3D Printers

3D printers can be classified into several categories based on the underlying technology, the type of materials they use, and their intended applications. Here's a breakdown of 3D printer categories and types of 3D printers:

Categories of 3D Printers

  1. Industrial 3D Printers

    • Description: Large, high-performance machines used for manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
    • Applications: End-use parts, tooling, large prototypes.
    • Examples: Stratasys F900, INTAMSYS FUNMAT PRO 610 HT, Anisoprint PROM IS 500D, Massivit 10000, WEBER DX Series

  2. Desktop 3D Printers

    • Description: Smaller, more affordable machines designed for home users, hobbyists, and small businesses.
    • Applications: Prototyping, small parts, educational projects.
    • Examples: Prusa i3 MK3, Creality Ender 3, Bambu Lab X1-Carbon, INTAMSYS PRO 310 NEO

  3. Professional 3D Printers

    • Description: Medium-sized printers with a balance of affordability and performance, often used by engineers, designers, and small to mid-sized companies.
    • Applications: Prototyping, functional parts, design validation.
    • Examples: Formlabs Form 3, Ultimaker S5, Formlabs Form 4, UltiMaker Factor 4, Ultimaker S7, INTAMSYS PRO 310 NEO

  4. Large-Format 3D Printers

    • Description: Designed for creating larger objects or parts with build volumes exceeding standard desktop sizes.
    • Applications: Automotive components, furniture, architectural models.
    • Examples: Modix BIG-120X, Kings 3D JS-FGF-1800. Massivit 10000, WEBER DX Series

  5. Pellet-Based 3D Printers

    • Description: Use plastic pellets instead of filaments, allowing for cost-effective large-scale production.
    • Applications: Large structural components, high-volume production.
    • Examples: Cincinnati BAAM, Gigabot X, WEBER DX Series, 

Types of 3D Printers (by Technology)

  1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

    • Description: Uses a thermoplastic filament that is heated and extruded layer by layer to create the object.
    • Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, TPU.
    • Applications: Prototyping, hobbyist projects, functional parts.
    • Examples: Prusa i3, MakerBot Replicator.

  2. Stereolithography (SLA)

    • Description: Uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin into solid plastic, building the object layer by layer.
    • Materials: Photopolymer resin.
    • Applications: High-detail prototypes, jewelry, dental models.
    • Examples: Formlabs Form 3, Peopoly Phenom.

  3. Digital Light Processing (DLP)

    • Description: Similar to SLA but uses a digital projector screen to flash an image of each layer, curing the resin.
    • Materials: Photopolymer resin.
    • Applications: Highly detailed models, dental applications.
    • Examples: Anycubic Photon, EnvisionTEC DLP printers.

  4. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

    • Description: Uses a laser to fuse powdered material into solid layers.
    • Materials: Nylon, polyamide, TPU, metals (for metal SLS).
    • Applications: Functional prototypes, complex geometries, low-volume production.
    • Examples: EOS P396, Formlabs Fuse 1.

  5. Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

    • Description: Uses an inkjet array to selectively apply a fusing agent to powdered material, followed by heat to fuse it layer by layer.
    • Materials: Nylon, TPU.
    • Applications: Production-grade parts, functional prototypes.
    • Examples: HP Jet Fusion 5200.

  6. Binder Jetting

    • Description: Deposits a liquid bonding agent onto layers of powder (metal, ceramics, or sand), which are then sintered to create the final part.
    • Materials: Metals, ceramics, sand.
    • Applications: Metal casting molds, prototypes, production.
    • Examples: ExOne X1 25Pro, Desktop Metal Shop System.

  7. Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) / Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

    • Description: Utilizes a laser to melt and fuse metallic powders.
    • Materials: Titanium, stainless steel, aluminum.
    • Applications: Aerospace, medical implants, complex metal parts.
    • Examples: EOS M 290, SLM Solutions SLM 500.

  8. Material Jetting

    • Description: Uses print heads to deposit tiny droplets of photopolymer or other materials, which are then cured by UV light.
    • Materials: Photopolymers, waxes.
    • Applications: High-resolution models, multi-material parts.
    • Examples: Stratasys J750, Objet Connex3.

  9. Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

    • Description: Uses an electron beam to melt metal powders into solid parts, layer by layer.
    • Materials: Titanium, cobalt-chrome.
    • Applications: Aerospace, medical implants, high-performance metal parts.
    • Examples: Arcam A2X, GE Additive Arcam EBM Q10+.

  10. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)

    • Description: Stacks and bonds layers of adhesive-coated materials, which are then cut into the desired shape using lasers or blades.
    • Materials: Paper, plastic, metal foil.
    • Applications: Prototyping, casting patterns.
    • Examples: Mcor ARKe, LOM Printers.

These categories and types cover a wide range of applications, from simple hobbyist use to complex industrial production. The choice of a 3D printer depends on the material requirements, resolution, size, and intended use of the printed object.