What is 3D printing?
3D printing or additive manufacturing is the process of making three-dimensional solid objects from digital files.The creation of 3D printed objects is achieved through additive processes. In additive processes, objects are created by placing successive layers of material until they are created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thin-sliced cross-section of the object.3D printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, which uses, for example, a milling machine to cut/hollow out a piece of metal or plastic.Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, 3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material.3D software
There are many different software tools available. From industrial grade to open source. We have created an overview on our 3D software page.We often recommend beginners to start with Tinkercad. Tinkercad is free and works in your browser, and you don't have to install it on your computer. Tinkercad offers beginner courses and has the ability to export models as printable files such as . STL or . OBJ).Now that you have a printable file, the next step is to prepare it for your 3D printer. This is called slicing.Slices: From printable files to 3D printers Slicing basically means slicing a 3D model into hundreds or thousands of layers and doing it using slicing software.
Once your file is sliced, it's ready for your 3D printer. Files can be fed to the printer via USB, SD, or Wi-Fi. Your tile file is now ready to be 3D printed layer by layer.3D printing industry The adoption of 3D printing has reached a tipping point, as those who have not yet integrated additive manufacturing somewhere in their supply chain are now part of a shrinking minority. 3D printing was only suitable for prototyping and single-use manufacturing in the early days, and now it is rapidly transforming into a production technology.Most of the current demand for 3D printing is industrial in nature. Acumen Research and Consulting predicts that the global 3D printing market will reach $41 billion by 2026. As it evolves, 3D printing technology is destined to transform almost every major industry and change the way we live, work and play in the future. 3D printing example
3D printing encompasses many forms of technology and materials, as 3D printing is used in almost every industry you can think of. It's important to think of it as a cluster of different industries with countless different applications.
– Consumer goods (eyewear, footwear, design, furniture)
– Industrial products (manufacturing tools, prototypes, functional end-use parts)
– Dental products
–artificial limb
– Architectural scale models and models
– Reconstruct fossils
- Copy ancient artifacts
– Reconstruct forensic pathological evidence
- Movie props
Rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing
Since the late seventies, the company has used 3D printers in the design process to create prototypes. Using a 3D printer for these purposes is called rapid prototyping.
Why use a 3D printer for rapid prototyping?
In short: it's fast and relatively inexpensive. Go from idea to 3D model to prototype in days, not weeks. It's easier and cheaper to iterate, and you don't need expensive molds or tools.
In addition to rapid prototyping, 3D printing is also used for rapid manufacturing. Rapid manufacturing is a new manufacturing method where businesses use 3D printers for short-/low-volume custom manufacturing.
Laser engraving is the most popular laser marking technology in product identification and traceability. It involves the use of laser marking machines to make permanent marks on different materials. Laser engraving technology is very precise. As such, it is the preferred choice for marking parts and products in many industries, especially the automotive and aerospace industries.The process involves the use of a laser marking machine, which we call a laser engraver, to evaporate a specific area on almost any material. As a result, it forms a permanent mark with higher contrast than unmarked areas on a part or product.
The process is suitable for marking logos, barcodes, serial numbers, and QR codes on parts. Together with laser etching, annealing, ablation and other laser marking techniques, the process forms a highly reliable process for traceability, identification and product decoration.The history of laser engraving is inseparable from hand engraving. Manual engraving is a process that involves the use of sharp objects (engraving tools) to engrave marks on parts. For example, about 500,000 years ago, stone was a carving tool. Currently, the oldest hand-carved parts date back about 500,000 years.
Due to technological advances, hand engraving has evolved over the years. The start of the laser engraving process will be based on Albert Einstein's LASER 1916 concept and its optimization in the 1950s.
Theodore Maiman created the first optical laser. Gordon Gould will be credited with creating the first laser.
When Western Electrics built its first laser machine in 1965, lasers became an important part of drilling. However, it wasn't until the advent of CO2 lasers in 1967 that lasers were really used for engraving. Further technological advances led to the development of other types of laser engraving machines. Suitable for engraving machines, such as UV and MOPA laser markers.Laser engraving involves focusing a laser beam on a part from a distance at the right power level. This causes the material to evaporate, leaving a permanent mark on the part. It is important to adjust the power because too little will be ineffective and too much will burn the material.
The laser engraving process is very simple. Here are the steps required to laser engrave a part:
· Idea
Ideation is to come up with ideas about how the mark will look and the right material for the work. It requires a high level of creativity. Therefore, this is the most important step in the laser engraving process, as it determines the quality of the mark and its efficiency.
The idea is also very important, because the laser-engraved mark is permanent. Therefore, it is not easy to change the wrong tag after the labeling process is complete.
· Design an image for the markup
Design the images you want to mark on your computer program. You can use Adobe Illustrators, Inkscape, Lightburn, DraftSight, and Onshape to create graphic designs. In addition, you need to make sure that the machine is compatible with the designed files.
· Select the material
Choose materials that are compatible with the laser engraver and complement your design. Generally, laser engraving machines can process materials such as stone, glass, plastic, and metal. However, each type applies to a separate material list. For example, UV laser marking machines are suitable for plastics because they do not generate high heat (they are cold lasers), while CO2 laser marking machines are suitable for organic materials.
Set up the machine
The setup and type of engraving machine separates its processes from each other. Set the laser intensity, cutting depth, speed, number of passes and line thickness, and test similar test materials to see their effect. Store the best settings that reflect what you want. plastics
Laser engraving of plastic products
Plastics such as acrylic and POM are common laser engraving materials. However, the power of the laser must be adequately adjusted and adjusted according to the absorption spectrum of the material and other existing additives. Plastics are more compatible with CO2 and UV laser markings.
metal
Laser engraving metal tags
Metal is the most common material for people to laser engrave, so it is called the "heart of many industries". Examples of metals compatible with this process are stiff steel, gold, silver, iron, and aluminum. Fiber engraving machine is the most suitable machine for metal marking.
tree
Laser engraving wood
Woods is also compatible with the process. Due to the high temperature, many people consider them a fire hazard. However, you can adjust the power of the laser marking machine to engrave the wood without catching fire. Plywood, MDF and cardboard are popular wood materials that can be carved with machines.
Coated metal
The process is also suitable for coated metals and is suitable for the vaporization of metal coatings. This results in clean removal of the coating.
Advantages and disadvantages of laser engraving
Laser engraving process
Laser engraving is highly recognized in the industry because of its advantages of fast production speed, high precision and strong material processing capacity. However, the process also has its drawbacks. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of.
Its advantages
– Fast production process
This is a quick process that can take 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the material, design, and laser power. Due to its speed, the process is important in rapid manufacturing.
– Wide range of materials
It is compatible with many materials such as metal, wood and plastic, unlike marking systems such as dotting systems and chemical etching. This gives customers greater freedom in the choice of materials and designs.
-precise
Laser markers have high precision and the ability to engrave +/- 0.01 inches, but the exact accuracy depends on the type of machine and its components. Due to its high precision, it is suitable for use in the jewelry, medical and electronics industries.
– Repeatability
Laser marking machines are suitable for batch marking processes due to their repeatability. The machine's software stores the design and can mark and add the same markings on different or identical parts. Repeatability ensures you have faster turnaround times and aesthetically pleasing products.
– Eco-friendly production process
It does not require consumables such as chemicals that pollute the environment like inkjet marking. In addition, unlike point shot peening machines, they do not produce any noise. Therefore, the process is environmentally friendly, clean and energy-efficient.
– Non-contact marking
As a non-contact marking process, there is no material contamination and deformation of the physical and mechanical properties of the part. This is different from point peening, where the stylus hits the material, and in inkjet marking, the chemicals may not be compatible with the material.
Its disadvantages
– Requires specialized knowledge
Using a laser engraver requires a professional operator to make the most of the machine's potential and deliver high-quality markings. The high demand for expertise increases operating costs. In addition, expertise determines the quality of the mark.
– High operating and maintenance costs
Compared to other marking system machines, engraving machines are expensive. They also have high maintenance and operating costs. Therefore, this indicates that using one will require initial and subsequent investments. Due to the high cost of operation and maintenance, it is recommended to outsource to laser engraving services.
– Dangerous smoke
Machines emit dangerous gases and fumes during the marking process. Therefore, you need good ventilation and protection systems to ensure a safe working environment.Free shipping. Free returns. All the time. Shop online for shoes, clothing, jewelry, dresses, makeup and more from top brands. Make returns in store or by mail.Online buying and selling have become important parts of many people's lives. Virtual stores allow people to shop from the comfort of their homes Shop Best Buy for electronics, computers, appliances, cell phones, video games & more new tech. In-store pickup & free 2-day shipping on thousands of items
