Laser cutting and 3D printing
Laser cutting
A A machine that uses a laser beam to vaporise material and cut out shapes very accurately. can use a The process of creating a 2D or 3D design using computer software. to cut or engrave complex shapes out of card, wood, foam, plastic or circuit board.
Image caption, A laser cutter
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| Advantages of laser cutting | Disadvantages of laser cutting |
| Precise and accurate | Equipment is expensive, as is maintenance |
| Can cut complex shapes | Training is needed |
| Engraves and cuts | Ventilation is needed |
| Leaves a smooth edge | |
| Quick |
| Advantages of laser cutting | Precise and accurate |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of laser cutting | Equipment is expensive, as is maintenance |
| Advantages of laser cutting | Can cut complex shapes |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of laser cutting | Training is needed |
| Advantages of laser cutting | Engraves and cuts |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of laser cutting | Ventilation is needed |
| Advantages of laser cutting | Leaves a smooth edge |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of laser cutting |
| Advantages of laser cutting | Quick |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of laser cutting |
3D printing
A method of adding material in layers to build a solid form. is an additive The manufacture of a part or product from a computer aided design (CAD) using computer-controlled machinery, such as a 3D printer. process that follows CAD designs to place layers on top of each other repeatedly and create a 3D object. A A material in a thread-like form. of plastic (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), Nylon) is fed into the machine and heated so that it is softened and sticks to the previous layer. It has been utilised in many industries, including in the production of prosthetics, but can be utilised in electronics also.
| Advantages of 3D printing | Disadvantages of 3D printing |
| No moulds or formers are needed | Equipment is expensive, as is maintenance |
| Alterations can be made to the design digitally before wasting materials | Training is needed |
| It uses hardwearing, durable, waterproof and lightweight plastics | Can only use plastics |
| Can create complex shapes | The layering process is slow |
| Advantages of 3D printing | No moulds or formers are needed |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of 3D printing | Equipment is expensive, as is maintenance |
| Advantages of 3D printing | Alterations can be made to the design digitally before wasting materials |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of 3D printing | Training is needed |
| Advantages of 3D printing | It uses hardwearing, durable, waterproof and lightweight plastics |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of 3D printing | Can only use plastics |
| Advantages of 3D printing | Can create complex shapes |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of 3D printing | The layering process is slow |