Industrial 3D printing

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is also known as 3D printing, additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping.

This refers to the production of three-dimensional objects, usually by applying material layer by layer. As the individual layers adhere to each other, the object becomes higher each time, giving it its 3D character.

Additive manufacturing vs. subtractive manufacturing

In contrast to additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing removes material from a larger starting block or blank to achieve the desired shape.

Common subtractive processes include milling, turning, eroding, drilling and grinding. CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) technology enables machines to precisely process materials such as metal, plastic, wood and composites.

What are 3D printers used for?

3D printers have long been more than just a gimmick. Whether medical and hearing aid technology, aerospace or automotive – we encounter additive manufacturing everywhere these days. 3D printing has long since found its way into industrial production.

More and more private individuals are also using 3D technology. Hobbyists in the DIY sector or in model making as well as craftsmen. For example, special tools are produced. Or quickly and easily producing spare parts for broken objects. However, these target groups generally use different devices than industry.

3D printers for private use vs. industrial applications

Depending on the requirements, 3D printers differ greatly in terms of suitable processes and therefore also in terms of price.

3D printers for private use are available from just a few hundred euros to around a thousand euros. Industrial systems, which are subject to strict quality standards, are correspondingly more expensive but also more powerful.

For those who do not need 3D printers on a regular basis, we recommend having the objects printed by external service providers instead of buying a device . WESTCAM offers precisely this service in a reliable and professional manner:

To the 3D printing services from WESTCAM

Which 3D printers are available?

There are various 3D printers, each of which uses different processes and materials (e.g. plastic, metal, sand casting).

Not every printer and every process is equally suitable for every 3D object. When making a selection, the desired size, quality and material of the 3D object to be created must be taken into account. There are also major differences in price between the individual devices and processes.

3D printers for industrial use

3D printers designed for industrial use can be easily differentiated according to the materials used:

3D printing of metal components

3D metal printing is used to manufacture tools or robust housings , among other things. The materials often used are aluminum, stainless steel or titanium . You can find out more about 3D metal printing here: Metal – Laser and Metal – Electon Beam Melting

3D printing of plastic and plastic-like components

This type of 3D printing uses powdered plastic or resins as the material. A distinction is made between the additive processes of selective laser sintering and stereolithography or digital light plotting. For more information, see our overview pages on the ETEC portfolio and Voxeljet portfolio

Sand casting 3D printing

In sand casting 3D printing technology, sand molds are made from fine quartz sand. These are used, for example, for grey and steel casting and for the production of castable metals such as aluminum, brass or magnesium. In addition to prototype or tool production, sand casting molds from the 3D printer are also used for the production of designer furniture, for restorations, in architecture and in the aerospace industry. More details about sand casting 3D printing can be found in this portfolio overview.