Fundamental of

3D Printing
Technology

K Sarupya Santhosh
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
sK

MGIT
 At the end of the course the students will be able to​
• Apply 3D printing techniques for various Industrial needs​
Outcomes • Use software tools for 3D printing​
• Know how to prepare 3D printed modules​
• Learn how to construct products using LOM and FDM technologies​
• Analyze various processes in 3D printing to properly choose for
varied applications

2
 1 Introduction to 3D Printing 2 The History of 3D Printing
Explore the fundamentals of 3D printing Trace the evolution of 3D printing from its
technology and its applications. early beginnings to modern advancements.

3 Materials and Costs Involved 4 The 3D Printing Ecosystem

Understand the various materials used in Discover the interconnected components
3D printing and the associated costs. that make up the 3D printing industry.

5 Future Scope of 3D Printing 6 Generic 3D Printing Process

Explore the potential future developments Understand the step-by-step process
Unit 1: Introduction and applications of 3D printing technology. involved in 3D printing.

to 3D Printing 7 Benefits of 3D Printing 8 3D Printing vs. CNC Machining

Explore the advantages and benefits of Understand the differences and similarities
adopting 3D printing technology. between 3D printing and CNC machining.

9 Other Related Technologies 10 Development of 3D Printing Techn

Discover the various technologies that Trace the advancements and milestones in
complement and enhance 3D printing. the development of 3D printing technology.

11 3D Printing Around the World 12 Conclusion

Explore the global adoption and Summarize the key takeaways and the
applications of 3D printing technology. future outlook of 3D printing.
 Course Structure
Fundamentals of 3D Printing Technology

M1 Introduction to Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing

M2 Liquid Additive Manufacturing

Working principle

Classifications
M3 1. Laminated Object Manufacturing / Sheet Additive
Physic of the Process Manufacturing 2. Wire Additive Manufacturing

Process Modeling M4 Design for Manufacturing, 3D sketching,

Softwares
Details of the machine tool
M5 Applications
 Introduction to 3D Printing
Term of Reference: Additive Manufacturing
The term 3D Printing is as easy and simple as 2D printing.

2D printer 3D printer
 Introduction to 3D Printing
Term of Reference: Additive Manufacturing
“Additive Manufacturing” refers to the layer-by-layer fabrication
of three-dimensional physical models directly from computer- Pre-process(tessellate, slice,
aided design (CAD). It is an automatic process of manufacturing support)
objects (parts, prototypes, tools and even assemblies) directly
from their CAD models without any cutters, tools or fixtures
specific to the object geometry.
Build part
(additive/stacking)

CAD STL Sliced

file file file Post-process
(break support,
finish)
 What is Rapid
Prototyping
3D printing or additive manufacturing is the construction
of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a
digital 3D model

• .

Photo by Pexels
Understanding a 3D printer
Layout

Photo by Pexels
The History of 3D Printing
1 Early Developments
The concept of 3D printing was first introduced in the 1970s, with
key pioneers like Charles Hull developing the first commercial 3D
printing technology, stereolithography, in the 1980s.

2 Advancements
Over the decades, 3D printing has seen major advancements,
with the introduction of technologies like fused deposition
modeling (FDM) and selective laser sintering (SLS).

3 Modern Day
Today, 3D printing is a mature technology used across a wide
range of industries, with ongoing innovations in materials,
software, and applications.
 Materials and Costs
Involved
Analyzing Resources and
Economics
Types of materials used (plastics, metals, ceramics,
etc.)
Cost factors (material costs, machine costs, operational
costs)
• Examples of cost-effective and high-end materials

Photo by Pexels
Cost of 3D Printing Materials
Factors Affecting Cost Average Costs Cost Efficiency

Material type and quality, printing Plastics: PLA ₹1,600 - ₹2,400/kg, ABS Bulk purchasing can reduce costs.
technology and printer ₹1,600 - ₹2,800/kg, PETG ₹2,000 - PLA is more cost-effective for
compatibility, quantity and supplier. ₹3,200/kg. Metals: Stainless Steel prototyping.
₹4,000 - ₹8,000/kg, Titanium ₹24,000
- ₹48,000/kg. Resins: Standard
₹4,000 - ₹6,400/L, Tough ₹6,000 -
₹9,600/L. Ceramics ₹8,000 -
₹16,000/kg, Composites ₹3,600 -
₹5,600/kg.
Benefits of 3D Printing
1 Customization and Flexibility
3D printing enables the creation of highly customized and
complex products, allowing for greater design freedom
and personalization.

2 Cost-effectiveness and Reduced Waste

3D printing can be more cost-effective than traditional
manufacturing methods, especially for low-volume
production, and generates less waste.

3 Speed and Efficiency

The additive nature of 3D printing allows for faster
production times and the ability to create complex parts
in a single step.
Aspect 3D Printing CNC Machining Key Differences Between
Process Type Additive manufacturing Subtractive 3D Printing and CNC
(builds objects layer by manufacturing (removes
layer) material from a solid Machining
block)
Materials Plastics, metals, resins, Metals, plastics, wood
ceramics

Complex Geometries Ideal for complex and Limited by the tool

intricate designs access and machine
capabilities
Setup Time and Cost Lower initial setup cost Higher initial setup cost
and time and time

Production Speed Slower for large Faster for mass production

batches, better for
prototypes and small
runs
Material Waste Minimal waste, material More waste due to
added only where material removal
needed
Surface Finish May require post- Excellent surface finish,
processing for smooth often no post-processing
finish needed
Tolerances and Precision Good for general High precision, tight
prototyping, less precise tolerances
Varies depending on Generally stronger,
Strength of Parts suitable for structural
material and print
orientation components
Unlocking the Potential of Plastics
PLA(Poly Lactic Acid): ABS (Acrylonitrile PETG (Polyethylene
The Eco-Friendly Choice Butadiene Styrene): Terephthalate Glycol):
The Workhorse of 3D The Versatile
Printing Compromise
•Properties: Biodegradable, easy •Properties: Strong, durable, •Properties: Strong, flexible,
to print with, low warping. heat-resistant. chemical-resistant.
•Applications: Prototyping, •Applications: Functional parts, •Applications: Functional parts,
hobbyist prints, decorative items. mechanical components, containers, parts exposed to
•Pros: Wide range of colors, good consumer products. moisture.
surface finish, low odor. •Pros: Good impact resistance, •Pros: Less prone to warping
•Cons: Less durable and heat- can be smoothed with acetone. than ABS, easier to print than
resistant compared to other •Cons: Emits fumes during PLA.
materials printing, requires a heated bed to •Cons: Can be stringy and
prevent warping. requires careful temperature
control.
Pushing the Boundaries of 3D
Printing Materials

1 Nylon: The Tough and Flexible Choice

•Properties: Strong, flexible, durable, wear-resistant.
•Applications: Functional parts, mechanical components, tools.
•Pros: High impact strength and flexibility, good layer adhesion.
•Cons: Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), requires precise temperature control.

2 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): The Flexible Solution

•Properties: Flexible, elastic, durable.
•Applications: Phone cases, gaskets, flexible joints.
•Pros: High flexibility, resistant to abrasion and impact.
•Cons: Can be challenging to print, slower print speeds required.

3 Resin: The High-Detail Option

•Properties: High detail, smooth surface finish, varies in rigidity and flexibility.
•Applications: High-detail models, prototypes, dental and jewelry applications.
•Pros: Excellent detail and surface finish, can be very strong or flexible.
•Cons: Requires post-processing (curing), can be toxic and has a strong odor
Pushing the Boundaries of 3D
Printing Materials

1 Metals(e.g., Stainless Steel, Titanium)

•Properties: Strong, heat-resistant, durable.
•Applications: Aerospace, automotive parts, medical implants.
•Pros: Extremely strong and functional, suitable for high-performance
applications.
•Cons: Expensive, requires specialized printers and post-processing

2 Composite Filaments (e.g., Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber)

•Properties: Reinforced with fibers for increased strength and rigidity.
•Applications: Parts requiring high strength and reduced weight.
•Pros: High strength-to-weight ratio, often used in high-performance
applications.
•Cons: Can be abrasive to nozzles, usually more expensive.
The 3D Printing Ecosystem
Hardware
The 3D printing ecosystem includes a variety of hardware components, such as 3D
printers, materials, and supporting equipment.

Software
Software plays a crucial role in the 3D printing ecosystem, enabling the design,
slicing, and control of the printing process.

Community
A thriving community of designers, engineers, and enthusiasts contributes to the
ongoing development and innovation in the 3D printing space.

Applications
3D printing has a wide range of applications across industries, from rapid
prototyping to the production of end-use parts and products.
Future Scope of 3D Printing
Emerging Trends
Innovations like 4D printing, which involves creating objects that can
change shape in response to external stimuli, are pushing the
boundaries of what's possible with 3D printing.

Diverse Applications
3D printing is finding applications in diverse fields, from space
exploration and healthcare to food production and construction,
transforming the way we approach manufacturing and problem-solving.

Bright Future
As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, it holds immense
potential to reshape our world, offering greater customization,
sustainability, and efficiency in the years to come.