Group Assignment: click here

• Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s).

Individual Assignment:

• Design and 3D print an object with specific constraints:
  • Small size (few cm³)
  • Limited by printer time
  • Object that could not be made subtractively
• 3D scan an object and, optionally, print the scanned object.

Additive manufacturing / 3D printing

Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, encompasses various techniques that build objects layer by layer from digital designs. Some of the common types of additive manufacturing techniques include:

• Stereolithography (SLA): SLA uses a UV laser to solidify layers of liquid photopolymer resin. The object is built layer by layer on a build platform that moves incrementally downward as each layer is completed.

• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS involves using a high-powered laser to selectively fuse powdered materials, such as plastics, metals, or ceramics, into a solid structure layer by layer.

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): FDM is one of the most popular 3D printing methods. It works by extruding thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle onto a build platform layer by layer. The material solidifies rapidly to form the desired object.

• Selective Laser Melting (SLM): SLM is similar to SLS but operates with metal powders. A high-powered laser selectively melts and fuses metallic powders together to build metal parts layer by layer.

• Electronic Beam Melting (EBM): EBM is another metal additive manufacturing technique that uses an electron beam instead of a laser to melt and fuse metal powders. It's often used for creating complex metal parts, especially in aerospace and medical applications.