All posts filed under: Technology

Laser Powder Forming (LPF) and Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) 3D Additive technologies

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a) Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) LOM is a highly integrated additive technology that can be used to produce accurate finishes, even though the stability of paper objects falls short of those manufactured using most RP techniques. The objects developed using LOM look very similar to wood. LOM technique can also be deployed on a vast range of materials, besides paper such as ceramics, metals, plastics and composites, but on a limited scope. A typical Laminated Object Manufacturing machines feature components such as portable mirror, heater roller, wastepaper take-up roller, paper feed roll and laser. The other critical operating apparatus includes smokestack and sealed chamber. Over the years, variations of LOM have also been developed by companies such as Mcor Technologies Ltd of Ireland, Helisys, Cubic Technologies and Solido 3D of Israel. The Mcor technology uses a knife in place of laser to cut and separate various 3D layers, before applying a bonding adhesive. The success of Mcor product is attributed to its low cost and excellent marketing strategies. Helisys, which was once a leading supplier …

Inkjet, Polyjet and Multijet Technologies

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a) 3D inkjet printing technologies There are several types of 3D inkjet printing technologies in use today; they include thermal phase change inkjets or ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM) and Photopolymer Phase Change Inkjets. Inkjet technologies use squirting to convert build material into a melted or liquid state. The object often hardens after it is released to form a solid mass. Solidscape is one of the pioneer companies when it in inkjet technology, thanks to its reputation for producing fine finished products. This technology is often used to develop complex medical implants and jewelry. How Solidscape Inkjet Technology Works Most Solidscape machines use wax support materials and plastic object. These materials are often used while in a molten liquid state. During the material processing, thermal insulated tubing is used to transfer the liquid into the jetting head. The head releases minute drops of the liquid material following a predetermined geometry in order to create different object layers. Once the layer of the object is fully developed, the milling head pushes over the layer to create a …

What are the Steps Involved in Making Something – i.e. the Process Chain?

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i. Conceptualization and Creation of a CAD File Designing of the 3D object is the first step in 3D printing which can be done by drawing the object or downloading the various files that can be sourced from the internet. A wide range of computer-aided design file types are available, and they come in a variety of parameters, formats, and names. A detailed description of the object to be built by the 3D printer is required for the printer to operate. The description of the object to be created then needs to be placed in the CAD file to get the three-dimensional description of the object. Operating the 3D program can be a daunting task for someone who has not been familiar with the program, but there are a lot of helpful guides for different programs. One may need to spend some time to familiarize themselves with the computer-aided design file. Other individuals may opt to create models using the Google SketchUp application. Tools are available with which one can draw lines and shapes. The …

3D Printers Development and Patent Issues

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Open-source 3D printers have demonstrated their ability to replicate the existing technology. Their performance level at the moment can work well for business applications that are less essential, and for hobbyists. The most important reason for building a machine apart from just keeping it going, is to use it in making other things. If the 3D printed objects are not attractive or useful, then the chances of them being taken up by the hobbyist are considerably slim. The people interested in machines that make things, often aim at developing a revolutionary application that will have the technology gain wide acceptance. One can get a machine already fully assembled, and then embark on improving the accuracy, and make the machine much easier to use. OS Hardware Movement vs. OS Software Movement Software and hardware are two very different and independent sectors. Being able to give functionalities and abilities to a machine using software development is pretty much the same as being able to learn a foreign language. As for designing of hardware, it is like being …

The Process of Stereolithography

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Stereolithography is an imaging progression which is used to create unique 3D-printed objects. The unique 3D printing machine also referred to as stereolithography apparatus converts liquid plastic into solid objects. The implementation of stereolithography is fair, though there are many different variations which it is used.

How Do Photopolymers Work?

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As the name suggests, its properties are greatly influenced by light. Specifically, UV light causes its properties to evolve greatly. The photopolymer will be in a liquid state. On exposure to UV light, it hardens almost instantaneously. Most of us may assume that this is a new concept. Well, this is not the case. The materials have been around for quite a while now. The materials are often used to cover wood, paper, and some metals. It tends to increase their durability. In addition, quite many adhesives and inks are based on the photopolymers. Dentists often use them. If you have ever heard a cracked tooth bonded, the doctor used a photopolymer.

Introduction to Additive Technologies

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The term “additive fabrication” covers a wide range of technologies. They all rely on digital data to come with physical 3D models of objects. All of these technologies have a thing in common; they utilize layering of materials to come up with a final object. In most cases, the more layers that are used, the more an accurate representation of the data is made. These technologies are different from traditional manufacturing methods such as turning and milling. These methods rely on subtraction of material to come up with a final object.