What Is 3D Printing?


3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.

The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross-section of the object.

3D printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing which is cutting out / hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic with for instance a milling machine.

3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.


Why use ZH 3D Printers for Rapid Prototyping?

In short: it’s fast and relatively cheap. From idea, to 3D model to holding a prototype in your hands is a matter of days instead of weeks. Iterations are easier and cheaper to make and you don’t need expensive molds or tools.

Besides rapid prototyping, 3D printing is also used for rapid manufacturing. Rapid manufacturing is a new method of manufacturing where businesses use 3D printers for short run / small batch custom manufacturing.







SLS 3D printing

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printing fuse the powder (typically nylon powder) to form the part by laser technology. Without additional supporting materials, the SLS printed parts allow high flexibility and are very suitable for functional parts and moving parts from prototypes. Parts can be assembled or jointed.

SLA 3D printing

SLA (Stereo lithography Appearance) printing is applicable to presentation prototypes, concept models, and translucent prototypes. To create parts, the process cures the photopolymer layer by layer by UV light. SLA technology becomes popular because of the result of high resolution.

SLM 3D printing

We use SLM (Selective Laser Melting) to print metal parts. The metal powder will be melted and formed layer by layer to build the part. 3D printing manufacturing reduces material waste and enhances the flexibility of the design. That’s why metal printing to be a popular alternative to machining services.







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