Top 3D Printing Services in Singapore

What is 3D Printing?

Initially invented in the 1980s by Chuck Hull, an engineer and physicist, 3D printing technology has progressed rapidly.

Alternatively named additive manufacturing, 3D printing is producing an object by depositing material, one tiny layer at a time.

The fundamental concept underlying additive manufacturing may be discovered in rock formations deep underground (dripping water deposits thin layers of minerals to form stalactites and stalagmites), but a more contemporary instance is the common desktop printer.

As an inkjet printer releases individual dots of ink to form images, a 3D printer only releases material where it is needed based on a digital file.

In contrast, most conventional manufacturing processes — which have recently been termed “subtractive manufacturing” — require eliminating excess materials to sift out the desired material.

The consequence: Subtractive manufacturing can waste up to 30 pounds of material for every 1 pound of useful material in some parts, according to a finding from US Energy Department’s Oak Ridge National Lab.

With some 3D printing processes, about 98 percent of the raw material is used in the finished part.

This does not even highlight the fact that 3D printing enables manufacturers to produce new shapes and lighter parts that utilize less raw material and require fewer manufacturing steps.

Subsequently, that can translate into lower energy use for 3D printing – up to 50 percent less energy for certain processes compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

Though the possibilities for additive manufacturing are unlimited, presently 3D printing is largely used to construct small, relatively costly components using plastics and metal powders.

How Does a 3D Printer work?

Additive manufacturing technology is manifested in multiple shapes and sizes, but no matter the type of 3D printer or material you are using, the 3D printing process follows the same basic steps.

It begins with creating a 3D blueprint using computer-aided design (commonly called CAD) software.

Creators are only limited by their imaginations.

For instance, 3D printers have been used to manufacture everything from robots and prosthetic limbs to custom shoes and musical instruments.

Currently funding is secured from government for a new low-cost 3D metal printer.

Once the 3D blueprint is created, the printer needs initial preparation.

This includes refilling the raw materials (such as plastics, metal powders or binding solutions) and preparing the build platform.

Once you hit print, the machine takes over, automatically building the desired object.

Material extrusion functions like a glue gun.

The printing material — typically a plastic filament — is heated until it liquefies and extruded through the print nozzle. Using information from the digital file — the design is split into thin two-dimensional cross-sections, hence the printer knows exactly where to put material — the nozzle deposits the polymer in thin layers, often 0.1 millimeter thick.

The polymer solidifies quickly, bonding to the layer below before the build platform lowers and the print head adds another layer.

Types of 3D printers

Over the years, the 3D printing industry has grown dramatically, creating new technologies.

Different types of 3D Printing

Material Jetting: Resembling a standard desktop printer, material jetting deposits material through an inkjet printer head.

The process typically uses a plastic that requires light to harden it (called a photopolymer) but it can also print waxes and other materials.

While material jetting can produce accurate parts and incorporate multiple materials using additional inkjet printer nozzles, the machines are relatively expensive and build times can be slow.

Binder Jetting: In binder jetting, a thin layer of powder (this can be anything from plastics or glass to metals or sand) is rolled across the build platform.

Then the printer head sprays a binding solution (like a glue) to fuse the powder together only in the places specified in the digital file.

The process repeats until the object is finished printing, and the excess powder that supported the object during the build is removed and saved for later use.

Powder Bed Fusion: Powder bed fusion is similar to binder jetting, except the layers of powder are fused together (either melted or sintered — a process that uses heat or pressure to form a solid mass of material without melting it) using a heat source, such as a laser or electron beam.

Directed Energy Deposition: Directed energy deposition can come in many forms, but they all follow a basic process.

Wire or powder material is deposited into thin layers and melted using a high-energy source, such as a laser. Directed energy deposition systems are commonly used to repair existing parts and build large parts.

Sheet Lamination: Sheet lamination systems bond thin sheets of material (typically paper or metals) together using adhesives, low-temperature heat sources or other forms of energy to produce a 3D object.

Sheet lamination systems allow manufacturers to print with materials that are sensitive to heat, such as paper and electronics, and they offer the lowest material prices of any additive process.

Vat Photopolymerization: Photopolymerization — the oldest type of 3D printer — uses a liquid resin that is cured using special lights to create a 3D object. Depending on the type of printer, it either uses a laser or a projector to trigger a chemical reaction and harden thin layers of the resin.

Benefits of 3D Printing in Singapore

3D printing has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing, allowing companies (and individuals) to create products in new ways while reducing material waste and saving energy.

Why use 3D Printing in Singapore?

If you are ever in need of items that simply cannot be bought around your area, you may want to consider seeking services from the companies with the best 3D printing in Singapore.

If there is a 3D printer, even unusual items or components will not be impossible to obtain.

Sample costs of 3D Printing in Singapore

The price of 3D printers is affordable: beginning from $100.

For about $200 to $300, you can get a good 3D printer which was unheard of before.

For under $300, you can get the Creality3D Ender Precision 3D Printer and start 3D printing magic production.

Editor’s Note:

While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.

If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at [email protected]. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.