3D Printers

SLA Printer

Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that belongs to the Vat Photopolymerization family. In SLA, an object is created by selectively curing a polymer resin layer-by-layer using an ultraviolet (UV) laser beam. The materials used in SLA are photosensitive thermoset polymers that come in a liquid form.

FDM Printer

High performance materials 3D printing machine.

Fused deposition modeling, or FDM 3D Printing, is a method of additive manufacturing where layers of materials are fused together in a pattern to create an object. The material is usually melted just past its glass transition temperature, and then extruded in a pattern next to or on top of previous extrusions, creating an object layer by layer.

In layman’s terms, a typical FDM 3D printer takes a plastic filament and squeezes it through a hot end, melting it and then depositing it in layers on the print bed. These layers are fused together, building up throughout the print, and eventually they will form the finished part. Many types of materials can be used with FDM techniques, including the most common thermoplastics, chocolate, pastes, and even “exotic” materials like metal- or wood-infused thermoplastic.

SLM Printer

Selective laser melting, or SLM, is a type of metal additive manufacturing or 3D printing. SLM technology melts pure metals. The laser sinters the powder together, layer-by-layer, until the model is complete.