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2.4 Three Dimensional Printing (3DP)Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing TechnologiesThe three Dimensional Printing (3DP) technology was invented at theMassachusetts Institute of Technology and licensed to several corporations. 3DPindeed is the innovation and further evolution of two-dimensional printingtechnology. The process is similar to the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process,but instead of using a laser to sinter the material, an ink-jet printing headdeposits a liquid adhesive that binds the material. The following mainly describes3DP technology which is employed in Z-corp 3D printing.2.4.1 Process descriptionThe 3D printing process begins with the powder supply being raised by a pistonand a leveling roller distributing a thin layer of powder to the top of the buildchamber. A multi-channel ink-jet print head then deposits a liquid adhesive totargeted regions of the powder bed. These regions of powder are bondedtogether by the adhesive and form one layer of the part. The remaining freestanding powder supports the part during the build. The processes repeated andsolid model is competed and underneath inside the powder bed. Figure 2.10show a schematic illustration of the 3DP processInput Binder MaterialPrint HeadFig. 2.10 Schematic of 3D printing technologyFeedingpistonAfter the part is finished, the loose supporting powder can be brushed away andthe removed by vacuum cleaner. Since the “green part” is very fragile, infiltrationof glue/ epoxy is needed to be applied on the part surface to improve thestrength of part. It should be noticed that any loose supporting powder shouldbe removed completely before performing infiltration to avoid generation ofugly surface.Page 18IC Professional Training