3D Printing

3D printing is an additive manufacturing process, also known as rapid prototyping process. It allows the construction of complex geometrical structures from micro to macro scale layer by layer through computer aided design up to the final 3D object. Nowadays, this technology has become an important tool for rapid prototyping and scale-up manufacturing applications in different fields such as automotive, aerospace and public health.

In the realm of modern manufacturing, innovation is the driving force to promote the development of the industry. As a global leader, Alfa Chemistry is committed to providing customers with the most advanced plastic 3D printing services and ensuring consistent quality and fast delivery times. If you are interested in this technology, please contact us now. Let's unleash the potential of plastic 3D printing and start a journey of innovation like never before.

Advantages of 3D Printing

In addition to the versatility in material selection, 3D printing also has the following main advantages.

• Flexible design: 3D printing can create complex geometries and shapes without increasing cost.
• Rapid prototyping: 3D printing can manufacture parts in a few hours, which speeds up the prototyping process. This acceleration enables engineers, designers and researchers to quickly test and refine ideas, thereby improving the efficiency of product development.
• On-demand production: Unlike traditional manufacturing processes, 3D printing does not require a lot of space to store inventory. 3D design files are stored in virtual libraries, which means that they can be printed when needed.
• Reduced material waste: The traditional manufacturing process will produce a lot of material waste because it belongs to subtractive manufacturing. However, 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that adds materials only where they are needed, which can minimize waste and contribute to sustainable development.
• Customization and personalization: One of the most significant advantages of 3D printing is its ability to create customized, unique products. From personalized medical implants to customized consumer goods, 3D printing allows customized solutions to meet individual preferences and needs.

Our 3D Printing Capabilities

Our 3D printing capabilities include, but are not limited to the following.

• Stereolithography (SLA)

SLA is the earliest additive manufacturing technology that creates 3D constructs by irradiating light sources onto the light-sensitive resin. Compared with other 3D printing technologies, the 3D structure it creates has very high resolution and accuracy. SLA is usually used in a variety of industries, including product design, engineering, jewelry production, dental applications, etc.

Figure 1. Schematic of SLA technique ^[1].

• Selective laser sintering (SLS)

SLS is a powder-based additive manufacturing technology that uses a high-powered laser to selectively fuse (or sinter) together the granules of successive layers of powder into a desired 3D shape. The SLS system has a great advantage of being tailored to a wide range of requirements through the adjustment of laser and process parameters ^[2]. It is a perfect technology for fully functional, end-use parts, and prototypes.

Figure 2. Schematic of SLS technique ^[3].

• Fused deposition modeling (FDM)

FDM is a filament-based process used to manufacture prototypes and functional components of common engineering plastics. During the printing process, solid and thermoplastic filaments are melted and extruded from a heated nozzle. Then, the extruded materials follow a predetermined trajectory to form a 3D object in a line-by-line and a layer-by-layer manner ^[4].

Figure 3. Gear manufacture by FDM ^[5].

Our Promise

Alfa Chemistry is committed to creating custom 3D printed plastic parts for numerous applications in the aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, construction and other industries. We are not just your service provider, we are your partner. As you embark on a journey of creation, exploration and progress, trust that Alfa Chemistry is always by your side. We promise you that we will consistently deliver results that exceed your expectations to achieve your vision.

References

1. Shirvan, A. R.; et al. Structural polymer biomaterials. Structural Biomaterials. 2021: 395-439.
2. Riza, S. H.; et al. Selective laser sintering in biomedical manufacturing. Metallic Biomaterials Processing and Medical Device Manufacturing. 2020: 193-233.
3. Singh, N. Additive manufacturing for functionalized nanomaterials breaks limits. Additive Manufacturing with Functionalized Nanomaterials. 2021: 1-34.
4. Deng, H.; Lin, J. 4D Printing: 3D printing of responsive and programmable materials. 3D Bioprinting and Nanotechnology in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. 2022: 213-237.
5. Gupta, K.; et al. Advanced gear manufacturing and finishing: classical and modern processes. 2017.