Tag: services

5 Types of 3D Printing

siteadmin

Additive manufacturing is an alternative to traditional machining processes such as CNC and injection molding. It uses a layer-by-layer process to build up a part from raw materials.

Prototypes can be printed and iterated quickly without the need for costly moulds. This reduces design risk and enables products to reach the market far faster. Click https://www.by3design.com/ to learn more.

  1. Direct Energy Deposition (DED)

Direct energy deposition (DED) is a metal 3D printing technology that works with metals and alloys, particularly titanium, Inconel, and steel. It can be used to create parts with complex geometries and internal features. The process uses a wire or filament as the feedstock material that is melted by a heat source to build up the part layer by layer.

The heat source can be an electric arc, a laser, an electron beam or a plasma arc. Laser-based DED is the most commonly used type of metal 3D printing, including methods like laser engineered net shape, laser light fabrication, directed light fabrication and electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM).

DED systems are capable of working with a wide range of feed materials. These can be introduced through a powder blend or multiple filament feeds, and the composition of these materials can even be varied during fabrication.

A key factor for success with DED is the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and control the grain structure of the deposited material. This helps reduce porosity, which can be an issue with this type of 3D printing. Another critical element is the power of the heat source, which can impact both the size of the melt pool and the cooling rate.

DED is a good choice for manufacturing components with tight tolerances and complex geometries. However, its initial costs can be expensive. Furthermore, it requires a skilled workforce to operate the equipment and maintain optimal print quality. It also can be less efficient than other powder bed fusion (PBF) machines when building mid-size metal parts. For example, research has shown that DED is ten times faster and five times cheaper than PBF when building a 150mm diameter and 200mm tall Inconel metal part.

  1. Material Jetting

Using a powder base and liquid binder, material jetting operates by printing layer-by-layer. This technique can build up intricate structures and creates high-resolution items, particularly for objects that require complex geometries.

It is also ideal for printing full-colour, visual prototypes, injection moulds and casting patterns. Developed in the 1990s, it has become one of the most popular 3D printing technologies.

Unlike the sintering and melting methods of FDM and SLS, which use laser beams, electric arcs and electron beams to melt materials together, material jetting uses a photopolymerisation process that cures the material with UV light in a similar way to photographic film development. Material jetting can also use multiple different colours and materials within the same print, which offers designers a wider range of possible design options and allows them to create realistic prototypes with smooth surfaces.

The printer’s print head has multiple nozzles, which can be set to deposit various different materials and/or colours simultaneously. This can be used to make coloured or translucent parts, and the nozzles can even be positioned to print multiple colours onto the same object. The printer can also build support structures for the printed part, which are made from a dissolvable material that can be easily removed during post-processing without leaving any marks on the finished print.

The ability to turn CAD models into physical parts, with the option of creating multiple iterations, speeds up product development and helps companies avoid expensive mistakes that could be costly in production. Furthermore, the ability to produce a finished item in hours means that companies can keep manufacturing in-house and protect intellectual property. 3D printing can also provide cost savings and reduced time to market when compared with traditional methods of producing parts, and can be more environmentally friendly.

  1. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a method of 3D printing that uses a high-powered laser to “sinter” small particles of polymer powder into a product based on a CAD model. It’s one of the most reliable, precise and fast methods for prototyping and small batch production of end-use parts. SLS is especially suited for plastic materials with good mechanical properties such as Nylon PA 12.

The SLS process works by depositing layers of a chosen polymer powder into a build chamber. During the fabrication, a CO2 laser beam is used to scan over the surface of the layer. This is followed by a heat-source to melt and fuse the melted powder into place. This is repeated until the final part has been built. Unlike FDM, SLS printing does not use support structures which gives designers a lot more scope for their designs.

However, the quality of SLS printed parts is impacted by a variety of factors. A major problem is porosity that results from entrapped air between the matrix and reinforcement materials. This can be caused by the shape and reusability of the powder, as well as by the laser power or scanning speed. Hatch spacing, which controls the level of overlap between laser scans, also has a significant impact on part density and strength.

To overcome these challenges, proper monitoring and control is essential. This can be done using a variety of sensors and techniques such as fringe projection, laser profilometers and thermal infrared cameras. Unsupervised machine learning models can also be trained on process data to detect anomalies and alert operators when they occur. For example, convolutional neural networks have been shown to be effective at identifying defects in SLS.

  1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a popular method of 3D printing and is used in many desktop printers. It works by heating a thermoplastic material and depositing it onto a platform layer by layer until the final model is formed. It is a great option for prototyping, allowing engineers to test their design in physical form and get feedback before committing to larger scale production.

Before a part can be printed, it must be converted to a file format that the printer understands, typically an STL file. Then the software will “slice” the model into layers that can be built upon one at a time. The sliced model is then sent to the printer where molten thermoplastic is deposited onto the platform in the dictated shape.

The melted thermoplastic is then allowed to cool before more layers are added. The process is repeated until the final product is complete. As this type of printing uses a thermoplastic, it is best for producing parts that need strength, durability and chemical resistance. In addition to plastics, other materials such as metals and ceramics can be printed using this technique.

Regardless of the printing process, it is important that the final printed item is accurate and has a good surface finish. Many desktop printers have lower tolerances than industrial machines and parts produced by this method may have visible layer lines that need to be smoothed out during post-processing.

The quality of the finished part can be improved by changing the material being used and increasing the print speed. In addition, the ability to reduce energy consumption and to use renewable natural polymers can help to make the process more sustainable.

  1. Material Extrusion

Material Extrusion is the method of 3D printing that most people are familiar with, as it is used in many home- and hobby-grade printers. It works by forcing a spool of thermoplastic polymer through a heated nozzle, which deposits the material layer-by-layer onto a build platform. This technology is known by a variety of names, including fused filament fabrication (FFF) and fused deposition modeling (FDM).

The material that is printed with this technology can be both flexible and rigid. It is also capable of printing with a range of materials, from plastics to rubbers and even metals, making it well suited for creating functional engineering prototypes and systems. In addition, it has the capability to print a wide range of colors, which can give a product a more vibrant and attractive appearance.

While this technique is relatively inexpensive and easy to use, it does not have as high of a resolution as other 3D printing methods. It also has a tendency to create prints with noticeable layer lines, which can require additional post processing work to achieve a smooth surface finish.

It is important to understand the different capabilities of each printing method before choosing one that will best suit your needs. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional, 3D printing can help you reduce your manufacturing time and costs, while improving your quality, efficiency, and productivity.

If you need support with your 3D printing projects, contact TWI’s Industrial Members for world-class expertise in a wide range of additive technologies and materials. Our experts are available to act as an extension of your own internal resources, assisting with design, development, and testing across a range of industries.

The Best Approach to Pest Control

siteadmin

Pests are more than just a nuisance; they can cause property damage and pose health hazards. The best approach to pest control is prevention.

For example, keeping a tight lid on outdoor garbage containers and regularly removing trash can help prevent rodent infestations. Similarly, planting pyrethrum daisies around the house can repel flies. Contact Pest Control Thousand Oaks now!

The best way to deal with pest problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The most effective preventive strategies focus on building barriers to entry and eliminating attractants. This can include sealing cracks and gaps, cleaning and storing food in sealed containers, and regularly disposing of garbage. It is also important to maintain proper landscaping, which includes trimming trees and bushes, so they don’t create hiding places or cover entry points.

Structural prevention is another key component of preventive pest control, focusing on securing the integrity of exterior walls and doors. This may include caulking or weather stripping. It is also important to inspect ductwork and vents to make sure there are no openings through which pests could enter the house. In addition, the property owner should install fine mesh screens on all windows and vents. This will help keep pests out and also allow fresh air to circulate throughout the home.

Insects are drawn to food, water, and shelter, and preventing pests from accessing these things is the best way to avoid infestations. Keeping living areas clean, sweeping and vacuuming floors regularly, and putting away food can significantly reduce the chance of pest invasions. Similarly, promptly removing garbage from the home and regularly bringing it to the curb helps to eliminate feeding sites.

Eliminating attractants is also essential to preventing pests, as this will limit the number of available food sources for them to feed on. Properly storing food in sealed containers and avoiding over-crowding living areas will prevent pests from finding places to hide and nest. Finally, regular trash removal and prompt disposal of soiled clothing and cardboard boxes can reduce the potential for pest infestation.

While many preventive methods are effective, pest infestations can still occur even when these tactics are employed. In some cases, the best option is to use chemical sprays to quickly deal with an infestation when it occurs. It is critical that all pesticides are used properly, however, and the property owner should always follow instructions and safety warnings.

Persistent pest problems or an infestation that doesn’t respond to DIY efforts usually indicates the need for professional intervention. Hiring a reputable pest control company to treat existing pest problems can save time and money, while protecting human health and property.

Suppression

If pests are already present and causing harm, the goal of the pest control professional is to reduce their numbers to an acceptable level. This is usually accomplished with preventative treatments that stop pests from entering the site and causing damage.

These types of routine treatments are often called “preventive maintenance” by pest control professionals. They are similar to regular maintenance services done for ornamental plants, turfgrass and fruit and vegetable crops. These treatment programs are designed to prevent a pest problem before it starts by creating a protective barrier around the home or business and by regularly monitoring the property for signs of unwanted pests.

When preventive treatments are not enough, a variety of chemical pesticides may be used to control the problem. When this is necessary, the professional chooses a product that is as effective as possible and that causes the least amount of harm to people and the environment.

Natural forces such as climate, natural enemies, the availability of food and water, and natural barriers have a significant impact on pest populations. Using these factors to the advantage of pest control is often the best strategy.

In addition to modifying the environment, mechanical and physical methods also are used to control pests. These include the use of traps, screens, fences, radiation and chemicals to change the way a pest lives. This type of pest control often is less expensive than chemical treatments, and it can be very effective in controlling certain types of pests.

Biological control agents—fungi, bacteria and parasitic insects—also are used to manage some plant pests. These organisms kill or infect the pests and can be spread by spores, which need free water or high humidity to germinate. Fungi and bacteria can be spread on the leaves of a plant, in the soil or in the air. Some nematodes live inside the bodies of insects, feeding on them from the inside and killing them from the outside. These organisms are useful in controlling a wide range of insect pests and some weeds. They are particularly effective against some pests that have developed resistance to chemical controls.

Eradication

Pests can contaminate food, damage buildings and make people sick. They can also cause psychological distress. They may leave stains and carry germs that can spread diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever and cholera. Certain types of insects can wreak havoc in our airways, making asthma and allergies worse, while other pests transmit vector-borne diseases such as mosquito bites and fleas.

Pest control is a process of monitoring and detecting problems, followed by preventive and suppression methods. For example, a scouting and monitoring program might recommend the use of trap crops such as zinnia to attract Japanese beetles so they can be trapped and destroyed before they have a chance to ravage a garden.

Physical traps and netting are also effective pest control tools. Alternatively, a pest professional can use chemicals to kill or repel pests. These solutions are called pesticides and can range in toxicity from repellents to fumigants. Because they are toxic to humans, too, they must be applied by trained professionals and used sparingly.

Chemicals might also be used to address a severe infestation or when other prevention and suppression methods fail. In this case, an exterminator will spray a pesticide around the property to eradicate the problem. They may also use ultra-low volume fogging to distribute a small amount of pesticide throughout a space. Fumigation is a more extreme chemical method that involves sealing a building and filling it with poison to destroy all the pests inside.

Pests are a natural part of our environment and are necessary in many ecosystems to balance other organisms. However, some pests are a nuisance and can pose a health risk to humans, especially in enclosed spaces such as homes, schools, offices and hospitals. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a process of using preventive, cultural and chemical techniques to manage pests in ways that minimize their negative impact on the human environment. The goal is to reduce the risk of harming the environment while maintaining a comfortable living or working space. If you notice a pest problem, contact your local pest control expert to discuss treatment options.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ongoing process of monitoring and making decisions about pests, using the least hazardous controls. IPM programs are based on an understanding of the biology and ecology of pests, as well as the environment in which they occur. It is an ecologically sound approach to pest management, reducing risks to people, property and the natural environment. IPM focuses on prevention rather than suppression or eradication and uses a combination of physical, cultural, biological and chemical control methods.

IPM starts with setting action thresholds, which are the levels of pest damage that justify taking control measures. These are determined by monitoring, recording pest counts and determining whether the damage level is unacceptable. The pest population is also monitored to determine whether environmental conditions might limit the growth of the pest. For example, green June beetle grubs in the lawn are damaging to some homeowners but not others because other factors like weather might keep the population from becoming too large.

This information is used to make a decision about controlling the pest using one of the many low risk options, such as scouting, mechanical removal, or physical and chemical controls. These methods are much less dangerous than traditional pesticides, so they reduce the risks to the applicator and those living in or around the affected building. This reduces both the costs of the control effort and the long term costs of building maintenance, repair or replacement due to damage from pest infestations.

IPM is a proven and effective way of managing pests in crops and has become an essential component of sustainable agriculture. IPM is also being applied in urban settings, where cockroaches and other pests cause structural damage to buildings. In IPM, sanitation and other preventative methods are often employed before pesticides are used, reducing the need for frequent applications. We have evaluated IPM compared to traditional pest management in public housing, finding that it reduces allergens and cockroach populations while maintaining resident satisfaction. NIFA is committed to providing leadership in a comprehensive portfolio of IPM programs and supporting research on their effectiveness.