I've been doing alot of research on 3D printing and the different mediums available... I'd love to get my own 3D printer one day so that I can print up my own custom parts for modeling, and what I've discovered is that there are basically 6 different types of 3D printers out there right now (7 if you include some of the newer that are still being tested but haven't been released). Here's what I got for ya... List of different technologies used in 3D printers
#1: Stereolithography
This method was invented in 1986 and was typically used in the first generation commercial 3D printers. Printers using
stereolithography concentrate the beam of UV rays on the surface of the object to be replicated. The object is filled with resin (photopolymer). When light hits the resin, you get a high resolution 3 D model of the object you have used (SLA or SL).
#2: Fused deposition modeling
FDM, or
Fused deposition modeling was also invented in the late 80’s. Using this technology, a few drops of certain melted thermoplastic materials are joined together to form a shape. As the material hardens, a 3 D object is formed.
#3: Selective Laser Sintering
SLS - This is somewhat similar to stereolithography but instead of using liquid resin, you can use powdered material in the vat. The material could be anything from nylon, ceramics, glass, aluminum, to steel or silver.
#4: Selective laser melting
Selective laser melting (SLM) works similar to SLS. However, instead of simply combining the powder granules together, the powder is melted.
#5: Electronic Beam Melting
In 3D printers operated by the
Electronic Beam Melting (EBM) technique, electronic beams are used instead of UV rays.
#6: Laminated Object Manufacturing
In this process, to manufacture an object, plastic, paper and metal are glued together. After that, they are cut with a knife or a laser to give them a shape. Kinda like cutting various layers and gluing them all together and then smoothed out afterward.
They are getting better with 3D printing and the technology is getting refined all the time. I've heard that they actually have been thinking of sending up a couple of robots to the moon or even mars that will use the soil to "print" a complete structure or habitat before anyone even gets there... it's an exciting time. I'm sure as time passes the tech will get faster and more detailed, but for now this is what we've got available!