1. 3D Printing, Here to Stay or Just a
Passing Fad?
By Jordan Coughlin
JJRP
2. FDM or FFF Technology
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or FFF
(Fused Filament Fabrication) is perhaps the
most common and widespread form of 3D
printing for the everyday user.
FDM technology consists of heating
filaments and passing them through an
extruder, almost like an automated hot glue
gun.
FDM is popular mostly because of ease of
use, how cheap the machines have
become, reliability, and their ability to print
functional parts as well as cosmetic ones.
Build volumes vary considerably, and with
some machines people have been able to
print parts in excess of 300x300mm
3. Pros and Cons of FDM or FFF
Pros
Machines are comparatively cheap for an entry point, with the lowest range being 100-170 dollars.
Many materials used in this technology by hobbyists (PLA and PETG) emit next to no odor and pose limited
risk to health when used as directed.
Some bioplastics used are biodegradable, and many filament manufacturers are now offering recycled options
as well.
The potential use of materials such as carbon fiber nylon and other such filaments allow for the machining of
very precise and strong parts.
These machines are relatively simple to use for people who have previous tech knowledge, depending on the
specific printer and material. Materials like ABS and nylon require more dialing in and upgrades or changes to
the printing environment.
Cons
Some materials like ABS can emit toxic fumes during the printing process, necessitating the need for an
enclosure with an air filter.
Printing times are slow, with some large prints taking as long as three days to complete.
The industry consumes a ton of plastic, and while some of it is eco friendly and biodegradable, not all of it is.
And a lot of it invariably ends up in landfills, further contributing to pollution.
4. Staying Power of FDM or FFF
FDM is the most comparable to regular printing and probably is the most easy for
people to understand and grasp. When you put it in terms of a hot glue gun of sorts,
people understand it better.
FDM has a learning curve, but as someone with next to no tech knowledge going into
it, it's nothing that the average person can't handle with some patience and practice.
Environmental concerns are the biggest concerns in my eyes, and if this industry
continues to grow there needs to be a revolution of bioplastics and recycled filaments
available for as affordable of a price as their counterparts.
Increasing demand for parts printed in things like carbon fiber nylon ensures that the
methodology has staying power, unless new technology replaces it. That hasn't
happened yet, even with SLA which might be preferred for high detail, small prints.
The delicate nature and hot moving parts mean that these machines can't be present
everywhere, such as around small children or animals that might knock into it.
5. SLA or DLP T
SLA (stereolithography) or DLP
(Digital Light Processing) are both
very similar technologies that use
UV light and fast-curing resins to
create 3D objects with tight
tolerances and smooth surfaces.
SLA printing is preferred for small
objects that need high levels of
intricate detail, such as tabletop
miniatures or dental equipment.
6. Pros and Cons of SLA DLP Printing
Pros
Smooth surfaces
High level of detail
Fast printing times
The fact that height is the only factor that determines print time, and that adding more in the horizontal
plane won't add to the total time. This means it's easier to produce full batches of small parts
Cons
Resins pose unique health risks with their fumes, and an enclosure or ventilation is needed.
Resin is very messy to work with, and skin contact is just as bad for you, so proper PPE is essential to
good practices
Resin is very brittle, and while there are strong resins out there, they are not cost effective.
Resin in general, compared to filament, is not very cost effective and highly toxic.
Resin is terrible for the environment, and while there are some eco friendly options out there, they are
not what most people use and can cost more.
7. Staying Power of SLA or DLP
SLA has cemented its place as the champion of tabletop gaming and dental
needs.
For any print that requires a very high level of detail without much regard for
how strong the print is, SLA outperforms nearly all other options.
SLA printers appear very beginner friendly on the surface with minimal setup
required and cheap entry cost, but the mess and possible health risks mean
this isn't a good choice for families with young children by and large.
Environmental risk is also a huge factor for resin and resin based 3D
printing. Some companies market eco friendly resins, but these need to be
popularized and researched more for SLA to be a technology with great
staying power without posing significant risk to our environment.
More research needs to be done on the health risks of resin exposure.
Currently there is a lack of evidence as these technologies were only
popularized for hobbyists fairly recently.
8. Alternative Uses of 3D Printing and
How they Compare
3D Printing houses and structures
uses a type of FDM technology
with a cement type f mixture. The
layer lines are very visible in this
process which is the major
drawback, but this technology
allows structures to be built quickly
and easily. Typically the roof and
other such parts are not 3D printed,
and are instead added on with
conventional materials.
3D printing organs using living cells
is still in its infancy, but holds
promise for medical use in the
future.
9. What impact will 3D Printing have on
existing markets?
While I firmly believe that 3D printing has a place in the future, it is
not currently in the position to overtake any markets with DIY
alternatives at any point in the near future.
3D printing is still in its infancy, and is much more resource intensive
and time consuming than mass production techniques such as
injection molding.
Where 3D printing excels is prototyping, and allowing small
businesses/individuals the opportunity to dip their toes in the water of
small scale manufacturing and fabrication.
Limitations of the technology such as with FDM not ever being truly
capable of producing food safe products without bacterial concerns
limit what the technology can do. Rather than innovating FDM, a new
type of 3D printing technology may be needed to truly make a dent in
the manufacturing business. A process that is much more quick and
less resource intensive.
10. Environmental Concerns/Health
Concerns
Scientists are already finding microplastics in our blood, even without 3D printing. Common
materials such as PLA give off no odor or known toxic fumes, but microplastics are still misted
into the air and the long-term consequences of exposure to these plastics are not currently
known.
Resin has its own unique health risks and environmental concerns, proper ventilation is
necessary. Again, the full extent of the drawbacks to this are not fully known, but resin fumes
are known to be fairly toxic by themselves. Moreover, most resins do not degrade in the
environment and pose a threat to the ecosystem. Especially if not disposed of properly. Some
eco resins are marketed to exist, but there have not been studies on these yet, and they are still
toxic.
The most common material for 3D printing is PLA, and while it is a bioplastic and can be more
environmentally friendly than others, able to be composted in industrial conditions, it is still a
large source of plastic waste. Other materials can be considerably more toxic and damaging to
the environment.
Additionally, FDM printers normally run around at least 200 degrees celsius and up to 300 for
the nozzle, and 60-120 for the heated bed which has now become standard. Considering many
leave their machines running constantly in this hobby or business approach, this is considerably
resource intensive and damaging to the environent.
11. Wrap Up
In conclusion, while I do love 3D printing with a
bias towards FDM printing, I can freely admit
that it does have its drawbacks. Do I believe
that 3D printing has a place in the future? Yes,
absolutely, but not in its current state of infancy.
Innovation and change is needed in the industry
so as to make it more environmentally friendly
and with less risks to the consumer. Also, the
processes are currently too slow and costly
compared to other mass production methods.
