What is direct production?

Direct production (DM)-known as additive or fast production-a process that creates a solid, three-dimensional (3D) object of liquid or powder. This can be achieved by affecting the substance in a laser or other beam, such as an electron beam, or by directing it in molten form through extremely narrow nozzles. Digitized patterns, such as those created by programs created in computer -supported design (CAD) programs, are fed to a computer that controls this process and creates a final product.

Direct production can be simplified as "3D printing". The operation may resemble an operation of a classic ink -style printer, but works in three dimensions. Like traditional printing, as soon as the design is entry into the computer, the rest of the process is processed without human interaction. It agreed. In the first case, the melted material - usually plastic - is pushed by nozzles, nothing wider than human hair. According to the CAD drawing, the fibers are determined, one layer at a time, with a typical layer of measuring0.005 inches (0.0127 cm) thick.

In the case of the material that is, a thin layer of powder is laid, usually a cylinder. Then the CAD drawing layer is etiped through a laser powder or another energy beam. Powder particles are fused in the shape of a beam track and create one layer of drawing. The process is then repeated until the item is completed.

Special or limited production items are often best suited for direct production, such as prototypes or pieces for spacecraft or military aircraft with unusual geometry. When creating end -user items, some DM Methods companies claim that this process is competitive with traditional machining and injection techniques. When deciding between DM and other production process, the volume of production, complexity of design and probability of change should be considered.

Due to the unbearable cost of molds and machinesDirect production can be suitable for short or uncertain production runs. Once the intended run is completed, it can be used for other products. For very complex designs, DM can be able to create one -piece items that would be difficult or even impossible to create on most other manufacturing methods.