We work with various 3D printing processes in order to make perfect use of the advantages and disadvantages of the processes.
The two processes, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) are the most common techniques in the field of 3D printing. While the FDM process is mainly used in the hobby area, the Sinter technique has established itself as an industrial standard.
The FDM printing process is a less sophisticated process that can be implemented relatively inexpensively due to its low complexity. Similar to laser sintering, the component is manufactured in a layer structure. The layers are up to 0.1mm thick.
The print material is supplied as thread on a spool. A heating head melts the material thread and deposits it layer by layer in the desired shape on the print bed.
In order to be able to print overhangs or steep inclines, a support structure must be generated and printed with it. The support structures are then demolished. This leads to slight residues on the component. Further post-processing steps are not necessary in the printing process. The printing material has all the necessary requirements (weather resistance, UV light resistance, temperature resistance).
Sinter printing is a highly developed process in which a very thin layer of powder is cured at the desired points by a laser. These powder layers can be up to 0.06mm flat and are stacked as often as required to create a three-dimensional body.
Due to the extremely flat layers and the fact that no support structures are required, the print is finished to a very high quality. As soon as the print is finished, the printed body is removed from the print space and freed from the superfluous, uncured powder. At this point in time, the surface of the component still has many fine pores. In order to compact the surface, the component is tumbled. It is then colored in the desired color and infiltrated.
The result is a precisely crafted solid with a very smooth surface. The component is water-repellent, weather-resistant and dimensionally stable up to 110 °.
