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What’s the Difference Between 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing?

Submitted by makenica on Sun, 09/05/2021 - 02:48

3D printing online (AM) is a process that builds items by connecting layers of material from aCAD files. This is transforming the face of the industry. Manufacturing and engineering professionals are changing the boundaries of manufacturing with new technologies and materials. As we enter the fourth Industrial Revolution, these methods and the conversations surrounding them become more widespread. Are you referring to additive manufacturing or 3D Printing? There is no right or incorrect answer. Both terms can be used to describe the same process. In practice, though, there are many settings and situations where one term is preferable to the other. It all comes down largely to scale and precision.

3D Printing

This is the term that is most preferred by those not working in manufacturing or engineering. 3D printing service can be described as fused-deposition modelling (FDM), fused filament fabrication, (FFF), and smaller "desktop 3D printers. These are smaller than those used in additive manufacturing, but more precise. FDM, FFF and other methods use molten metal to print. This is done using a computer-controlled nozzle and deposited in structred levels. These printers are not the type you'd find at home, but they are widely used by industry to quickly prototype models and build prototypes that replicate traditional manufacturing processes.

Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing can be described as 3D printing at industrial scale. SLS (sintering a solid block of material with heat before it liquefies) is a method of powdering material at points that are defined by computer using 3D designs. This results in a better looking final product. However, the layers that make up the building are more difficult to see. AM produces results on a larger, more precise scale with a greater variety of materials than FDM. It is however much more expensive. SLS is similar to FDM but can be used at a later stage in development, where greater precision and quality are needed. You can even 3D print obsolete or hard to find parts with SLS. An old car restorer/enthusiast might have lost a crucial part that the manufacturer discontinued years ago. If a digital model is available, an SLS machine could print it.

Splitting hair

It is possible to interchange 3D printing and additive production. Online 3D printing india is commonly used to describe "entry-level" processes like FDM. On the other hand, additive manufacturing is used when describing more sophisticated and precise techniques like SLS. However, it doesn't really make a difference because 3D printers are a form additive manufacturing. Everything made with additive printing is 3D printed.