The world of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is
constantly evolving. The technology was invented less than 35 years ago yet has
come a long way. What began as a unique, though limited, way to develop low-end
prototypes, has exploded into a critical component of the product development
and manufacturing process with the ability to produce end-use parts for
critical applications in markets such as industrial and aerospace and defense.
To help our customers and the larger technology community stay abreast of the changing world of additive manufacturing, we launched a glossary of the most important terms in the industry that you can bookmark here for easy access. To make it easier to digest, we’re also starting a blog series outlining ten terms to know in different sub-categories.
For our first post in the series, here are the top ten terms
for Additive Manufacturing Processes that our experts think everyone
should know:
Binder Jetting
Any additive manufacturing process that uses a binder to
chemically bond powder where the binder is placed on the top layer of powder
through small jets, usually using inkjet technology. One of the seven standard
categories defined by ASTM International (www.ASTM.org) for additive
manufacturing processes.
Digital
Light Synthesis (DLS)
A type of vat photopolymerization additive
manufacturing process where a projector under a transparent build
plate shines ultraviolet light onto the build layer, which
is against the transparent build plate. The part is then pulled
upward so that a new layer of liquid fills between the build
plate and the part, and the process is repeated. Digital light
synthesis is a continuous build process that does not create distinct layers.
Direct
Laser Melting (DLM) or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
A type of powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
process where a laser beam is used to melt powder material. The
beam is directed across the top layer of powder. The liquid material
solidifies to create the desired part. A new layer of powder is
placed on top, and the process is repeated. Also called laser powder bed
fusion, metal powder bed fusion, or direct metal laser sintering.
Directed
Energy Deposition (DED)
An additive manufacturing process where metal
powder is jetted, or wire is extruded from a CNC controlled three or
five-axis nozzle. The solid material is then melted by an energy source,
usually a laser or electron beam, such that the liquid metal
deposits onto the previous layers (or build plate) and then cools to a
solid. One of the ASTM defined standard categories for additive
manufacturing processes.
Fused
Deposition Modeling (FDM)
A type of material extrusion additive manufacturing process
where a continuous filament of thermoplastic material is fed into a heated
extruder and deposited on the current build layer. It is the trademarked name
used for systems manufactured by the process inventor, Stratasys. Fused
filament fabrication is the generic term.
Laser
Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF)
A type of powder bed fusion additive
manufacturing process where a laser is used to melt material on
the top layer of a powder bed. Also called metal powder bed
fusion or direct laser melting. Most often used to melt metal powder
but is used with plastics as with selective laser sintering.
Laser
Engineered Net Shaping (LENS)
A type of direct energy deposition additive
manufacturing process where a powder is directed into a
high-energy laser beam and melted before it is deposited on
the build layer. Also called laser powder forming.
Material
Jetting
Any additive manufacturing process where build
or support material is jetted through multiple small nozzles whose
position is computer controlled to lay down material to create a layer.
One of the ASTM defined standard categories for additive
manufacturing processes.
Stereolithography
Apparatus (SLA)
A type of vat photopolymerization additive
manufacturing where a laser is used to draw a path on the
current layer, converting the liquid polymer into a solid. Stereolithography
was the first commercially available additive manufacturing process.
Vat
Polymerization
A class of additive manufacturing processes that utilizes
the hardening of a photopolymer with ultraviolet light. A vat of liquid is
filled with liquid photopolymer resin, and ultraviolet light is either traced
on the build surface or projected on it. Stereolithography is the most common
form of vat photopolymerization. The build layer can be on the top of the vat
of liquid or the bottom. One of the ASTM defined standard categories for
additive manufacturing processes.
We hope this new blog series will help to firm up your
knowledge of the ever-evolving world of additive manufacturing. For a list of
all of the key terms and definitions in the additive manufacturing world,
please visit our new glossary page at https://www.3dprinting-glossary.com/.
The glossary allows you to search by terms or download a PDF of the glossary in
its entirety to use as a reference guide.
We also know that there are a ton of experts in our
community with knowledge to share. If you notice a term missing from our
glossary or an inaccurate/incomplete description, please visit the suggestions
page at https://www.3dprinting-glossary.com/suggest-a-correction-clarification-or-new-term/
and drop us a note.
Subscribe to the
PADT blog or check back soon for the next installment in our series of “Top Ten
Terms to Know in Additive Manufacturing.” We also welcome your feedback or
questions. Just drop us a line at here.
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