Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is the future of manufacturing and is opening up a world of 3D prototyping and low-volume rapid manufacturing possibilities. Ares have been providing online 3D printing solutions for over 10 years. Rapid prototyping via SLA and SLS paired with our extensive experience enable us to deliver high precision, high-quality parts every time.
SLA – great for accurate aesthetic models and rapid prototyping. A precise laser cures a liquid resin in the build chamber building accurate parts one layer at a time.
SLS – great for functional rapid prototypes and low-volume end-use parts. Here a precision laser fuses powder material together one layer at a time, to build accurate and strong nylon parts.
The idea of having a prototype of the component to be created before the actual production starts is always an ideal one. If you are also looking to have a 3D prototype created to identify loopholes and get approval for a new product design, or you need to have 3D components manufactured in bulk, getting in touch with Ares's is a great shot.
Ares offers 3D printing services of components and prototypes in various materials and customized manufacturing of such parts at a price you can always afford.
3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that creates three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer. The process typically involves designing a digital model and then using a 3D printer to print materials (such as plastic, metal, or resin) layer by layer to form the desired shape and structure. This technology is widely used in prototyping, manufacturing, and medical fields.
The main purpose of using 3D printing services to create prototypes is to obtain approval for component designs in the initial stages and to identify any flaws in the component design. It is one of the effective methods for testing products before mass production.
3D printing is one of the mainly considered processes of manufacturing parts for several fields nowadays, and there are many reasons for this. A few of such advantages of choosing a 3D printing service are discussed below:
Affordability :The best thing about choosing 3D printing is that it doesn't waste material, which helps save the cost of the component. The required materials are only used during the manufacturing process, and tooling does not exist; hence it proves to be an affordable process.
Efficiency :As compared to other processes used to manufacture components, 3D printing is an efficient technique. It doesn't take much time, and once the design is ready in the CAD software, it will immediately be used, and in a matter of hours, components can be lined up.
Adaptability :The process of 3D printing itself is not complex, and no tools are designed and created to have any component manufactured. Therefore if there is any glitch in the design, you don't need to change the entire tool, instead, the design can be altered.
Geometries :3D printing is a process in which the material is introduced in the form of layers one after the other, released by a nozzle. Specific components exist that need to have complex designs internally and externally. Due to the complex geometrical structure, most parts can only be formed through 3D printing due to the style of manufacturing it follows.
Environmental factors :Keeping in line with other processes used for manufacturing components, 3D printing helps play a fair share in protecting the environment. It does not create waste since the required material is only used, and as an additive manufacturing method, no material subtraction occurs. Therefore, it helps keep the environment safe from pollution, unlike other subtractive methods.
SLA 3D printing, also known as stereolithography, is a process of manufacturing 3D components in which an ultraviolet laser is used, and with its beams, the liquid resin is pushed on the platform of the component. This liquid resin drops on the surface and creates layers of the desired part that solidifies. SLA printing deals with various materials and offers high-resolution to the final components; the surface finish provided by SLA 3D printing is entirely satisfactory.
The process of SLA 3D printing involves the following steps
● The first step is sending the design to the 3D printer, which is done after the design has been sent to the software and into the slicing program.
● The STL file then instructs the printer to start working, ensuring that the tank contains liquid resin.
● The position of the platform on which the 3D component will be created is adjusted, and the laser beams are passed through the lens of the printer onto the liquid resin.
● Thin layers of liquid resin are then dropped on the platform, and after every layer, the platform moves downwards to cater to another layer.
● These layers tend to create one after the other unless the final component has been created.
Get A QuoteSLS stands for Stereo Laser Sintering, this process also uses laser beams, but those are high optic laser beams that are reactant over a powder whose layers are deposited on the platform for creating a 3D object.SLS 3D printing is used to create very strong parts in 3D design, and those are also filled with nylon material if required.
SLS 3D printing can be carried out by following the steps below
● The polymer's melting temperature is considered, and below that, the area where the powder is kept, which you may call the powder bin and the platform over which the component will be created, are both heated.
● A layer of powder is spread on the platform, and a laser beam, after scanning the contour of the upcoming layer, fuses, and sinters polymer powder particles.
● Once the first layer is created, the platform moves slightly downward, and another layer is made using a similar process.
● Once the first layer is created, the platform moves slightly downward, and another layer is made using a similar process.
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SLA and SLS are two such processes that create 3D components, but both have their pros and cons and also limitations and applications. Here you will find the advantages and applications of the two processes that differ.
There are many applications of SLA 3D printing, a few of which may include casting patterns, patterns for molding, transparent optical boxes and cases, cosmetic prototypes, fixtures, rapid tooling, etc.
SLS 3D printing could be seen in medical devices, automobile parts, aerospace components, ducts with complex structures and functional prototypes, etc.
Selecting the right 3D printing process involves considering various factors that align with your project requirements. Here’s a breakdown of three popular methods:
● SLA (Stereolithography): Uses photopolymer resins, ideal for high detail and smooth finishes.
● SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Utilizes powdered materials (plastics, metals), offering good mechanical properties and durability.
● MJF (Multi Jet Fusion): Employs a unique process with nylon powders, resulting in strong, functional parts.
● SLA: Excels in producing intricate details and complex geometries.
● SLS: Capable of creating complex internal structures, suitable for functional parts.
● MJF: Supports complex designs and rapid production of functional components.
● SLA: Provides very smooth surfaces with minimal post-processing.
● SLS: Generally has a rougher surface finish, often requiring additional finishing steps.
● MJF: Delivers a smooth finish suitable for many applications, often ready for use directly.
● SLA: Best for small batch or single-item production.
● SLS: Suitable for medium to large production runs.
● MJF: Highly efficient for large-scale production, providing good throughput.
● SLA: Lower material and equipment costs, making it budget-friendly for prototyping.
● SLS: Higher initial investment but cost-effective for producing functional parts in larger quantities.
● MJF: Offers good cost efficiency for large volumes.
● SLA: Typically faster, ideal for quick prototyping.
● SLS: Quick production, but may require more time for post-processing.
● MJF: Fast production speed, suitable for projects needing rapid delivery.
Choosing the right plastic 3D printing process requires a careful analysis of your specific needs, the characteristics of the materials, and the capabilities of each process. Come consult Ares. We will help you determine the best solution for your application.
Selecting the right metal 3D printing process involves several considerations. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
● Material Properties: Consider strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and thermal properties.
● Part Complexity: Evaluate the geometric complexity of your designs.
● Tolerance and Surface Finish: Determine the required tolerances and surface finish quality.
● Selective Laser Melting (SLM):
● Electron Beam Melting (EBM):
● Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS):
● Binder Jetting:
● Metal Material Extrusion:
● Low Volume vs. High Volume: Some processes are more cost-effective for low-volume production (e.g., SLM), while others may scale better for higher volumes (e.g., Binder Jetting).
● Initial Setup Costs: Some processes require expensive machinery.
● Material Costs: Evaluate the cost of materials for each process.
● Post-Processing Costs: Consider the need for additional finishing processes.
● Check the availability of metals compatible with the chosen printing method, such as titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, or cobalt chrome.
● Industry Standards: Certain industries (aerospace, medical) may have specific regulations and standards to comply with.
● Functionality Requirements: Think about the part's intended use, including load-bearing, thermal, or aesthetic functions.
