Procedural overview - 3D printing

A characteristic feature of all 3D printing procedures is the layer-by-layer application that creates the final component.
As a global solution partner, Würth Industrie Service assists you in all 3D printing procedures.

Stereolithography
Stereolithography (SLA)
PolyJet™
PolyJet™
Multi Jet Fusion
Multi Jet Fusion
Metal 3D printing
Metal 3D printing
Material extrusion
Material extrusion
Laser sintering
Laser sintering

 

The procedure in detail
Fused filament fabrication

Fused filament fabrication

Thermoplastic filament is melted in the print head, and applied in layers with a carrier material in a cordlike form.

Benefits:

  • Widely-used technology
  • Very low procurement costs
  • Large diversity of materials
  • Easy process and material handling
  • Little wastage
  • Thermally resistant

Disadvantages:

  • Anisotropy in Z-direction
  • Low process speed
  • Poor surface quality
  • Use of support structures
  • Time-consuming post-processing
Laser sintering

Laser sintering

Plastic powder is added in layers using a recoater in a pre-tempered space, and then the contours are fused together with a laser beam.

Benefits:

  • Good mechanical properties
  • No support structures required
  • Good surface quality
  • Maximum freedom in designing
  • Thermally resistant
  • Low coating thickness ∼ 80 µm

Disadvantages:

  • Monochromatic models
  • Long heating phase
  • Long cooling phase
  • Periphery required
Metal 3D printing

Metal 3D printing

Powdered metal is added in layers using a recoater, and then the contours are completely and locally re-melted with a laser beam.

Benefits:

  • Manufacturing of complex metal components with ∼ 99.9% density
  • High mechanical and thermal stress of components possible
  • Powder recycling

Disadvantages:

  • Proportionately high surface roughness (powder adhesion)
  • Demanding process control
  • Time-consuming post-processing
  • Cost-intensive

 

Materials and Technical data

  • Aluminium (ALSi10Mg)
  • Titanium (TIAL6V4)
  • Stainless steels (1.4404, 1.4542, 1.4057)
  • Tool steels (1.2709)
  • Inconel IN 718
  • Hasteloy X
  • Coating thickness 15 – 500 µm
  • Average roughness Rz 20 – 50 µm
  • Accuracy in 3D printing ± 0.2 mm
  • Polyamide 12
  • Aluminium-filled polyamide
  • Marble-filled polyamide
  • Flame-retardant polyamide
  • Polyamide TPU 92A-1
  • PEI
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • ABS, PLA, ASA
  • Temperature resistance 40 – 220 °C
  • Accuracy in 3D printing ± 0.2 mm
  • Achievable coating resolutions 0.016 – 1.5 mm

Finer surfaces and higher accuracies can be achieved by subsequent post-processing. The maximum dimensions of the components depend on the manufacturing processes and the manufacturing material. Additional materials are available on request.

 

Additional information

Würth Additive Manufacturing
CPS®WAM
Topology optimisation
Component optimisation
Product development with the help of 3D printing
Prroduct development
Spare parts manufacturing using 3D printing
Spare part manufacturing