A brief introduction of 3D printing technology
◆The profile of 3D printing technology
3D
printing refers to the physical layer through continuous overlay, step by step
increase the materials to generate 3D entity. Different from the traditional
removal material processing technology, it is also known as additive
manufacturing(AM).
3D
printing is an emerging technology that is
developing rapidly in the field of manufacturing industry, known as
"manufacturing technology of the industrial revolution significance".
The main process of the technology is: design the
three-dimensional model with computer software, and then through specific
molding equipment (commonly known as "3D printer"), with liquid,
powder, silk solid materials to "print" the
products step by step.
3D
printing is the main implementation forms of "additive
manufacturing". The concept of "additive manufacturing" is
different from traditional manufacturing "removing manufacturing".
Traditional CNC manufacturing is generally based on the raw material, using the
way such as cutting, grinding, corrosion, melting, remove excess parts to
obtain components, then though assembling, welding and other methods combine
into the final products. While "Additive Manufacturing" is very
different, it doesn't need prototype and mold, can generate any shape objects
directly according to the computer graphical data, by the method of adding
material. It simplifies the manufacturing process of product, shorten product
development cycle, improve efficiency and reduce cost.
As
a comprehensive application technology, 3 d printing integrated digital
modeling technology, mechanical and electrical control technology, information
technology, materials science and chemistry etc. many aspects forefront
technologies, has the very high technology content. 3D printer is the core
equipment of the 3D printing. It is complex electromechanical integration
system that integrate machinery, control and computer technology, mainly
composed of high precision mechanical system, CNC system, injection system and
forming environment subsystem composition and so on. In addition, the new
printing materials, printing technology, design and control software is also an
important part of 3D printing system.
◆The
key technology that 3D printing requests
3D printing need to rely on advanced
technology in the field of multiple disciplines, including at least the
following aspects:
1.
Information technology: must have the
advanced design software and digital tools, cad staff to produce products of three-dimensional
digital model, and according to the model of automatic analysis of printing
process, automatic control of printing equipment.
2.
Precision machinery: 3D printing
processing way is " stack of each layer ". To produce high precision
products, must have high requirements on the accuracy of printing devices and
stability.
3.
Materials science: used for 3D printing
raw materials is special, must be able to liquify, powdering, silk, can combine
again after printing, and have qualified physical and chemical properties.
◆The application fields of 3D printing
1. Industrial
manufacturing: product conceptual design, prototyping, product reviews,
functional verification; Moulds made by prototype mold or direct printing,
printing products directly. 3D printing of small unmanned aircraft, small cars
concepts such as the products are available. 3D print model of home appliances,
is also used in enterprise's publicity and marketing campaigns.
2. Cultural creativity and digital
entertainment: complex shape and structure, materials, special artistic
expression vector. Science fiction film Avatar using 3D printing shaped part
and props, 3D printing violin reached the level of handicraft.
3. Aerospace, national defense, complex
shape, size of subtle, direct manufacturing components with special
performance.
4. Biomedical: artificial bones, teeth,
hearing AIDS, artificial limbs, etc
5. Consumer goods, jewelry, clothing,
footwear, toys, creative DIY works of design and manufacturing
6. Construction: building model pneumatic
test and result display, architectural engineering and construction (AEC)
simulation.
7. Education: scientific hypothesis of
model validation, to different subjects experiment, teaching. Some high schools
in North America, the average college and military colleges, 3D printers have
been using for teaching and scientific research.
