Stereolithography Process:

Stereolithography process (SLA) is a rapid prototyping process that involves building 3D parts layer by layer
using a liquid polymer material, which is solidified with the assistance of a laser. In the Stereolithography process,
a computer-controlled laser selectively solidifies the liquid resin, tracing the shape of each layer as dictated by a
digital 3D model. This layer-by-layer approach allows for the precise creation of intricate and highly detailed
prototypes, making SLA a popular choice in industries like product design, engineering, and medicine.

The ability to produce complex geometries with fine details and smooth surface finishes has made SLA a valuable
tool for product development and design verification, allowing engineers and designers to iterate and test their
concepts rapidly. This additive manufacturing technology has greatly accelerated the product development cycle
and revolutionised the way prototypes are produced.

1) Laser Source
The Laser Source emits a precise laser beam, which is directed onto the liquid resin in the container. This laser
is a critical component in the solidification process, as it selectively cures and hardens the liquid resin layer by
layer, ultimately forming the desired 3D object.

2) Container
The Container is filled with liquid resin, serving as the raw material for creating the part. When the focused laser
beam interacts with the liquid resin, it initiates the solidification process. This precise interaction between laser
and resin is the foundation of Stereolithography's layer-by-layer construction.

3) Platform
The Platform in the Stereolithography Machine is an integral part of the part-building process. It possesses the
capability to move both upward and downward. During the construction of a part, the Platform descends
incrementally after the laser solidifies each layer. This controlled movement allows new layers of liquid resin to
be added and solidified on top of the previously formed solid layer. The precision and accuracy of the Platform's
movement are essential for producing detailed and dimensionally accurate 3D objects in the Stereolithography
process.
Working of Stereolithography Process
During the Stereolithography process, the action of a precision-controlled laser beam solidifies a layer of liquid
resin on the build platform. This controlled solidification is crucial for layer-by-layer construction of the desired
part. This additive manufacturing technique allows for the creation of highly detailed prototypes with intricate
geometries and smooth surface finishes, making it indispensable in various industries such as product design,
engineering, and healthcare.

The SLA process begins with the slicing of a 3D computer model into numerous cross-sectional layers, which
serve as a guide for the laser's path. As the laser scans across each layer, it solidifies the liquid resin, fusing it into
the layer below. This precise layering method ensures the accurate reproduction of the digital model, resulting in
functional prototypes used for design validation and testing. SLA technology has significantly expedited product
development cycles, empowering engineers and designers to bring their innovative concepts to life with
remarkable speed and accuracy.

LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing): 3D Printing with Layers of

Paper
Laminated Object Manufacturing (or LOM) is a very fast and inexpensive way to 3D print objects
in several kinds of materials. Sheets of material are bonded together and cut in the right geometry
according to the 3D model. Laminated Object Manufacturing is mainly used for rapid prototyping
processes, not for production.
 What is Laminated Object Manufacturing?
 Laminated object manufacturing is a lesser known additive manufacturing process in which
fabrication of objects is done by laying down layers over the layers of the build material
sheets.
 These sheets are coated with heat activated adhesive materials, so when heat and pressure is
applied these sheets get bonded together. This is done with help of Heated Roller, it is rolled
over sheet material to activate the adhesive coating.
 3D CAD model is sliced in layers and converted into .stl file which contains the information
about surface geometry of the model. Countours of 2D projections are cut on each layer using
laser cutters or knifes.
 Support material receives less adhesion than final part while waste material is hatched by laser
for removal process.
 First layer of sheet material is mounted on a retractable platform which lowers down after
processing of each layer. This process is repeated until the final product is ready. Waste
material is removed manually.
 Material supply roll contains rolled material sheets and scrap material is rolled back into waste
take-up roll.

What materials can be used with this 3D technology?

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

How Does Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Work?

FDM technology uses the build input material in the form of thermoplastic filaments which is
liquified and re-solidified into the desired shape according to the defined CAD model.

An FDM printer consists of two spools: one for the build material and the other for the support
material respectively. The Fused deposition modeling 3D printing process follows these main steps:
 Step 1 – After the CAD data is input, the already loaded solid build material filament is liquified
with the help of heat in the liquefier head
 Step 2 – This molten liquid plastic is fed onto the foam build platform as a layer through the extrusion
nozzle that moves in all directions as defined in the CAD data. This process of adding the liquid/semi-
solid layers one above the other is repeated. If the design consists of over-hangs or structures that
might potentially warp or bend, support structures are used. The support material can be the same as
the build material or any other material according to the choice.
 Step 3 – In case support structures were used, they are later removed once the build is complete.

Materials for FDM 3D Printing

Amongst the most widely rigid plastics used for fused deposition modeling, Xometry offers: ABS,
ABS ESD7, ABS M30, ASA, Nylon PA12, Nylon PA12 Carbon-Filled, Carbon Fiber Reinforced
Polyamide 12, PC-ABS Polycarbonate, PC-ISO Polycarbonate, PC-like Heat Resist Translucent,
PC-Polycarbonate, PLA, PETG, PEEK, ULTEM 1010, and ULTEM 9085.

ASA, an amorphous thermoplastic with improved weather resistance, is widely used in prototyping
thanks to its excellent mechanical properties. Plus, it is available in a large variety of colours.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
What is Selective laser sintering (SLS)?
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a 3d printing process (additive manufacturing) that uses high-
powered lasers to sinter, or bind, finely powdered material together into a solid structure. In this
process, a printer lays down an even layer of powder and then precisely sinters that layer,
repeating the deposition and sintering process until the part is complete. The shape of the object
is created by aiming a laser at the powder bed in specific points in space, guided by a digitally
produced CAD (computer-aided design) file.
Unlike selective laser melting (SLM) which fully melts particles together, sintering causes an
atomic reaction that fuses particles, turning powdered material into a solid structure. The term
SLS is typically only used to refer to plastic and ceramic 3D printers — metal 3D printers using
a similar process are referred to as DMLS or SLM machines.
SLS machines can produce high fidelity items, including precision, low volume parts in
automotive and aerospace fields. SLS can produce large or geometrically complex, intricate, and
highly accurate parts from a variety of materials.
BINDER JET :