3D Printing
Rapid Prototyping Technology
Conetiq leverages various 3D printing technologies to speed up the design process, test products, and give clients an early look at the final product.
From Digital To Reality
Rapid Prototyping Technologies
Additive Manufacturing or 3-D Printing offers a versatile solution for developing concept models and functional prototypes. There are four main processes that are utilized to achieve specific results for an application.
Additive Manufacturing Processes used by Conetiq:
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Power Bed Fusion (PBF)
- Material Jetting
About The Different 3D Printing Technologies
Not all 3D printing is the same. There are 4 main technologies to print an object in 3D, and they all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Technology
Stereolithography (SLA)
About
Stereolithography printers utilize a vat of liquid photopolymer resin to build a model layer by layer, then cures the liquid resin and hardens the plastic using a laser.
Ideal Uses
Ideal option for detailed prototypes requiring smooth finishes and tight tolerances:
- Functional Parts
- Molds
- Patterns
Advantages
- Highest resolution and accuracy
- Relatively quick process
- Smoothest surface
- Clear details
- Versatile
- Defined edges and minimal visible layer lines
Disadvantages
- Sensitive to long exposure to UV light
- Limited materials
Technology
Stereolithography (SLA)
About
Stereolithography printers utilize a vat of liquid photopolymer resin to build a model layer by layer, then cures the liquid resin and hardens the plastic using a laser.
Ideal Uses
Ideal option for detailed prototypes requiring smooth finishes and tight tolerances:
- Functional Parts
- Molds
- Patterns
Advantages
- Highest resolution and accuracy
- Relatively quick process
- Smoothest surface
- Clear details
- Versatile
- Defined edges and minimal visible layer lines
Disadvantages
- Sensitive to long exposure to UV light
- Limited materials
Technology
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
About
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers create models by melting and extruding thermoplastic filament deposited by a printer nozzle layer by layer. This process can be utilized for plastic or composite materials.
Ideal Uses
Ideal option for low-cost rapid prototyping and basic proof-of-concept models
Advantages
- Low Cost
- Quick process
- Solid structural properties using ABS plastic
- Accuracy
Disadvantages
- Visible layer lines
- Lowest resolution of 3D printers
- Not suited for complex designs
Technology
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
About
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers create models by melting and extruding thermoplastic filament deposited by a printer nozzle layer by layer. This process can be utilized for plastic or composite materials.
Ideal Uses
Ideal option for low-cost rapid prototyping and basic proof-of-concept models
Advantages
- Low Cost
- Quick process
- Solid structural properties using ABS plastic
- Accuracy
Disadvantages
- Visible layer lines
- Lowest resolution of 3D printers
- Not suited for complex designs
Technology
Material Jetting
About
Material Jetting (MJ) deposits drops of material from a nozzle layer by layer where it solidifies. The material layers are then cured or hardened using ultraviolet (UV) light.
Ideal Uses
Ideal option for parts where aesthetics matters more than function.
Advantages
- Multiple material parts and colours under one process
- High accuracy
- Smooth surface
Disadvantages
- Limited materials
- Expensive
- Weak
- Slower production speed
Technology
Material Jetting
About
Material Jetting (MJ) deposits drops of material from a nozzle layer by layer where it solidifies. The material layers are then cured or hardened using ultraviolet (UV) light.
Ideal Uses
Ideal option for parts where aesthetics matters more than function.
Advantages
- Multiple material parts and colours under one process
- High accuracy
- Smooth surface
Disadvantages
- Limited materials
- Expensive
- Weak
- Slower production speed
Technology
Power Bed Fusions (PBF)
About
The Powder Bed Fusion process includes the following printing techniques:
- Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Selective laser sintering (SLS)
- Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) / Selective laser melting (SLM)
Powder bed fusion (PBF) methods use either a laser or electron beam to melt and fuse the powder particles together. All PBF processes involve the spreading of the powder material over previous layers. The unfused powder supports the part during printing and eliminates the need for dedicated support structures
Ideal Uses
Ideal option for complex designs. Methods available for either plastic or metal.
Advantages
- Excellent mechanical characteristics
Accuracy - Relatively inexpensive
- Suitable for visual models and prototypes
- Good Resolution
- Large range of material options
- Strong functional parts
- No need for support structures
Disadvantages
- Slower production speed
- Finish is dependent on powder grain size
Technology
Power Bed Fusion (PBF)
About
The Powder Bed Fusion process includes the following printing techniques:
- Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Selective laser sintering (SLS)
- Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) / Selective laser melting (SLM)
Powder bed fusion (PBF) methods use either a laser or electron beam to melt and fuse the powder particles together. All PBF processes involve the spreading of the powder material over previous layers. The unfused powder supports the part during printing and eliminates the need for dedicated support structures
Ideal Uses
Ideal option for complex designs. Methods available for either plastic or metal.
Advantages
- Excellent mechanical characteristics
Accuracy - Relatively inexpensive
- Suitable for visual models and prototypes
- Good Resolution
- Large range of material options
- Strong functional parts
- No need for support structures
Disadvantages
- Slower production speed
- Finish is dependent on powder grain size
Start Developing
Let us start developing your product or idea.
For more information on idea development, our process or how we can bring your project to the next level please contact us.
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