Industrial 3D printer, or additive manufacturer, isn’t just an engineering wonder; it’s also an economic one.
This technology allows you to create complicated 3-dimensional parts quickly and cost-effectively, which can save you time and money in the long run when compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Here are some of the many ways 3D metal printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry today!
But first,
What is an Industrial 3D Printer?
Industrial 3D printer is a device that can create physical objects from digital designs. It uses additive processes to create a three-dimensional object.
These 3D printers are often used in industrial design, architecture, engineering, and prototyping. They work by laying down successive layers of material – typically plastic or metal – until they build up a final product with a complex shape.
How does it work?
3D metal printing is a process that allows you to create solid objects, often in stainless steel or titanium alloys, by printing successive layers of material.
The process can be used to create complex shapes with various geometries, including overhangs and undercuts that would be difficult to produce using conventional processes.
Using computer-assisted design (CAD), a three-dimensional virtual model is created for each part.
This digital blueprint is then sliced into thin horizontal sections called cross sections or slices.
A printer head moves along the surface of an aluminum bed with a nozzle emitting molten metal which cools instantly as it comes into contact with air. As each layer cools, another layer of metal is added until the object takes form.
Reasons Why You Need an Industrial 3D Printer?
- It is faster, cheaper, and more accurate than any other metal printing method available.
- 3D metal printing can be used for creating prototypes and end-use parts.
- The lack of tooling and injection molding restrictions allows for more creativity in design.
- An industrial 3D printer can be used to create complex geometries that are impossible with other methods. -Using a range of alloys, materials such as titanium and stainless steel can be printed with high-resolution results.
- Production times are shortened by 50% or more when compared to traditional manufacturing processes such as machining or casting.
- Parts created using an Industrial 3D metal printer have improved strength properties because they have been formed during printing rather than by welding or bolting together multiple pieces of material.
Who uses them?
Industrial 3D metal printers are typically used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, architecture, and design.
The technology is also becoming popular for small-batch manufacturing and personal use.
3D metal printing has also proven to be an effective solution for creating prototypes faster than any other method.
In addition, it’s been found to produce parts with properties that are better than those made by traditional manufacturing methods, such as increased strength and durability.
Basic Types of 3D Printers
The most basic type of Industrial 3d printer is an FDM printer. FDM printers typically extrude a plastic filament layer-by-layer to create a product.
The cheapest FDM printers produce rough and brittle parts, but if you can’t find any other use for them, they can be used as conversation pieces on your desk.
Better quality printers do exist, and some provide better quality prints than injection molded parts at an affordable price.
Where Can You Buy One?
The answer is online. Because they’re relatively new, 3D printers aren’t available in many retail stores just yet.
The two most popular types—the RepRap and Makerbot—both have their websites that sell kits, parts, and fully assembled models for those who want to jump right in.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Printer
Before you purchase a printer, it’s important to know what your needs will be. If you just need a basic model for occasional printing and don’t have any special requirements, it might be best to find an inexpensive option without unnecessary features.
On the other hand, if you plan on using your printer often, or want access to certain features, more expensive models may be worth considering.
Advantages and disadvantages of Industrial 3D printers
Industrial 3D printers have quickly become a cost-effective way of producing physical models and prototypes by industries.
For most applications, they are much faster than traditional prototyping methods such as CNC machining and resin casting. One of their main drawbacks is that they cannot produce functional parts – but with advancements in technology being made constantly, likely, they will eventually be able to do so.
Bottom-Line
Once you’ve purchased a printer, learned how to use it, and explored some of its more advanced features, you may be wondering what else is possible.
Well, there are plenty of things that you can do if you know where to look. Don’t feel bad if Industrial 3D printer is all new to you because there are a lot of things that many people just don’t know about yet.
