3D Printing, a patented MIT process, refers to the process of using an ink-jet print head to lay down a liquid adhesive on a layer of powder, binding the powder particles together. First, a thin distribution of powder is spread over the surface of a powder bed. From a computer model of the desired part, a slicing algorithm computes information for the layer. Using a technology similar to ink-jet printing, a binder material joins particles where the object is to be formed.
A piston then lowers so that the next powder layer can be spread and selectively joined. This layer-by-layer process repeats until the part is completed. Following a heat treatment, the loose powder is removed, leaving the fabricated part.
Some of the applications of this process include —
| Part made by Z Corp’s 3D Printing Process |
- Soligen is using ceramic powders to directly produce investment castings.
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Extrude Hone uses it for direct metal tooling.
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Z Corporation uses the process to create conceptual models out of cellulose, engineered plaster and other types of powders. The company also has machines capable of producing color models.
Link to this article：Rapid Prototyping -- 3D Printing (3DP)
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