3D Product 3D Printing Technologies 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does FDM stand for in 3D printing?
- Fused Deposition Modeling (Correct answer)
- Frequency Driven Manufacturing
- Fused Digital Mapping
- Fabricated Deposition Method
Correct answer: Fused Deposition Modeling
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is an additive manufacturing process that extrudes melted thermoplastic filament layer by layer to build a 3D object.
Question 2: What is stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing?
- A resin-based process that uses UV laser light to cure photopolymer resin layer by layer (Correct answer)
- A filament extrusion method using high-temperature plastics
- A powder bed fusion process using metal powders
- An inkjet-based process for printing wax patterns
Correct answer: A resin-based process that uses UV laser light to cure photopolymer resin layer by layer
SLA 3D printing uses a UV laser to selectively cure liquid photopolymer resin, producing parts with very high detail and smooth surface finish.
Question 3: What is 'support material' in 3D printing and why is it needed?
- Temporary structures printed beneath overhanging geometry to prevent collapse during printing (Correct answer)
- The primary filament material used for the object
- A post-processing coating applied to the finished part
- A type of infill pattern used inside hollow objects
Correct answer: Temporary structures printed beneath overhanging geometry to prevent collapse during printing
Support material holds up overhanging features that would otherwise sag or collapse since 3D printing builds layer by layer without instantaneous structural support.
Question 4: What does 'layer resolution' mean in 3D printing?
- The thickness of each printed layer, which determines vertical detail and surface smoothness (Correct answer)
- The maximum build volume of the printer
- The speed at which the print head moves
- The number of perimeter shells printed
Correct answer: The thickness of each printed layer, which determines vertical detail and surface smoothness
Layer resolution (layer height) determines how thin each layer is — smaller values produce smoother, more detailed prints but take longer to complete.
Question 5: What is Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) used for in product development?
- To fuse powdered nylon or other materials with a laser for strong, functional parts without support structures (Correct answer)
- To print with metal filament using a standard FDM printer
- To cure resin in a vat using a projector
- To print large-scale architectural models
Correct answer: To fuse powdered nylon or other materials with a laser for strong, functional parts without support structures
SLS uses a laser to sinter powdered material (typically nylon), producing durable, functional parts with complex geometries and no support structures needed.
Question 6: What is 'infill' in FDM 3D printing?
- The internal structure printed inside a solid-looking object to add strength while saving material (Correct answer)
- The first layer printed on the build plate
- The final outer shell of a printed object
- The temperature setting for the heated build plate
Correct answer: The internal structure printed inside a solid-looking object to add strength while saving material
Infill is the internal lattice or pattern printed inside an object, with adjustable density (typically 10-100%) that balances strength and material usage.
3D Product 3D Printing Technologies 1
What does FDM stand for in 3D printing?