Smart Molding International 2-2024

38 smart_molding international 2/2024 additive manufacturing Five reasons why universities are investing in DLP 3D printers Investing in DLP technology from ETEC increases the quality of education by allowing students the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience directly producing the parts they design. A dditive manufacturing is one of the most versatile forms of production and is revolutionizing a variety of industries. Also known as 3D printing, it enables the creation of complex parts with intricate geometries that were once impossible to produce using traditional methods. Digital light processing (DLP) 3D printers have a vat full of resin with a projector that lights the areas of the vat that are needed for the current layer of the 3Dmodel. Stereolithography (SLA) is a closely related technology but slower technology that uses lasers to trace out geometries instead of light projectors to cure the entire layer of resin one flash at a time. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers extrude thermoplastic filaments through a nozzle to melt material designs layer- by-layer. Because FDM also traces out the geometry, it is significantly slower than DLP and the individual layers are most often visible while DLP prints tend to be smoother, more detailed, and more organic looking. Investing in DLP technology from ETEC increases the quality of education by allowing students the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience directly producing the parts they design. As 3D printing continues to emerge as a key creative force and manufacturing technology, it is critical academic organizations include it in their curricula to inspire the next- generation of professionals and avoid leaving students at a disadvantage as they enter the workforce. Here are five reasons educational institutions are printing knowledge by investing in digital light processing. Hands-On Industry 4.0 Engagement Education 4.0 calls for embracing and adopting technologies in education. Additive manufacturing helps transform classroom theories into applicable skills. Hands-on learning environments with disruptive technologies help prepare students to be successful in the evolving workforce. 3D printing is also a key part of all levels of academic and industry research.