3D Printing Processes / /
PolyJet
This proven technology offers the widest variety of materials to support many industries and application types. Create ergonomic tooling, biocompatible surgical guides or realistic prototypes that closely resemble finished products. These systems 3D print in fine layers to create smooth surfaces and highly complex geometries. For material properties, choose from rubber, to rigid, and transparent, to opaque—other options include neutral to vibrant color and standard to bio-compatible. PolyJet is often used by product developers in medical, electronics, consumer products and other industries with similar application requirements. Learn more about PolyJet.
Fused Deposition Modeling
This proven technology enables users to build parts with the same engineering-grade thermoplastics as those used in injection molding and other traditional manufacturing processes. Create durable prototypes and production parts, all on a single machine. Choose from various 3D printed materials for toughness, electrostatic dissipation, translucence, biocompatibility, UV Resistance, VO flammability and FST ratings. FDM is often used by designers and engineers in aerospace, automotive, medical and other industries with demanding application requirements. Learn more about Fused Deposit Modeling.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography produces medium to large-sized parts with high-resolution finishes. Also known as SLA, stereolithography creates aesthetically pleasing parts that are durable. During SLA, a laser traces a shape dictated by the original file across the surface of the resin bath. The resin touched by the laser hardens, then the build platform descends in the resin bath and the process is repeated until the entire part is complete. Standard SLA materials include Accura 25 and Accura Clearvue. Finishing options include strip and ship, sanded, bead blasted, rapid paint, rapid clear show quality paint or clear. Stereolithography can make parts for dentistry, manufacturing, prototyping, educational research, medical technology and more. Learn more about Stereolithography.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS is a fast manufacturing process that can produce parts with complex geometries with no support material needed. Selective laser sintering is powder-based. During SLS, a laser sinters the cross-section of the part to fuse the powder. The z stage then drops one layer, and the process begins again until the build is finished. Parts are then excavated from the build powder cake so the excess powder can be removed. The unused powder in the build envelope acts as the support structure, eliminating the need to remove support structures after the build process. Materials used for SLS include Nylon PA12, TPU 88A, PA12 Glass Bead, PA 11 and PA 11 Fire Retardent. AMT PostPro3D is used to finish parts made using SLS. Applications of SLS include prototypes, consumer goods, sporting goods, aerospace components, tooling, hinges, housings and more. Learn more about Selective Laser Sintering.
Carbon Fiber 3D Printing
Carbon fiber 3D printing can make parts with increased strength and stiffness, good dimensional stability and a lighter weight than metal. Carbon fiber is made of carbon atoms that are bonded together in a long chain. This chain is between 5-10 micrometers in diameter. Carbon fiber is stronger than steel, weighs less and is twice as stiff. Carbon fiber is combined with other materials to create a composite material or carbon fiber reinforced material. The composite is a combination of a polymer or sometimes ceramic. Fathom uses Carbon-Filled Nylon 12 for 3D printing. Carbon Fiber 3D printing can make propellers, car parts, bike frames, airplane wings and more. Learn more about Carbon Fiber 3D Printing.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Multi Jet Fusion produces cost-effective parts that are eco-friendly and have a smooth surface. MJF technology builds parts by laying down a thin layer of powder on a print bed over and over. The inkjet array in the print carriage sweeps over the print bed, jetting two agents downward—a fusing agent, printed where the powder will fuse and a detailing agent used to reduce fusing at the part boundary achieve greater detail. Materials available for MJF include Nylon 12. AMT PostPro3D is used as a post-processing solution for smoothing multi jet fusion parts. Applications of MJF include prototypes, housings, parts with fine features and complex geometries, parts with smooth surfaces and low volume production. Learn more about Multi Jet Fusion.