2640QCA Introduction To 3D Printing

Introduction

3D printing refers to the process of creating 3D solid objects from digital files. The development of a 3D printed object is usually obtained by use of the additive process. In this process an object is developed by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. All this layers can be seen as individual thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.

How 3D printer works

The process usually starts with the development of the 3D model in the computer. The digital design can be the Computer Aided Design (CAD) file. A 3D model is either created from the ground up with 3D modelling software or based on the data generated with a 3D scanner. With the 3d scanner it is possible to create a digital copy of an object (Wimpenny, 2014, p. 45).

Applications of 3D printers

The technology of 3D printing has a wide range of applications in various industries such as rapid prototyping, architectural scale models and maquettes, 3D printed prosthetics and movie props, reconstruction fossils in paleontology.

Rapid prototyping

Many manufactures have for long used the 3D printers in their design process to create prototypes. When the 3D printers are used for this purpose it is referred to as rapid prototype.

The 3D printers are widely used in rapid prototyping since they are relatively fast and cheap. Lot of cost have been cut off in those industries that have adopted this technology in their systems to produce prototypes (Chua, 2015, p. 521).

Application of 3D in architecture

Architects were among the earliest adopters of the 3D printing technology. In the situations where the architects are required to present their projects as physical models, the 3D printing usually is a quick and very efficient to have the job done within a very short time. In architecture it has been observed that 3D printing has greatly assisted in cutting the manpower and time when it comes to visualizing designs for clients.

3D printing in Aerospace

This technology of 3D printing has been widely applied in the field of aerospace from the materials  to the concepts this technology  has played a very important role. (Pandey, 2018, p. 620).Travelling in Space  need an ultra-durable  exterior. Many organizations such as the NASA, have been using this technology to shield their shuttles.

3D printing in mechanical engineering

Rapid prototyping is key to improve project management times, and it therefore offers greater competitiveness among industrial businesses. Moreover, it allows companies to better study the prospective market and physically verify both the behavior and functionality of each part even before the existence of the preliminary molds.

Product design is an important field that greatly depends on mechanical engineers’ contributions. A products design determines the functionality, production, and marketability of a product. Mechanical designers are capable with changing a simple product idea to a successful marketable end product. They design the interior structure of a product, carry tests, and ensure an end product meets the set industrial production standards through certification.

Traditional rapid prototyping techniques for mechanical components and parts

Stereolithographic

Procedure by which a photo-curing resin in liquid state is solidified by means of an ultraviolet laser. This solidification is performed layer-by-layer until the part is complete. Among its advantages we can find, first and foremost, that it is a cost-effective, rapid method that yields a physical and functional vision of the design (Rosen, 2014, p. 66).

Selective laser sintering (SLS)

This is a procedure that is very similar to the one already described; its main difference lies in the type of material used. While stereolithography employs a liquid material, this method uses a powder.

Among its advantages we can find the possibility of performing endurance and durability tests, and the ability to use various materials and highly resistant parts.

type of material used. While stereolithography employs a liquid material, this method uses a powder. Among its advantages we can find the possibility of performing endurance and durability tests, and the ability to use various materials and highly resistant parts.

Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)

This method is centered on the formation of rapid prototypes through the successive superimposing and gluing of laser-cut paper sheets. It stands out due to its inexpensive raw materials, and because the larger the part, the greater the savings. It has a 0.1 mm. (layer height) precision, and is not transformed during the process. This results in a stable part with no need for post-process curing.

Fused deposition modelling

This usually involves the extruding of a small amount of thermoplastic–polyester- through a minute nozzle, forming each section and, at the same time, the 3D object.

It is a very speedy process (101 mm/sec); the size of the part to be created is unlimited and the resulting part is resistant and does not need to be machined.

Importance and utilization of 3D printing in mechanical engineering applications

In the recent past the 3D printing has started to capture the mind of many. As one of the cheap printers for personal use initiate to make it more possible for hobbyists and the aspiring designers to develop objects that designed in the computer aided design (Abdollah, 2017, p. 253).This has been greatly reflected in the current engineering.

Prototyping and testing

Creating mock up test feels or communicates an idea is normally the inertial thing that majority of the people thick regarding to the use of the 3D printing. In some regions it is very essential to touch something in order to know how it feels in real life and how it will work in real life situations. (Noorani, 2015, p. 54).

Direct use manufacturing tool

Various categories of molding, formatting and casting can all be achieved from the direct application of the 3D printing technology. In this technology the printed Part plays a primary role in the production process. For instance;

• Urethane and silicon molding which is usually carried out at low temperatures, with that it is possible to get away with a printed master plan.
  
  
• The vacuum forming jigs usually have hole within them which aid in sucking air out and play a very crucial role of pulling the plastic against the pattern. The 3D printed parts are inherently hollow so one can be able to run the vacuum directly through them without necessary adding the additional vent hole which can be seen on the finished product.
  
  
• Investment casting can greatly be advantageous from the printed pattern in creating multiple wax investment parts or even from the printing investment piece directly.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, In the recent past the 3D printing has started to capture the mind of many. As one of the cheap printers for personal use initiate to make it more possible for hobbyists and the aspiring designers to develop objects that designed in the computer aided design. The technology of 3D printing has a wide range of applications in various industries such as rapid prototyping, architectural scale models and maquettes, 3D printed prosthetics and movie props, reconstruction fossils in paleontology.

Rapid prototyping is key to improve project management times, and it therefore offers greater competitiveness among industrial businesses. Moreover, it allows companies to better study the prospective market and physically verify both the behavior and functionality of each part even before the existence of the preliminary molds.

References

Abdollah, M. F. B., 2017. Proceedings of Mechanical Engineering Research. 7th ed. Berlin: entre for Advanced Research on Energy.

Chua, C. K., 2015. Standards, Quality Control, and Measurement Sciences in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing. 3rd ed. Chicago: Elsevier Science.

Noorani, R., 2015. 3D Printing: Technology, Applications, and Selection. 2nd ed. London: CRC Press,.

Pandey, P. M., 2018. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Technologies. 4th ed. Texas: Springer.

Rosen, D., 2014. Additive Manufacturing Technologies: 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping, and Direct Digital Manufacturing. 3rd ed. Sydney: Springer.

Wimpenny, D. I., 2014. Advances in 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Technologies. 1st ed. Chicago: Springer.