The Accuracy and the Printing Resolution Comparison of Different 3D Printing Technologies

Abstract

The article presents a research conducted with the project: ‘Additive technology used in conduction with optical methods for rapid prototyping of 3D printed models’ [13]. In this article selected three different 3D printing technologies: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Material Jetting (MJ). Each of them was tested paying special attention to accuracy and resolution of printed elements. Accuracy tests were conducted on the reference specimens which also showed material texture. These specimens were scanned to verified dimensional deviations of printing methods. Printing resolution was verified on a heat exchanger model which was characterized by complicated structure. The highest accuracy and printing resolution was noticed in the MJ technology, PolyJet method on the Objet Eden 260 VS printing machine and the SUP 707 water soluble support material.