ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING – WORK FLOW
Additive manufacturing involves the 5 following steps in general regardless of specific method employed
- Generation of 3D File
- Geometry is typically generated using Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Geometry can also be generated via the use of 3D scanning
- However, a robust 3D model must be made from scanned geometry prior to printing
- Preparation of Print
- The generated .stl file is important into another software that “slices” the geometry or generates 2D layers of the provided 3D geometry
- This process defines the thickness of each print layer and orientation of printed part
- The “resolution” of the final print is determined by the size of each print layer
- The orientation of the printed part can be adjusted to minimize used material, increase print speed, and optimize print quality
- Orientation should also be chosen to take account of that the final printed part is weaker to loads applied perpendicular to the print layer’
- The generated .stl file is important into another software that “slices” the geometry or generates 2D layers of the provided 3D geometry
- Finalize Print
- “Sliced” file is exported into software package associated with specific printer
- Build quantities, position, and orientation are finalized at this stage
- Printing process begins
- Print Removal
- Once print is completed the part must be removed
- This process may entail removal of support material and potentially excess resin or powder depending on the specific additive manufacturing process
- Post-Processing
- Depending on the specific additive manufacturing process, heat treatment can be applied to homogenize the microstructure of the final part
- For plastic parts, the surface of the final part can be attacked with solvents such as acetone to yield a superior surface finish
References:
[1] Goodship, Vannessa, et al. Design and Manufacture of Plastic Components for Multifunctionality: Structural Composites, Injection Molding, and 3D Printing. Elsevier, 2016.
[2] Redwood, Ben, et al. The 3D Printing Handbook: Technologies, Design and Applications. 3D Hubs, 2018.