4 specific machines for modelling Flashcards
what does LOM stand for?
laminated object manufacturing
how does LOM work?
it uses a building platform onto which the sheets of material can be rolled out and builds up layers.
pros of LOM:
- prints solid material fast
- doesn’t use too many different materials
- the machine is cheap (low fixed cost)
- it doesn’t need a support structure (the waste around it supports it)
cons of LOM:
- wastes material
- high running cost
- quite outdated
- only prints simple shapes
what does SLA stand for?
stereolithography printing
how does SLA work?
liquid, photosensitive resin is poured into a vat and UV light interacts with the resin to cure it
pros of SLA:
- cures the resin quickly
- it’s an additive process so barely wastes with a support structure
- high quality surface finish
- no heat used
cons of SLA:
- expensive machine and material
- resin is toxic so must wear gloves
- can degrade when exposed to UV light long-term
what does SLS stand for?
selective laser sintering
how does SLS work?
uses a laser to sinter small particles of polymer powder into a solid structure
pros of SLS:
- no waste as you just use the powder that wasn’t sintered
- high quality finish
- no support structures needed
cons of SLS:
- powder is toxic
- high start-up cost
- prototype won’t last
what does FDM stand for?
fused deposition modelling
how does FDM work?
it acts like a moving hot glue gun. it heats and softens brittle plastic, prints the layer and lowers the bed etc.
pros of FDM:
- cheapest
- prints colours
- watersoluble support material
