There are many traditional approaches to manufacturing like machining, forging, casting, moulding, fabricating and so on.
There are also a lot of efforts required to make the products through these processes.
Conventional Methods
For these manufacturing processes we need to first design 3D CAD model, engineer it and choose which one to opt for making the model. As per our selection, we need to redesign the model and do pre-processing.
Some manufacturing processes need special tools, die, and other heavy moulds (which also needs design and get manufactured).
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, on the other hand, is the process of creating objects layer by layer direct from the 3D CAD model.
It does not need special tooling for the complex model molding and you can create different models directly from your 3D design.
This process is a lot easier and cheaper for prototyping and doing iterations.
Additive manufacturing can handle complexities of the 3D model very easily than the conventional manufacturing.
The process of additive manufacturing
- 3D modeling
- Preparing CAD file for manufacturing
- Setting up the machine and upload file
- Layer by layer manufacturing
- Curing and finishing the model
Classification of Additive Manufacturing
The additive manufacturing technology is classified under 7 categories as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) group ASTM F42 – Additive Manufacturing.
- VAT photopolymerization
- Material jetting
- Binder jetting
- Material extrusion
- Powder bed fusion
- Sheet lamination
- Direct energy deposition
Starting point for makers, enthusiasts and prosumers
Now a days prosumers, makers and enthusiasts are loving the FDM 3D printers.
To Star 3D Printing you need a 3d printer or a kit (if you are enthusiast and love to assemble)
FDM 3D printer: https://amzn.to/2SHkAVS
FDM 3D Printer kit: https://amzn.to/2GS1B9V
Filaments PLA Black
Filament PLA Gray
Filament PLA White
Filament PLA Fluo Yellow
3D printable objects can be downloaded from
Check out the 3D Printing in action.
So what is your first print?
I have recently purchased the 3d printer and I’m loving it. Looking forward for more articles on functional 3d printing objects.
It is good to see that this technology is growing very rapidly and now very accessible for home usage. I’ll share posts on functional 3D printing objects.