (typically about 0.1 mm / 0.004 inches) for each layer. A laser beam traces out the shape of each layer and hardens the photosensitive resin. Sketch:

Specefication: (ViperTM SLA(R) System by 3D Systems)

Specifications
Build Size

Value
10x10x10 (Larger machines can build parts up to 20x20x24.) 0.0001 Accura SI 40, photo-sensitive resin 0.002" to 0.006"

Achievable Accuracy Modeling Material Layer Thickness

laser sintering
Laser Sintering is also a technique by which parts are built layer by layer. The basic material consists of powder with particle sizes in the order of magnitude of 50 m. Successive powder layers are spread on top of each other. After deposition, a computer controlled CO2 laser beam scans the surface and selectively binds together the powder particles of the corresponding cross section of the product. During laser exposure, the powder temperature rises above the glass transition point after which adjacent particles flow together. This process is called sintering.

Laser Sintering: Technical specifications

Standard lead time:
Minimum of 4 working days, depending on part size, number of components and finishing degrees. Minimum of 2 working days for smaller parts.

Standard accuracy:
0.3% (with lower limit on 0.3 mm)

Minimum wall thickness:

1 mm, but living hinges are possible at 0.3 mm

Maximum part dimensions:

Dimensions are unlimited as components may be composed of several sub-parts. The build area of the largest machine is 700x380x580mm.

Surface structure:
The parts typically have a grainy surface but all kinds of (very) fine finishing are possible. They can be sandblasted, coloured (impregnated), painted, covered, coated,

Laminated Object Manufacturing Working Principle:

1. Layer fabrication starts with sheet being adhered to substrate with the heated roller. 2. The laser then traces out the outline of the layer. 3. Non-part areas are cross-hatched to facilitate removal of waste material. 4. Once the laser cutting is complete, the platform moves down and out of the way so that fresh sheet material can be rolled into position. 5. Once new material is in position, the platform moves back up to one layer below its previous position. 6. The process can now be repeated.

Sketches

Specifications:

Machine LOM 2030E Manufacturer Helisys (Cubic Technologies) Material Paper Mechanism CO2 Laser, Heated Roller Build Volume 20" x 30" x 20" Applications Produces large prototypes for visualization and assembly testing.