A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right 3D Printing Technology

Printing has changed the entire game of creativity and helped bring ideas to life. 3D printing has played a significant role in many industries, including manufacturing and fashion. Now that 3D printing has permanently taken hold, everybody wants good printing technology to create their desired 3D objects. 

Everybody can use 3D printing technology, whether they are a beginner or an expert, to bring their ideas to life. We get a vast range of options in 3D printing, including basic models and advanced setups like the MJF 3D printer, and every printing technology has different capabilities and limitations that we must understand before getting our hands on a printer and starting 3D printing.

Understanding the Core Principles

3D printing is reshaping industries worldwide and has become a way to make objects by adding material to each layer and bringing a computer or digitized idea to life. 3D printers are found in various sizes and features, and different printers have different needs, so materials are also used accordingly. We can use plastic, liquid resin, or powder to build the object, depending on what material the 3D printer needs. Every printer works basically for one goal: to create a 3D object of high quality. To look for a good printer, you have to know how each printer affects the look of the object, how strong it is, how fast it's made, and how much it costs.

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

Professionals generally use MJF and PolyJets because they are advanced 3D printing technologies. HP makes MJF, which is similar to SLS but not exactly the same because it adds special agents to the powder to make parts more detailed and print faster. The MJF 3D printer ensures a high-quality object and a strong build.

Stereolithography (SLA)

SLA printing differs from others because it uses a laser to harden liquid resin into solid plastic. It is popular among artists because it is best for creating detailed and smooth objects.

SLA is better at many things and has better quality, but people often find it expensive. It also requires some extra steps after printing, like cleaning the object and curing it under UV light for a more precise look. So, if you want to make your models or objects look sharp and professional, then SLA is a good choice, and it's worth every penny. 

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

DLP also uses liquid resin, just like SLA. However, the difference between the two is that DLP uses a digital projector to harden an entire layer of liquid resin simultaneously, instead of a laser like SLA. That’s why DLP would be best for making objects faster. It is even better and faster than SLA and focuses on minute detailing and smooth prints, which is best if you make small and precise models. 

However, like SLA printers, DLP printers are expensive and require extra steps after printing and careful handling. That’s why DLP printers are used mainly by professionals with deeper knowledge about printers, materials, and applications, who need speed and detail. 

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

SLS is one of the most unique and advanced types of 3D printing, where it uses a laser to melt powdered materials; generally, these materials are nylon. They turn these materials into solid shapes, and you know the best part? It doesn’t need extra supports because the loose powder around the object holds it in place during printing. That’s why SLS printers are generally used to make complicated parts of an object; they focus on detailing and make strong objects that are otherwise hard to create with other types of 3D printing.

Choosing the Right Technology for Your Needs

We know choosing the right 3D printing technology is tough because there are many options, but you can choose based on your preference. First, decide why you want a 3D printer and what you will create with it. Then, ask yourself what kind of materials you will be using and how fast you want them to be made, and then decide on the budget. Lastly, make sure you have sufficient knowledge and experience about whatever printing method you choose. If you are a beginner, go for FDM because it's best for simpler projects.

So now you have the options, and you know almost everything about printing technology, from strengths to limitations. You can make a smart decision and choose the right 3D printing technology.