3D PRINTING

SUBMITTED TO- DR. ANIL KUMAR

SUBMITTED BY- ANSHUL
ROLL NO.- 22098116791008
BRANCH- MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
SEMESTER- 8TH
 INTRODUCTION TO 3D
PRINTING

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a way to

turn digital designs into real, physical objects by building them
one thin layer at a time. You start with a 3D model on your
computer, slice it into many flat cross-sections, and then a printer
deposits material—such as plastic, metal, or resin—layer upon
layer until the object is complete. This process makes it easy to
create complex shapes, customize parts on demand, and reduce
waste compared to traditional cutting or molding methods. From
rapid prototypes and custom tools to medical implants and even
small buildings.
 HISTORY OF 3D PRINTING

 1980s: Invented by Chuck Hull (SLA technology)

 1990s: Rapid prototyping industry grows
 2010s–2020s: Affordable desktop printers,
applications in medicine, aerospace, construction
 HOW 3D PRINTING
WORKS
 Design: CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file
 Slicing: Software cuts the model into thin

layers
 Printing: Layer-by-layer deposition of
material
 Post-processing: Cleaning, curing, or
polishing
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
WORKING OF 3D PRINTER
 A 3D printer works by creating objects layer
by layer from a digital design. First, a 3D
model is made using computer software.
This model is then sliced into many thin
layers. The printer reads these layers and
starts printing from the bottom up, placing
material—like melted plastic or liquid resin
—one layer at a time. Each layer sticks to
the one below it until the whole object is
built. Once printing is done, the object may
be cleaned or finished, and it's ready to use.
MATERIAL USED

 Plastics (PLA, ABS)

 Resins
 Metals (steel, titanium, aluminium)
 Ceramics
TYPES OF 3D PRINTING
TECHNOLOGIES
3D printing is mainly of 4 types :-

 FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

 SLA (Stereolithography)
 SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
 DMLS/SLM
 FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a
type of 3D printing where a printer melts
plastic and pushes it out through a small
nozzle to build an object layer by layer. It's
one of the most common and easy-to-use
3D printing methods.
 SLA (Stereolithography) is a type of 3D

printing that uses a laser to harden liquid

resin, building the object layer by layer. It
creates smooth and detailed parts, often
used for high-quality models and
prototypes.
 SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) is a 3D printing method
that uses a laser to melt and fuse powdered material (like
plastic or metal) layer by layer to form a solid object. It’s
great for making strong, complex parts without needing
support structures.

 DMLS/SLM DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) and

SLM (Selective Laser Melting) are both metal 3D
printing methods that use a laser to build parts layer by
layer from metal powder.
• DMLS uses a laser to heat and fuse metal powder without
fully melting it. It's often used for alloys.
• SLM uses a laser to fully melt metal powder, creating denser,
stronger parts. It's usually used for pure metals.
MATERIAL USED
 Plastics (PLA, ABS)
 Resins
 Metals (steel, titanium, aluminium)
 Ceramics
 Biomaterials (for medical applications)
APPLICATIONS OF 3D
PRINTING
 Medical: Prosthetics, dental, organ printing
 Aerospace: Lightweight parts, custom
designs
 Automotive: Rapid prototyping, tooling
 Construction: 3D-printed homes and
bridges
 Consumer Products: Fashion, toys,
electronics
THE FUTURE OF 3D PRINTING
1. Aerospace
2. Automotive
3. Healthcare
4. Construction
5. Manufacturing
6. Defense & Military
ADVANTAGES OF 3D
PRINTING
1. Customization – Easily create personalized or one-of-a-kind products.
2. Fast Prototyping – Quickly design, test, and improve ideas.
3. Cost-Effective for Small Batches – Saves money for low-volume
production.
4. Less Waste – Uses only the material needed, reducing scraps.
5. Complex Designs – Makes shapes and structures that are hard or
impossible with traditional methods.
6. Quick Turnaround – Speeds up production time compared to
traditional manufacturing.
7. Easy Access – Desktop 3D printers are now affordable and easy to
use.
8. Lightweight Parts – Especially useful in aerospace and automotive
industries.
9. On-Demand Manufacturing – No need for large inventories or long
shipping times.
10. Supports Innovation – Helps inventors, startups, and students bring
ideas to life.
DISADVANTAGES OF 3D PRINTING
 High Initial Cost – Industrial 3D printers and materials can be
expensive.
 Limited Materials – Not all materials can be 3D printed,
especially for high-stress or heat-resistant parts.
 Slow for Mass Production – Not suitable for large-scale
manufacturing compared to traditional methods.
 Size Limitations – Most printers can only print objects of a
certain size.
 Post-Processing Needed – Many printed items require cleaning,
polishing, or curing after printing.
 Quality and Strength – Some printed parts may not be as
strong or durable as traditionally manufactured ones.
 Limited Skilled Workforce – Requires specialized knowledge in
design and operation.
 Environmental Concerns – Some plastics and resins used are
not eco-friendly or recyclable.
CONCLUSION
 3D printing is a revolutionary technology with the power
to transform industries through faster prototyping,
customization, and on-demand production. It offers many
advantages such as reduced waste, innovative design
possibilities, and accessibility in fields like healthcare,
construction, and aerospace. However, it also comes with
challenges like high costs, material limitations, and
technical complexity.
 As the technology continues to evolve, 3D printing is
expected to become faster, more affordable, and more
widely adopted, paving the way for smarter, more
sustainable manufacturing in the future. With the right
development and regulation, it holds great promise to
reshape how we design, produce, and live.
THANK YOU