5.3D Printing and Scanning

Group Assignment

Test the design rules for your 3D printer

  • A In this week we are assigned with group assignment of studying the 3D printer at our lab and to understand its accuracy at different shapes and profiles.We also studied what is the difference between additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing. In this week we studies 3D scanning and its applications,process etc.We understood procedure to manufacture virtual model to reality.Over all it was very nice experince to work in group for 3D printing and scanning.

    raster raster



  • Different types of 3D printing

  • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): FDM involves extruding thermoplastic material layer by layer to create objects. It's widely used for rapid prototyping and producing end-use parts.

    raster

  • Stereolithography (SLA): SLA uses a UV laser to solidify liquid resin, also layer by layer. It's known for its high level of detail and surface finish, making it suitable for creating intricate models and prototypes. raster

  • Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS utilizes a laser to sinter powdered material, such as nylon or metal, into a solid structure. It's suitable for producing strong, functional parts.

    raster



  • Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): DMLS is similar to SLS but specifically for metal powders. It's used in industries where high strength and complex geometries are required.

    raster



  • Binder Jetting: This method involves depositing a binding agent onto a powder bed, layer by layer, to bind the particles together. After printing, the part is often cured and then infiltrated with a secondary material to improve strength

    raster

  • Material Jetting: Material jetting works similarly to an inkjet printer but with materials like photopolymers. It produces high-resolution parts and is suitable for creating detailed prototypes and molds.
  • Digital Light Processing (DLP): DLP uses a digital light projector to flash a pattern onto a vat of photopolymer resin, solidifying it layer by layer. It's similar to SLA but can be faster due to its ability to cure entire layers at once.

    raster



  • Following is the table of some materials for 3d prinitng and their usage 3D Printing Materials Comparison
    Material Advantages Disadvantages Applications
    PLA (Polylactic Acid) Biodegradable, easy to print, low odor, wide range of colors and finishes Lower heat resistance, not suitable for outdoor use, lower strength compared to some materials Prototyping, toys, figurines, low-stress applications
    ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Higher strength, heat resistance, and durability than PLA, suitable for outdoor use Requires higher printing temperature, emits fumes during printing, prone to warping Functional parts, automotive components, outdoor applications
    PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) Durable, impact-resistant, chemical-resistant, higher strength than PLA Requires higher printing temperature, prone to stringing, not biodegradable Mechanical parts, protective components, containers
    Nylon High strength, flexibility, and durability, chemical resistance Requires drying before printing, can absorb moisture from the air, prone to warping Functional prototypes, gears, living hinges
    TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Flexible and elastic, resistant to abrasion and oils Requires specific printer setup for flexible filaments, prone to stringing Phone cases, footwear, seals, gaskets
    Polycarbonate (PC) Very high strength and heat resistance, transparent Requires high printing temperature, prone to warping and shrinkage High-strength functional prototypes, automotive parts, lenses


  • PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a popular material used in 3D printing for several reasons. Here are some of its advantages:
  • Biodegradable and Environmentally Friendly: PLA is made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, making it biodegradable and compostable under the right conditions. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional plastics.

  • Easy to Print: PLA is known for its ease of use in 3D printing. It has a low printing temperature compared to other materials, reducing the risk of warping and requiring less heat for extrusion.

  • Low Odor and Safe to Use: PLA emits a sweet, sugary smell when heated, unlike ABS which can produce unpleasant fumes. It is considered safe to use in homes, schools, and well-ventilated areas.

  • Wide Range of Colors and Finishes: PLA is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, including matte, glossy, transparent, and even metallic, allowing for diverse aesthetic choices in printing.

  • Good Strength and Rigidity: While not as strong as some other materials like ABS or nylon, PLA still offers good strength and rigidity, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including prototyping and functional parts.

  • Low Shrinkage: PLA has low shrinkage during the cooling process, which reduces the risk of warping and makes it easier to achieve accurate prints.

  • Compatibility with Most Printers: PLA is compatible with most FDM 3D printers, making it a versatile choice for many users.

  • 3 D printer

  • We have Creality CR5PRO 3d printer in our sanjivani lab.Figure shows different parts of the machine

    raster

    its specifications are as follows:

    raster

  • Objective of group Assignment

  • Comprehend various additive manufacturing techniques, including their classifications, compatible materials, and associated tools.
  • Acquire proficiency in the operation of a 3D printer.
  • Familiarize oneself with safety protocols for operating this equipment.
  • Validate the design guidelines for our internal 3D printer.

    Operating 3D printer

  • We first understood the basics of the Creality CR5PRO 3d printer before we started using it. Following are the details of the machine.

    raster

  • Basic Parameters of printer

    raster

  • Procedure of 3D Printing
  • First we create 3D model in any suitable modelling software and then we save it in .Stl file format.Then we import it in slicer software and save it and then start printing.Software used here is crealiy Slicer of which interface is as follows:

    raster

  • Then different parts are imported from the website and completed 3d pritning.

    raster raster raster

    For above 3D printing following parameters are set:

    raster raster raster raster

    Testing Design Rules for our 3D printer

    Following parts are manufactured on our 3d printer.

    raster

    Conclusion from group assignemnt

    raster raster raster raster raster raster