The soaring popularity of plastic 3D printing service has affected multiple industries at various levels. It has enabled cost-effective rapid prototyping with highly durable, abrasion-resistant, and superior-resolution parts. From large pieces to small assemblies, you can manufacture anything! You can print parts with varied mechanical and thermal properties. High performance, lightweight, design flexibility, and low waste are the primary benefits of the PEEK 3D printing service, owing to its extensive application. So, what are the popular plastic 3D printing technologies? Let us get into the details!
Plastic 3D Printing: Common Processes
Plastic 3D printing service is undoubtedly the latest and fastest manufacturing technique. Today, multiple 3D printing technologies utilize plastic.
SLS or Selective Laser Sintering- In SLS, a thin layer of powdered material is spread over the build platform. A laser beam melts the powder wherever required, which fuses into the desired structure. The process repeats as the build platform lowers. The products obtained are dense with maximum stability and can be post-processed. SLS is a good alternative to producing functional prototypes and spare parts.
SLA or Stereolithography- In SLA plastic 3D printing, liquid photopolymer resin is cured using a laser beam. Similar to SLS, the part or product is created layer by layer in SLA. If the model consists of overhangs, printing a supporting structure is necessary. With a premium surface finish, SLA is used to manufacture elastic and transparent plastics, molds, design models, etc.
Polyjet- A layer of liquid resin is sprayed through the inkjet printing head on the build platform and cured rapidly by applying UV light. Polyjet printing has an accuracy of 16 microns, enabling the production of complex geometries with precise detailing. It is used to create casting models, optical lenses, etc.
Injection Molding- Plastic injection molding 3D printing is one of the latest technologies where the molten plastic material is injected into the mold and allowed to cool down. Upon solidification, the part is removed from the mold and sent for post-processing (if required). It is used for manufacturing consumer goods and automotive parts for its scalability and affordability.
To conclude, plastic 3D printing has evoked a new era in the manufacturing industry and has opened up newer possibilities.
