Choosing a suitable additive manufacturing (AM) technology for a particular application is vital for getting the best results.
Each AM technology generates different outcomes with unique characteristics. Some 3D printing methods are isotropic, whereas others are anisotropic, referring to how material properties vary in the X, Y, and Z planes. Certain 3D printing methods yield better aesthetics, while others are designed for strength and durability. Economics is also a factor, as particular technologies deliver a lower cost per part. Knowing which characteristics are most important for your 3D printed part helps you home in on the right 3D printing technology.
Valiant TMS, a company that makes intelligent automation solutions for the aerospace and automotive industries, encountered this decision-making scenario. The company uses several AM technologies, but when engineers were faced with a tooling application that their existing 3D printing capabilities didn’t adequately address, they considered alternatives. Specifically, engineers wanted to produce end-use parts with a very smooth surface finish. Ultimately, Valiant TMS researched and purchased an Origin One printer that uses P3 technology, a form of DLP (digital light processing). Valiant TMS chose the Origin One based on its broad range of available materials and the ability to achieve exceptionally smooth surfaces.
Valiant TMS engineers achieved their objectives but also gained another positive result. Not only did P3 technology meet the technical requirements, but it also saved nearly 80% in time and cost compared to the company’s other 3D printing technologies. That’s notable because it highlights how other AM methods yield different results. You can read the complete story and Valiant TMS’s results in this brief use case.
So what do you do if you don’t have the optimal additive manufacturing technology at your disposal and, like Valiant TMS, think there’s a better option? Consider the services of a contract manufacturer like Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. They specialize in the full range of polymer 3D printing technologies and can guide you toward an optimal manufacturing choice. They can also 3D print the parts for you, giving you firsthand experience with a particular technology.
For many applications, 3D printing offers benefits over traditional manufacturing, regardless of the specific technology used. However, remember that each has its own set of best-fit applications, and one may produce better results than another, so it pays to choose wisely.
