In Batnon’s integrated processing, one tool and stage we can not miss is 3D printing. The following messages introduce how a full 3D printing process will go.
1. Modeling
Generally speaking, 3D modeling is to build a model with 3D data from virtual 3D space through 3D production software. For example, if you want to print a cat, you need a 3D printed model of the cat. So, how to get a 3D model of a cat?
1) Direct download model
Now there are many websites of 3D models on the Internet. There are many kinds and quantities of 3D models. You can download all kinds of 3D models, and basically they can be used for direct 3D printing.
2) Reverse engineering modeling through 3D scanner.
3D scanner reverse engineering modeling is to scan the real object through the scanner, get 3D data, and then process and repair. It can accurately describe a series of coordinate data of the three-dimensional structure of the object, and input it into the 3D software to restore the 3D model of the object completely.
3) Modeling with modeling software
At present, there are many 3D modeling software in the market, such as 3DMAX, Maya, CAD and so on, which can be used for 3D modeling. Some 3D printer manufacturers also provide 3D modeling software.
Mechanical design software: UG, Pro / E, CATIA, SOLIDWORK can directly support.
Industrial design software: Rhino, alias, etc
CG design software: 3DMAX, Maya, ZBrush, etc. cannot be used directly, but obj files can be converted to STL files for use (replicator G’s obj file support is still in the testing stage, and should be able to be imported directly in the future).
Autodesk 123d is a free 3D CAD software
123d catch transforms ordinary photos into 3D models
Zedit Pro greatly simplifies product design and other 3D printing work
3-matic software can directly modify STL design, scan and CAD data
2. Slicing
What is slicing? Slicing is actually to cut your 3D model into pieces, design the printing path (filling density, angle, shell, etc.), and store the sliced file in. Gcode format, a file format that can be directly read and used by 3D printer. Then, through the 3D printer control software, send the. Gcode file to the printer and control the parameters of the 3D printer to complete the printing. Its function is to communicate with 3D printer.
3. Printing production
Start the 3D printer, and transfer the model slice in STL format to the 3D printer by data line, SD card, etc. at the same time, load the 3D printing materials, debug the printing platform, set the printing parameters, and then the printer starts to work. The materials will be printed layer by layer, and the layers will be bonded by special glue, and the pattern will be fixed according to the cross section Live, the last layer of a layer of superposition, just like building a house, bricks are layer by layer, but after the accumulation, it becomes a three-dimensional house. Finally, after layer by layer printing, layer by layer bonding, layer by layer stacking, a complete article will be presented in front of us. The biggest difference between 3D printer and traditional printer is that the “ink” it uses is real raw material.
4. Complete printing and post-processing
After the 3D printer completes the work, take out the object and do post-processing. For example, when printing some suspended structures, you need to have a supporting structure to support it, and then you can print the suspended parts above. Therefore, for this part of the redundant support need to be removed, do post-processing.
Secondly, sometimes the surface of 3D printed objects will be rough (for example, SLS metal printing) and need polishing. The methods of polishing are physical polishing and chemical polishing. Sanding, bead blasting and vapor smoothing are commonly used.
In addition, in addition to 3DP printing technology can achieve color 3D printing, other general can only print a single color. Sometimes it is necessary to color the printed objects, such as ABS plastic, photosensitive resin, nylon, metal and so on. Different materials need different pigments.
Other processing, after the 3D printing powder material process is completed, some follow-up processing measures are needed to strengthen the mold forming strength and prolong the storage time, including standing, forced curing, powder removal, coating and so on. At the end of the printing process, the printing mold needs to be left standing for a period of time, so that the formed powder and binder can be cured completely through cross-linking reaction and intermolecular force, especially for the powder with gypsum or cement as the main component.
The first condition of forming is the hardening between powder and water, and then the strengthening of the binder part. A certain time of standing has an important influence on the final forming effect. When the mold has initial hardness, additional measures can be used to further strengthen the force according to different categories, such as heating, vacuum drying, UV irradiation, etc. After the completion of this process, the mold has a strong hardness, so it is necessary to remove other powder on the surface, and brush most of the powder around, and the remaining powder can be removed by mechanical vibration, microwave vibration, wind blowing in different directions, etc. It has also been reported that the mold can be immersed in a special solvent, which can dissolve the scattered powder, but can not dissolve the solidified mold, so as to remove the excess powder.
For the mold after powder removal. Especially for the mould made of gypsum base, ceramic base and other water absorbing materials, the long-term preservation problem should be considered. The common method is to brush a layer of waterproof curing adhesive on the outside of the mould to increase its strength and prevent it from weakening due to water absorption. Or immerse the mold in protective polymer, such as epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate, molten paraffin, etc.] the final mold can be waterproof, strong, beautiful, and not easy to deform.
