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There are different makes and models of 3D printers to consider. For instance, there are a consumer and industrial 3D printers. You can find some that handle materials such as ceramics and metals. No matter your intended use of 3D printing, you need to get the right machine.

Selecting Professional 3D Printers

Intended Application

Your end-use determines the functional requirements of the printer. Do you want to make prototypes? Is a great visual appearance or smooth surface important for you? Does durability matter? What about material properties? Maybe you want to create functional products that support the operations of your business, such as fixtures and jigs. These choices will influence the type of creality 3D printer you choose.

Materials

You should note that there is a link between the 3D printer and the material it uses. For instance, when you purchase certain 3D printers, your material options become limited. For instance, SLA printers use thermoset resins, whereas FDM/FFF printers use thermoplastics.

Even if the printers are using the same manufacturing technology, each is compatible with a certain set of materials. For instance, lower-end FFF printers can only use prototyping materials such as PLA. On the other hand, engineering-grade materials such as composites or nylon need adequate process control and higher processing temperatures. That means you can only use them with industrial-grade 3D printers.

Therefore, you should consider the materials you have access to before choosing a printer. Some printers provide dual extrusion capability. Therefore, you can print in different colors. Remember that some printers use only materials from the manufacturer. It is advisable to consider printers that can use a wide range of materials.

Resolution

The minimum layer height and the smallest part size the printer can produce determine its resolution. For instance, nozzle diameter of 0.4 mm means that your printer cannot make details smaller than 0.4 mm. If you want parts with fine details, you should consider choosing laser 3D printers. That is because the spot size of these printers ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

The layer height is quite important as 3D printers manufacture parts by adding layers. However, a small layer height does not mean you will get better results. Most applications require default height. Although a higher resolution is important, it is not a guarantee of high-quality. If you are manufacturing large parts, you should use a large layer height and nozzle. That is because fine details are not critical, and when you increase the layer height, you can considerably reduce build time.

Software

Since 3D printing involves the use of computers, the type of software you choose is quite important. Every printer comes with software or slicer for preparing CAD files. You should note that the capabilities of the slicer vary. For instance, some can allow automation and preset parameters.

You can also find 3D printing systems with tools that make monitoring, connectivity, and management easy. For instance, they can support Wi-Fi integration, sensors, and cameras. With such tools, you can print parts from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. This is quite advantageous when managing multiple machines remotely.

Laser cleaning refers to a unique process of removing different contaminants like oil and oxides via laser ablation. The process allows for the selective removal of various contaminants with just little impact on the actual substrate. As you may know, industrial cleaning is pretty much involving. So what is a laser cleaner and how many types of cleaning processes are there on the market?

The actual removal of oil from different metal parts is known to be annoying. The processes involve chemical solvents that are rather specific to every material that needs to be removed. This implies it may be prudent to replace an old part instead of giving it a new look. While it may be slightly blurry what a laser machine actually does, there are legitimate answers to some of your questions as outlined in this article.

 Background Information

The importance of laser cleaning is tremendously growing, especially in applications like the removal of debris from various semiconductors. The same applies to art conservation.

And with the rise in the introduction of a protocol that proposes reduction on the environmental as well as health grounds when it comes to the uses of solvents like CFCs which are usually utilized in cleaning, it is highly expected that additional available industrial elements of laser cleaning can emerge in the future. Let us look at the basics of dry laser cleaning.

Dry Laser Cleaning

There are various types of laser cleaning processes. Dry laser cleaning is just one of them. It is often used in various industries as researched in academia where generally it is founded on a thermal energy transfer found between the contaminant as well as the substrate.

Typically, it will end up, resulting in the rapid thermal expansion of different components that offer some force to get rid of the particles. One common problem encountered in the technique is the reduced cleaning efficacy since the decomposing products build-up, thereby masking the surface that needs cleaning.

 Wet Steam Cleaning

Wet laser cleaning is a process that utilizes a liquid layer which absorbs the wavelength in use. Laser irradiation may rapidly heat the liquid, thereby forcing the particles found on the surface to evaporate. As a result, some particles will be forced from the surface. Alternatively, a workpiece can be kept in a humid atmosphere, resulting in condensed water.

Steam laser cleaning utilizes a think liquid layer, highly condensed on the surface of the substrate. The liquid layer will then be superheated, causing the nucleation of different bubbles in the liquid’s solid surface.

As a result, high pressure will be released. The pressure may be strong enough to yank out particles from the surface. Generally, steam cleaning needs lower laser influences, especially for the removal of particles.

Fiber Laser Cleaning

Just like there are several cleaning processes on the market, there is more than one type of laser cleaning process. We have highlighted the most important ones in this blog post, hoping that they will have an impact on the type of business you are running.

CNC machining services from China play a critical role in the creation of numerous intricate elements needed in multiple industries. Although mass production can work for different applications, other sectors need tailored parts for specific areas and use. The possibility and capability to design these parts accurately using a computer have driven several companies to seek the input of CNC machining for their success. Everything, including the medical industry and transportation, relies on these machining parts. Thanks to the development of computers, the process has a way of allowing for intricate tailored designs in production.

Types Of CNC Machines

There are several types of CNC Machines on the market. They all come in handy in the manufacturing processes. Generally, they are six. But in this blog post, we put our focus on the 3 best and leading in the sector.

1. CNC Router Machine

This is one of the most common pieces of machinery you may come across in the industry, whether as a learner or devoted user. The machine is built in a way that it can precisely operate the CNC technology without the input of a human being.

Routers are used for producing slightly larger dimensions coupled with an in-built design that helps to cut wood and sheet metal. The routers are also mostly found in the 3 axes coordinate set up. This design allows the machine to cut different profiles and pocket 3-dimensional machining.

Other than that, there are CNC routers with the 4,5, and 6 axes. These ones come with an additional rotary which is used in rotating the tool located at the workpiece of the device. The machine is suitable for cutting intricate shapes.

2. CNC Lathes Machine

A lathe is utilized in developing a precise yet conical part. The machine is prominent for making good use of turning centres when cutting a tool and shaving off excess elements of materials as it rotates. 

3. CNC Electric Discharge Machines

ED machining (EDM) comes with elements that can be used to make certain types of shapes inside a particular material by utilizing an electrical release. The material is typically dispensed from a workpiece using a progression of electrical releases from two anodes. The mentioned anodes are then isolated using a dielectric liquid. The liquid often receives a viable electric voltage.

Final Thoughts- Industries That Use CNC Machining Services

Precision is a tenet that matters in most industries, including medical, aerospace, as well as petrochemical. Component failure in the stated market can prove to be risky in life. This explains why different businesses in the sectors mentioned need the highest levels of accuracy to be successful in their endeavours. CNC machining can help achieve the required standard of precision in order to save lives.

Besides, manufacturers in different industrial sectors have CNC machines used to create needed products. The machines use various techniques to operate. Some industries can choose to use CNC machining to fulfil orders online.

That’s it from us. As a prospect business professional, you need to educate yourself with the basics of operating CNC machines, including why and where they may be needed.

My be, at one time or another, you have come across metal parts with a beautiful aesthetic design and finish. Most of these parts are made from the metal aluminum because aluminum parts possess enhanced mechanical attributes. The process of anodizing aluminum entails creating a layer of oxide on the metal’s surface, a process leaves the metal surface with an exceptional finish, as well as increasing the adhesive potential of the metal. The procedure of anodizing aluminum also enables glue and specific paint primers to be easily applied to the parts, while also increasing corrosion resistance.

How anodization of aluminum is done

Even though almost all metals can be anodized, the most popular choice of metal for the process is aluminum. Anodizing aluminum involves an electrochemical process that leaves a layer of oxide film on the metal by dipping it in an electrolyte solution. In scientific terms, that aluminum is the “anode.”

The next step is to pass an electric current through the anode and the cathode. But, the best choice for the cathode is flattened aluminum bars. The current passes through the electrolyte, usually sulphuric acid, on its way between the anode and cathode.

Types of anodizing

There most famous examples of anodize include:

• Chromic Acid Anodize (CAA)

This process generates the thinnest coat of oxide on the aluminum surface. Done correctly, the chromic acid anodizing can offer protection as good as the other more advanced anodizing techniques. The result is a gray-colored surface that is capable of absorbing less color in a dye process. Aluminum parts made by this process are used in aerospace components, precision machined parts and welded assemblies.

• Boric-Sulfuric Acid Anodize (BSAA)

The BSAA offers a fantastic option to chromic acid anodize; this is mostly as a result of the rising concern over human safety/ health concerns, environmental safety concerns, and lastly, the associated costs of CAA. The BSAA process is mainly applied for the sake of paint adhesion and corrosion protection. Aluminum parts that are treated using the Boric-Sulfuric Acid Anodize process are used in precision machined components, as a paint base, and in aerospace components.

• Sulfuric Acid Anodize (SAA)

This is the most common process for anodizing aluminum. This option is mostly applied where abrasion resistance and hardness are required. As a result of the process, the sulphuric acid forms a porous film just before sealing. SAA is utilized by adding colored dye, resulting in brilliantly colored surfaces. Popular colors include black, gold, and coyote brown, and urban grey. Parts derived from this process are used in computer and electronic components, mechanical hardware, optical components, and hydraulic valves.

• Hard anodize (hard coat)

This process also involves a sulphuric acid electrolyte. It results in a metal surface that is denser and thicker compared to parts obtained from SAA. It is best for metal components that will be used in extreme wear environments. Extremely high abrasion resistance is required. Hardcoat is also applied where electrical insulation is needed. The parts from hard coating feature improved wear resistance, harder finishes than tool steel, and can be dyed black. Valves, cams, swivel joints, and pistons use hard coat-processed aluminum.

Conclusion

Note, anodizing aluminum results in durable, hard, and abrasion-resistant parts that can be used in consumer goods, electronics, aircraft parts, and sporting gear. It helps metal parts outlast raw metal parts while also providing thermal insulation.

Nylon is a widely used synthetic thermoplastic polymer. It is a flexible, durable, and very versatile material that is commonly used in injection molding applications. Nylon is often used as an affordable alternative for other materials such as latex, rubber, and silk.

Items made from nylon plastic (PA) tend to have features such as:

• High melting point
• Excellent tensile strength
• Resistant to abrasions and chemicals
• Low friction

Thanks to its specific chemical composition, nylon has a very high melting point. That makes it a top alternative for metal components exposed to high temperatures. The most common uses are in car engines and other machinery where there is high-friction. The fact that it doesn’t heat that easy when in a high-friction situation makes it unique. Same as other thermoplastic materials, once it reaches its melting point, it turns to liquid instead of burning. That means it can be easily melted, remolded, or even recycled.

Another great trait of nylon plastic is that it easily combines with other materials. That way, we can improve much of its qualities and make the produced items applicable to other uses.

One such example is filling it with fiberglass. That will reinforce its tensile strength on account of its flexibility that will decrease. Plus, it will make it more brittle.

Different Variants of the Nylon Material

There are different variants of nylon, but not all are popular and commonly used as Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 6/66, and Nylon 6/6.

The numbers reveal the number of carbon atoms found among the amine and the acid groups. The single digits like 6 reveal that the polymer is made from a single monomer, which is in conjunction with itself. That makes it a homopolymer. The two digits, like 66, reveal that the polymer is made from several other monomers in relation to each other. That makes them comonomers.

Then there is the slash that means the polymer consists of several groups of comonomers that are in relation to each other. The term used to describe that is a copolymer.

Nylon Plastics in Everyday Life

Thanks to its excellent versatility, nylon is used for all sorts of products, such as:

• Fishing line
• Reinforcement for rubber.
• Threads and ropes
• Clothing and fabric
• And a lot more

Thanks to plastic injection molding, nylon is also cast into plastic bearings, bushings, gears, and other types of mechanical equipment such as engines.

To Conclude

Nylon is no easy material to work with, especially if you are a beginner and don’t have much experience under your belt. It is a temperamental type of material, that if not treated right, can lead to low efficiencies and high scrap.

You can get consistent quality of products via injection molding by proper material handling, meticulously following all the procedures, tool design, and concentrated processing.

That’s the only path to excellent nylon molding and efficient production of excellent products. Any other approach is merely an improvisation, waste of time, money, and resources.