Mtu 3d printing

3D Printing at the Library | Van Pelt and Opie Library

Funded in part by multiple C2E2 Grants (Century II Endowed Equipment Fund), the Van Pelt and Opie Library is providing 3D printing orientation and training available to current students, faculty, and staff at Michigan Tech.

Follow the steps below to schedule your 3D printing session with us, today!

Please note that we do not allow unattended or overnight prints.

Step 1—Create your 3D model

Please ensure your 3D model meets the following printer-specific requirements:

File Format— Your 3D model file must be saved in STL (.stl) format.
Size—Your model must fit within the printer's build-space:
- Type A Machines Series 1 - 305mm x 305mm x 305mm
- Lulzbot Taz 6 - 280mm x 280mm x 250mm
- Lulzbot Taz Pro - 280mm x 280mm x 285 mm
Scale/Density/Wall Thickness—We can change multiple variables of your design before we print with the slicer Cura.

Step 2—Submit your model for a pre-flight check

Please submit your model at least 1 week in advance of your anticipated print date.

Although we cannot guarantee specific dates, we make every effort to accommodate a patron's request when models are submitted well in advance of the required date.

Once you submit your 3D model file (.stl file) to us electronically, we will test it for potential printing problems, such as overhangs and joint issues. The consultant will then contact you with a report on the viability of your build and the approximate time to complete the print. Please note that you may be required to make adjustments to your model at this stage. Once your model file has been validated and approved, we will work with you to schedule a print time. You are expected to monitor the build process of your print.

Email your 3D model (.stl file) to [email protected]

Step 3—Schedule your 3D print

Check us out at the 3D printers on the second floor of the library behind the wide format scanner and poster printer (across from room 201b) during our scheduled time and we will assist you with the printing process, and answer any questions you may have about the variety of printers, tools, and filaments.

2020 Summer semester 3D Print schedule start times
Monday - Friday (8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)

Although most prints have no monetary cost (print projects over 250 grams have a material recovery model of $.15/gram) we do require you to be here for an orientation at the start of the print as well as support with monitoring your print for the entire duration. Please make sure you have ample time to check on the printer periodically (usually, once per half-hour is sufficient).

Email us at [email protected] to schedule your 3D print session

Schedule your print time here.

Please allow at least 24 hours advance notice when scheduling your print.

Orientation | Advanced Metal 3D Printing Center

Manufacturing Method

Should I use additive manufacturing, welding, casting, or machining for my metal part?

That depends on the complexity of your model. Additive manufacturing can be expensive and should not be used as a method if machining or casting will do the job, for example.

Here are some courses that can help you to understand machining and manufacturing methods involving metals.

MEEM 3600 - Introduction to Manufacturing

This course introduces manufacturing processes, including deformation, subtractive, additive, and molding processes. Students learn how things are made in both low and high production environments. It includes design for manufacturing considerations.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2150 and (MY 2100 or MSE 2100)

MEEM 4430 - Advanced Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Methods

Students apply advanced solid modeling techniques to construct solid models of mechanical systems, document the design using GD&T conventions as per ASME standards, simulate the motion of the system, and learn the computer aided manufacturing and additive manufacturing techniques.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): ENG 1102 and MEEM 3600

MEEM 4610 - Advanced Machining Processes

Covers mechanics of 2-D and 3-D cutting and their extension to commonly used conventional processes such as turning, boring, milling, and drilling. Topics include force modeling, surface generation, heat transfer, tool life and dynamics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2500 or MEEM 3600

MEEM 4615 - Metal Forming Processes

Covers analytical and experimental study of metal forming processes, such as forging, extrusion, rolling, bending, stretch forming, and deep drawing as well as progressive die design for sheet metal stamping and design of dies for bulk forming.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2500 and MEEM 2150

MSE 5610 - Powder Processing

Processing of metal and ceramic powders into bulk products. Powder manufacture and characterization, compaction, sintering, pressure-assisted consolidation to full density. Emphasis on principles underlying consolidation practices.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): MY 2100 or MSE 2100

MEEM 5610 - Advanced Machining Processes

Covers mechanics of 2-D and 3-D cutting and their extension to commonly used processes such as turning, boring, milling, and drilling. Topics include force modeling, surface generation, heat transfer, tool life and dynamics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

MEEM 5615 - Advanced Metal Forming

Introduces fundamentals of plasticity theory and applies to the analysis of deformation processes. Processes considered are forging, extrusion, wire drawing, bending, deep drawing, and stretch forming. Emphasizes sheet metal formability.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

Best Practices

What are some best practices in 3D model design for additive manufacturing of metal parts?

There are many things to consider when 3D printing, such as sharp corners, overhangs, bridges, and many other details of geometry.

Primarily, it is important to design the part from the bottom up, instead of the top down like traditional subtractive machining.

Feel free to contact us and we can help you on your way!

Viability

How can I be sure my model is viable for 3D printing?

One of the best methods to ensure that your print will be viable and successful is to prototype print it first using plastics, primarily ABS. Doing so will show you where your prints have internal stresses, where it will be difficult, and will aid you getting to your final part that is ready for the metal printer.

Learn about 3D polymer printers on campus, such as the Polymeric Additive Manufacturing Facility. It is operated by the Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Education and Training

What can I do to learn more?

Michigan Tech offers classes in 3D printing, manufacturing, design, material characterization, and related topics.

MSE 4777 - Distributed Additive Manufacturing Using Open-Source 3-D Printing

This course provides an overview of open-source hardware in theory and practice for an introduction to distributed additive manufacturing using open-source 3-D printing. Each student will build a customized RepRap and will learn all hardware and software for maintaining it.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior

MEEM 3600 - Introduction to Manufacturing

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2150 and (MY 2100 or MSE 2100)

MEEM 3901 - Mechanical Engineering Practice III - Model Based Design

Students apply the engineering design process by combining engineering science with simulation tools to guide design decisions. They use energy-based models to determine design direction and design-based simulation to select and optimize components and subsystems to meet design requirements.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2911(C) and MEEM 2150 and MEEM 2700

MEEM 4430 - Advanced Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Methods

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): ENG 1102 and MEEM 3600

MEEM 4625 - Precision Manuf and Metrology

Course presents theory and practice involved in manufacturing and measuring of precision components. Topics include precision machining processes, precision machine/mechanism design, and dimensional metrology. Also discusses current manufacturing challenges in the bearings, optics, and microelectronics industries.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): (MEEM 3700(C) and MEEM 3502(C)) or MEEM 3600(C)

MEEM 4695 - Additive Manufacturing

Background, principles, process chain, software aspects, post-processing, open-source tools, applications, and future directions of AM technologies are discussed.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3600(C)

MEEM 5625 - Precision Manuf and Metrology

Presents theory and practice involved in the manufacturing and measuring of precision components. Topics include precision machining processes, precision machine/mechanism design, and dimensional metrology. Addresses current manufacturing challenges in the bearings, optics, and microelectronics industries.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics

MET 3500 - Manufacturing Processes

Focuses on practical aspects of design and manufacturing. Covers fundamentals of manufacturing processes and includes a weekly lab to provide hands-on experience with manufacturing issues that influence component design.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): (ENG 1100 or ENG 1101 or ENG 1102) and MSE 2100 and MET 2153

MET 4550 - Computer Aided Manufacturing

Course is designed to apply techniques used in parametric modeling (CAD) and convert this information to all phases of production planning, machining, scheduling and quality control.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): MET 2153 and MET 2400

MET 4780 - Advanced Manufacturing

An introduction to advanced manufacturing processes, both traditional and nontraditional. Study of both theory and practice will be tied to laboratory experiments utilizing a spectrum of unique materials and methods.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): MET 3500

MFGE 5300 - Design for Additive Manufacturing

This course looks into the challenges of Additive. Pros and cons of the seven ASTM AM categories are discussed with the view of product purpose: form, fit, and function. Effects of build orientation, layer height, particle size, and slicing software have on part integrity are also discussed.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

MFGE 5400 - Additive Manufacturing Lab

A hands-on approach is used to investigate Additive Manufacturing technologies. Key concepts are demonstrated by implementing the generic eight-step AM process. Students will design and print parts using various AM machines.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

MSE 5777 - Advanced Open-Source 3-D Printing

An introduction to distributed additive manufacturing using open-source 3-D printing. Design, use, and maintenance of open-source electronics and self-replicating rapid prototypers (RepRap). Graduate students will be expected to complete coursework and an in-depth project.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

Become Involved in Additive Manufacturing

How can I start a project or career in additive manufacturing?

Michigan Tech offers several related programs. Check Majors, Minors, and More for all undergraduate degree offerings. The Graduate School offers degree programs, certificate programs, and online programs.

BS, MS, PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
BS, MS in Mechanical Engineering
Online MS in Mechanical Engineering
MS in Engineering Mechanics
PhD and Online PhD in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Graduate Certificate Manufacturing Engineering
Minor in Manufacturing or Manufacturing Systems
MS in Manufacturing Engineering (coming soon)

The Michigan Tech article “Be Brief: Metal” lists several applications of 3D printing, along with a virtual tour of the 3D Systems DMP 305.

The Van Pelt Library also provides 3D printing orientation and training for current students, faculty, and staff at Michigan Tech.

MTU Researchers Develop Software to Detect and Fix 3D Printing Defects

News

, capable of detecting anomalies in the build process and correcting various 3D printing parameters.

Work on the project called "Open source layer-by-layer analysis of 3D printing based on machine vision" is being carried out by doctoral student of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Systems Alexey Petsyuk and Professor of the Faculty of Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering Joshua Pierce.

It works quite simply: the program starts by checking the height in the lateral projection and analyzes the virtual top view for compliance of the shapes of the printed structures with the given contours using multi-pattern matching and iterative algorithms, spatial frequency filters, Gaussian distribution models and segmentation of structural anomalies using the agglomerative hierarchical algorithm. clustering. Or something like that. In short, this thing visually tracks the shape of the printed layers and compares what it is with what it should be according to the commands in the G-code, and then decides what to do next.

For all this to function, some hardware is required: a camera installed at an angle to the desktop (the authors used a device based on a Sony EXMOR IMX322 CMOS matrix), marker markings so that the program can determine the position of the table in space relative to that of the camera itself, and LED lighting synchronized in height with the applied layers to ensure stable machine vision results. A self-made additive system based on a Rostock delta printer was used in the experiments.

To begin with, software developed in the Python environment parses the G-code, separating it into layers and segmenting the extruder paths into categories such as skirt, infill, outer and inner walls, supports, and so on. As the developers explain, positioning trajectories depend on the algorithm used for slicing STL files and do not always exactly match the contours in the original digital models, so it is more reliable to focus on the coordinates directly in the G-code ( see illustration below ).

On the left is a layer in the digital model (the black dotted line for comparison shows the contour generated by the G-code), on the right is the result recorded by machine vision, in the center is the area of possible mismatch between STL and G-code

Then, already in the process of 3D printing, the program compares the physical layers with the virtual ones in terms of contour and height, taking into account the camera tilt and generating corrected images in the top and side projections. It would be possible to use two cameras, but, according to the developers, the use of a monocular system reduces the computational load, not to mention savings on equipment.

Temperature, trajectories, positioning speed, material feed speed, layer thickness and other parameters are stored for each layer. The software is created not only for analysis, but also for full control of workflows using RAMPS 1.4 as an interface and Marlin firmware. Even options for repairing products are being worked out - adjusting the G-code in case of detection of deviations from the original model.

Ideally, algorithms should reliably detect various problems and take appropriate action. For example, in the case of printing “over the air” due to a lack of filament, the 3D printer should stop printing and inform the operator, in the case of a clogged nozzle, the temperature of the hot end should increase and 3D printing of the missing fragment should be repeated, in case of deviations from the original contour, coordinate corrections should be made in the G-code, in case of underextrusion, the temperature of the hot end and the rate of material supply should increase, in the case of tearing and bending of the first layers, the heating temperature of the table should increase, and so on.

The project is still at an early stage of development, but the existing source code has already been released to the public. The full report and a detailed description of the project can be found at this link.

Do you have interesting news? Share your developments with us, and we will tell the whole world about them! We are waiting for your ideas at news@3Dtoday. ru.

The 3D revolution: like wildfire

The Düsseldorf trade fair organizers and the German Association of Machine and Plant Manufacturers have announced the creation of the 3D fab+print theme.

Revolutionary production technologies have been developing for quite a long time, remaining almost unnoticed, without any significant influence from major players. The initiative came from researchers, small startups and lone artisans experimenting with 3D printing in their garages. Like all other technological revolutions, this movement was based on the enthusiasm of its early adopters, mostly middle-aged men who loved technology and worked closely with the open source community. These so-called "producers" continue to support the idea of personal production and the formation of a network of things. Social utopians harbor dreams of transferring the means of production "to the masses" and of the triumph of self-reproducing machines. The excitement of a new age and the expectation of another gold rush is still in the air, although we have seen in the past that start-ups quickly join the traditional corporate world and just as quickly shed the ideals of open source.

3D printing has its own history. The laser was used in industry long before the Internet changed the world. It produced prototypes and models used in the production of a limited number of working components and building blocks. Unlike standard injection molding processes, 3D printing does not require time-consuming preparation of molds and fixtures. There is no cutting, no turning, no drilling.

The social and economic impacts of the 3D printing revolution are already making themselves felt, and it's undeniable. In an environment where the number and variety of products is constantly growing, and their life cycle is shortening, robots continue to tirelessly perform the tasks assigned to them with an accuracy that is inaccessible to mere mortals. And that's exactly what we need today.

3D printing technology plays a very important role in the creation of tooling systems, building components, medical devices and consumer goods. In this regard, on the eve of the international exhibition K 2013, which presented plastic and rubber products, its organizers, together with the German Association of Machine and Plant Manufacturers (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, VDMA), decided to open in October 2013 a thematic direction 3D fab+print, which will be presented at several exhibitions in Düsseldorf at once and will certainly attract the attention of industry observers. These exhibitions include COMPAMED (November 12-14, 2014), MEDICA (November 12-15, 2014), GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST (June 16-20, 2014) and Drupa (May 31-10 June 2016).

MakerBot Replicator 2 3D Printer currently available for €1,890 and ABS Model 2X
for €2,290

Consequences of the 3D revolution

3D printing is not only displacing, reshaping and capitalizing on traditional processes, it is also accelerating innovation. Instant creation of solid prototypes and material templates promises many advantages. In the consumer sector, unit costs for consumer goods will always be lower than for custom-made goods, and under these conditions, some part of the production process may be demanded by the consumers themselves. The economy will not suffer from this, because such independent producers, in addition to materials and support, also need 3D technologies. New lines of business will be created, including printing services for those who are not ready to invest in 3D printers on their own. You can remember what crazy tariffs for 3D printing existed at the initial stage of its formation.

Born in pain

Hewlett-Packard was the first major manufacturer to venture into the production of 3D printers. Between 2010 and 2012, HP entered into an alliance with Israeli-American manufacturer Stratasys. The result of this collaboration was the emergence of devices HP Designjet 3D and HP Designjet Color 3D, which are no longer on the market today. It seems that now HP has decided to make a second attempt. HP CEO Meg Whitman personally announced the initiative: “At present, 3D printers are in their infancy. There are excellent opportunities before us, and we will try to use them. Hopefully by the middle of next year we will have something to show.” However, confidence in the immediate future is doubtful, since it was Whitman who pointed out that this sector is still far from a real return. You will have to be patient, because the cost of 3D printing for many continues to be unbearable, and the choice and variety of materials leave much to be desired. The machines that exist today are terribly slow. “It takes eight to ten hours to print a trivial bottle,” Whitman said. “It’s all very interesting, but it’s more like watching grass grow.”

RepRap 1.0, called Darwin, was released in May 2008. It was the first 3D printer to be able to reproduce all of its plastic components on its own

However, the hopes that the "birth pangs" will soon become a thing of the past are fully justified. 3D printing is not a pipe dream, but a real revolution in manufacturing technology. Today, the scope of 3D printing is limited mainly by the capabilities of computer-aided design systems, which are still focused on laser cutting, lathe operations and injection molding machines, but over time, all industries will benefit from the implementation of new ideas.

The inclusion of 3D printing in the canons of printing technologies, along with letterpress, offset and digital printing, is absolutely necessary, and there are no half measures here. It is necessary to promote its advantages in universities, in advanced training courses, in professional associations and especially in enterprises. Online printing services can take orders for the most unusual items, such as coffee mugs and Christmas decorations. Everything here depends only on the imagination of customers, because the necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel are already available. There is a real prospect of making a profit. The time has come to create and improve business models, because what you sow is what you reap. And the dynamics of the value of Stratasys shares speaks best of all about the high potential. Ten years ago they were selling for $7.58, today they are selling for $114, and the end of this race is not yet in sight.

Market overview

Adrian Bower | Mechanical engineer and mathematician Adrian Bower (born 1951) teaches mechanics and engineering at the University of Bath. In 2004, his manifesto "Wealth Without Money" launched the RepRap movement

It is relatively easy to get acquainted with 3D printing today. Printer assembly kits and ready-made devices for beginners cost about 300 euros. Professional machines are sold at a price of 3,000 euros or more. However, the prices of 3D printers intended for industrial applications are under very strong pressure. As with 2D printing equipment, there are three main categories of devices in the 3D sector: for home users, for professionals and for industrial use. About two dozen manufacturers from different countries offer their solutions to customers. Most of them were inspired by the RepRap (Replicating Rapid-Prototyper) project, which was initiated by Adrian Bower, a professor at the University of Bath in England, and aims to create self-replicating devices designed for 3D printing. The prototype of such a device was released by Bower under the GNU license in order to speed up its distribution. Then Ultimaker and Makibox followed in his footsteps. The well-known American manufacturer of 3D printers from New York, Makerbot, was not so long ago a non-profit organization. Today it is a division of Stratasys, and the program code of the modern model of the Replicator 2 3D printer, unlike previous models, is closed.

The English manufacturer Bits from Bytes, which began its journey with the RapMan 3D printer project, a commercial version of the RepRap Darwin open source product, also lost its independence. In October 2010, Bits from Bytes was bought by the leader in the consumer sector, the American company 3D Systems. The South Carolina manufacturer is currently operating at full capacity. The production and research resources of its main enterprise, located in the Waterford Business Park in Rock Hill, are practically exhausted, so 3D Systems plans to open an additional center for 133 new jobs.

Stratasys mojo | The Stratasys mojo FDM is currently the smallest professional 3D printer

Cube 381000 | The $1,600 Cube 3D printer model offered by 3D Systems can use two materials in one print operation

In the professional sector, the undisputed world leader is Stratasys. In addition to its two headquarters in Eden Prairie (Minnesota, USA) and Rehovot (Israel), it has six branches, one of which is located in the German town of Rheinmünster near Baden-Baden. Stratasys produces a fairly wide range of products, ranging from popular and inexpensive desktop 3D printers to the latest 3D printing production systems. The company offers an extensive range of specialty materials, including over 150 photopolymers and thermoplastics.

The world leader in industrial laser sintering systems is EOS, headquartered in Krailing near Munich. It was founded in 1989 by Hans Langer and Hans Steinbichler and today supplies 3D printers that are used on the production lines of MTU, EADS, Daimler and BMW. In China, 3D printers are operated by TierTime Technology, founded in 2003 in Beijing and selling devices under the Inspire brand. Summing up, we can say that the possibilities of 3D printing today are quite enough to solve a variety of problems related to both the establishment of small-scale production and the production of unique products.

thingiverse screenshot | Platforms like Thingiverse offer thousands of CAD templates that you can download and print yourself

One principle, different approaches

Also called “rapid prototyping” or “additive manufacturing”, 3D printing is based on the principle of layering, an additive process by which an object is built layer by layer from liquid or powdered substances. In the course of physical or chemical processes, the solidification of a substance occurs. Consumables typically include resin, plastic, metal, ceramic, and paper.

Currently, manufacturers use different processes that are fundamentally similar, but have some differences associated with the use of proprietary technologies. The most popular processes include selective laser melting, electron beam melting for metals, selective laser sintering for plastics, stereolithography, DLP (curing with a DLP projector), PolyJet technology for photopolymers, and fused deposition modeling (FDM). ) for thermoplastics. Most 3D printers only use one type of material or mixture at a time. However, tests are also being carried out on the simultaneous use of plastics of different hardness or colors. Stratasys has received a patent for layering by melting, or FDM technology. The FDM process extrudes thin, semi-liquid filaments of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic from nozzles, which are layer by layer superimposed on each other and eventually take the shape of an object. With PolyJet technology, photopolymers are exposed to UV radiation and hardened, becoming indistinguishable from injection molded products.

Bits from Bytes www.bitsfrombytes.com

Adrian Bowyer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Bowyer

3D Systems www.3dsystems.com

EOS www.eos.info

Makerbot www.makerbot.com

Makibox http://makibox.com

RepRap Project http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap

Stratasys http://www.