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Introducing the 3D Printing Processes and Materials offered at InstaVoxel

20 June 2024
3D Printing

Welcome to InstaVoxel! We specialize in providing outstanding 3D printing technology to meet your manufacturing needs. Our advanced processes and diverse material offerings ensure precision, durability, and efficiency in every project. Here’s a closer look at the four  3D printing processes we offer: Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF). Additionally, we provide a variety of high-quality metal and plastic materials to suit your applications.

3D Printing Processes

Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technology used for 3D printing metal parts. In SLM 3D printing, a high-powered laser selectively melts and fuses metallic powders layer by layer according to a digital design. This process allows for the creation of parts with intricate geometries with high precision and strength. SLM is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and other industries where complex metal parts with excellent mechanical properties are required.

Pros Cons
Exceptional strength and durability 

High precision and intricate detail

Suitable for complex internal structures

Higher cost compared to some other process

Longer production times for large parts

Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing technology used for 3D printing, particularly for creating prototypes, models, and small-scale production parts. During the SLA process, a laser is used to solidify liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer, following the path of the 3D design. The laser selectively cures the resin, creating a solid 3D object. SLA is known for its high resolution, smooth surface finish, and ability to produce intricate details, making it popular in industries such as product design, jewelry making, and dentistry.

Pros Cons
Excellent surface finish and fine detail

Fast turnaround times for small to medium parts

Ideal for visual prototypes 

Limited material properties compared to SLM and SLS

Final parts can be brittle and less durable

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing technology used for 3D printing. In SLS, a high-powered laser selectively fuses powdered material, typically plastic, nylon, or metal, layer by layer, based on a digital design. Unlike stereolithography (SLA) or selective laser melting (SLM), which use liquid resin or metal powder, SLS uses powdered material that is fused together under heat generated by the laser. SLS is known for its versatility, as it can produce complex geometries and functional parts with high strength and durability. It is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods manufacturing.

Pros Cons
Strong and durable parts suitable for functional testing

No need for support structures, allowing for complex designs

Wide range of material options

Surface finish is rougher compared to SLA

Post-processing required 

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

MJF stands for Multi Jet Fusion, which is an additive manufacturing technology used for 3D printing. In MJF, a print bed is coated with a layer of powdered material, typically a thermoplastic polymer like nylon. Then, an inkjet array selectively applies fusing and detailing agents to specific areas of the powder bed, followed by exposure to an energy source (usually infrared light) that fuses the powdered material together, layer by layer, according to the digital design. MJF technology enables the production of parts with high resolution, isotropic mechanical properties, and relatively fast printing speeds, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.
Pros Cons
High strength 

Fast production times

Good surface finish and fine details

Limited material selection compared to SLS

Higher initial setup costs

Material Offerings 

Material selection is a crucial factor in 3D printing, as each material has unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. Understanding these properties helps ensure the best results for your specific needs. Let’s introduce the materials InstaVoxel offers and discuss their advantages and drawbacks.

Metals

Material Pros Cons Application
Stainless Steel Excellent corrosion resistance

High strength and durability

Higher cost

Heavier compared to other materials

Longer production times

Heavy-duty applications Projects under extreme environment
AlSi10Mg Lightweight

Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity

Good corrosion resistance

Lower strength than steel, Can be prone to deformation under high stress Automotive 

Aerospace

Titanium High strength-to-weight ratio

Good corrosion resistance

Biocompatible

Expensive

Less user friendly 

Medical implants High-performance parts
Die Steel Excellent hardness, toughness,  and wear resistance Limited design flexibility due to its hardness Tooling

Industrial applications

Plastic

Material Pros Cons Application
ABS-Like Easy to print

Good strength, Cost-effective

Lower heat resistance

Prone to warping if not printed correctly

Everyday items and general-purpose parts
ABS-like+PC Good impact resistance

Durable

Better heat resistance than ABS

Less rigid than a pure PC, adding difficulty to print Functional prototypes Mechanical parts
ABS-Like+PP Flexible

Good fatigue resistance

Lower strength than pure ABS, can be more difficult to print. Parts requiring flexibility and durability
Nylon PA12 Versatile

Excellent abrasion resistance

Good mechanical properties 

Can absorb moisture from the environment, which may affect mechanical properties Gears, bearings, and other moving parts
Nylon PA12+40%GB High strengthEnhanced rigidity Increased brittleness

Higher cost

Structural components

High-stress parts

PC-like High impact resistance

Transparent options available

Excellent mechanical properties

Higher cost than ABS

Requires higher printing temperatures

Durable parts and optical applications
Somos® Taurus High strength

High heat resistance

Higher cost

Requires specific printing conditions

Industrial applications

High-performance parts

At InstaVoxel, we are committed to delivering exceptional 3D printing services that meet your exact specifications. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the selection of processes and materials to ensure your project’s success. Contact us today to bring your vision to life with the power of 3D printing.



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