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We at Indicate Technologies use the newest 3D printing technologies paired with a broad range of filament, resin, and metal materials to deliver exceptional parts for any application.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a digital manufacturing process in which a three-dimensional object is created by layering material in thin slices. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has transformed the way we create and produce objects.
The technology enables the creation of physical objects from digital designs. It works by using a computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a 3D model, which is then sliced into thin layers. These layers are sent to a 3D printer, which builds the object layer by layer using a variety of materials, such as plastics, metals, and ceramics.
3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing by allowing for the rapid prototyping and customization of products, reducing costs, and lead times. It is used across industries, including aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and education, among others, and continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing.
As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, its applications are expanding. Researchers are exploring the use of 3D printing to create human organs, food, and even buildings. With its potential to disrupt traditional manufacturing processes and enable new possibilities, 3D printing is a technology to watch in the years ahead.
3D Printing in Automotive
3D Printing in Architecture
3D Printing in Art and Design
3D Printing in Construction
3D Printing in Education
3D Printing in Food and Beverage
3D Printing in Healthcare
3D Printing in Jewelry
3D Printing inManufacturing
3D Printing in Aerospace and Aviation
The Subfields of 3D Printing
FDM/FFF
SLA
SLS
DLP
BJ
MJ
MBJ
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM is a 3D printing technology that builds objects layer by layer using a melted thermoplastic material. It is a low-cost option and ideal for large-scale objects. FDM printers are relatively simple to operate, making them a popular choice for home users and hobbyists. However, they may not be suitable for producing high-resolution prints.
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA uses a UV laser to solidify a liquid resin into a solid object. It is a high-precision 3D printing technology that can produce extremely detailed models with intricate features. SLA is often used in industries such as dentistry and jewelry-making, where accuracy is crucial.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS is a 3D printing technology that uses a laser to fuse powdered material, such as nylon or metal, into a solid object. SLS is particularly useful for producing complex geometries, such as parts with internal cavities or intricate shapes. It can also produce strong and durable prints, making it a popular choice for industrial applications.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
DLP uses a projector to cure a liquid resin into a solid object. It is similar to SLA but faster and lower cost. DLP printers can produce high-resolution prints with smooth surfaces and fine details, making them a popular choice for applications such as jewelry-making and model-making.
Binder Jetting
Binder Jetting is a 3D printing technology that uses a liquid binder to bond together layers of powder material, such as sand or metal. It is particularly useful for producing metal parts and sandcasting molds. Binder Jetting is a fast and cost-effective way to produce high-quality prints in a variety of materials.
Material Jetting
In Material Jetting, similar to Binder Jetting, a print head resembling that of an inkjet printer is used. However, instead of gluing another material together, you get the material itself in liquid form, either as droplets or as a continuous jet.
A significant advantage of this technique is the ability to switch materials during the printing process. The part can therefore be soft at one end and firm at the other, and it is also possible to print in color. This means that the process is often used for prototypes in development departments or in hospitals, where doctors can get a realistic 3D representation of what they need to operate on.
Metal Binder Jetting
Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ) is a three step 3D printing process to cost effectively 3D print end use metal parts with unparalleled speed and productivity.
For each layer, the printer spreads metal powder across the build bed, and precisely jets a binding agent to bond loose powder and define part geometry. Layer by layer, metal powder and binder is deposited until the entire build volume is packed with bound parts and surrounding loose powder.
Indicate Technologies' Core Competencies in 3D Printing
Our expertise in design and engineering allows us to create custom designs that are optimized for 3D printing, taking into account material properties and the limitations of different 3D printing technologies. We can guide you to the right 3D printer and do
We also have extensive experience with a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, and can help clients choose the best material for their specific application. Our deep understanding of 3D printing technologies such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Digital Light Processing (DLP) enables us to advise clients on the best technology for their project.
At Indicate Technologies, we are committed to using the latest 3D printing software and tools to ensure the highest quality prints possible. Our investment in advanced software for design and simulation, as well as state-of-the-art 3D printers, means that we can produce parts with exceptional accuracy and resolution.
We can help bring your ideas to life with precision, speed, and quality.
3D Printer Classification
Professional Desktop
Large Format
High Performance
High Resolution
Metal
Professional Desktop
Professional desktop 3D printers are compact, table top, easy-to-use systems in the price range of $3,000 to $15,000. This differs from hobbyist desktop 3D printers, which typically retail anywhere from $200 to $3,000 and have minimal features, limited material capabilities, are generally harder to use, and are less reliable.
Large Format
Large-format 3D printers are systems that are too large to sit on a desktop and typically offer build volumes larger than 500mm cubed (approx. 20 inches cubed).
High Performance
High-performance 3D printers are differentiated from other 3D printers by their ability to print high-performance polymers. Materials such as PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM, and CF-reinforced composites produce parts with exceptional thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties, and require printers that can print filament at very high temperatures.
High Resolution
High-resolution 3D printers differentiate themselves from other 3d printers by printing parts with higher accuracy and finer part details. They use DLP and MJP technologies which cures resin and gives the parts high tolerance. DLP is often used when rapidly creating photopolymer parts, and MJP is optimal for complex, precision casting patterns in industrial areas.
Metal
Metal 3D printers harness cutting-edge additive manufacturing techniques to directly craft intricate metal parts. These advanced printers meticulously employ metal powders and harness the power of high-intensity lasers or electron beams. This focused energy selectively melts and fuses successive layers of metal, culminating in the creation of remarkably precise and complex components.
