CommunicationShipping & Tariff CostConfidentiality & ITARQualification All in One Place
3D Printing Technologies Compared – DLS vs. SLS, FFF, and Binder Jetting
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Digital light synthesis (DLS) is an innovative additive manufacturing method that’s great for producing custom, well-finished plastic parts quickly and consistently. That’s why it’s our choice additive manufacturing method at Elite Mold and Engineering to complement our core injection molding capabilities.
Carbon Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) 3D Printing Technology
We utilize Carbon’s digital light synthesis (DLS) 3D printing technology to perform rapid prototyping, offering fast turnaround and ease of modification during the product development process.
For our customers, we’ve found this method to be the perfect bridge between prototyping and production. And because DLS produces such quality parts with premium surface finishes comparable to injection molded products, we can even accommodate some lower-volume runs entirely with our 3D printing services.
However, DLS isn’t the only game in town. There are many other unique methods of additive manufacturing that some of our customers have inquired about. Below, we discuss some of these most popular alternative methods, and how they compare to DLS.
4 Alternative Additive Manufacturing Processes to Digital Light Processing (DLS)
Stereolithography (SLA)
As a vat photopolymerization process, SLA falls in the same technological category as DLS. The two processes both print plastic parts through the selective exposure of liquid photopolymers – essentially using light to solidify the plastic. However, the source of the light in the two processes is quite different.
DLS uses digital light projection (DLP) to cast light in a precise area – analogous to a film projector. In contrast, SLA uses laser technology with a single-point focus. DLS can therefore print parts much faster for more production capacity, especially in the case of large components.
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Fused filament 3D printing processes have traditionally been the most common additive manufacturing services. The material extrusion process is quite different from both DLS and SLA, precisely depositing melted plastic filament to build up the part layer by layer. Though the process is relatively simple and straightforward, there are limitations when compared to more advanced 3D printing methods like DLS. The lower resolution of FFF combined with potential side effects like part warping and layer shifting make the process less well-suited for products with intricate designs and/or precision tolerances.
Binder Jetting
Binder jetting is one of the fastest 3D printing methods available for production volume parts. It’s also one of the simplest additive manufacturing processes – the one that is most similar to traditional paper printing. Using liquid binding agents, an inkjet prints the part layer-by-layer onto a bed of powder. However, the downside compared to DLS is that binder jet printed parts are structurally weaker and not as consistent, limiting its market applications.
Offering Additive Manufacturing to the Great Lakes Region and Beyond
Elite Mold and Engineering is one of America’s leading providers specializing in additive manufacturing and 3D printing services. Utilizing Carbon’s DLS 3D printing technology, we provide our customers with a streamlined source for prototype printed parts and low-volume orders in addition to our full-service injection molding capabilities.
Communication
By utilizing domestic tooling, you can benefit from improved communication with your tooling vendor. No more late-night meetings or waiting days for a response from an overseas vendor. Instead, with both parties in the same or similar time zone, you can ensure timely communication that aligns with your schedule. Moreover, this approach allows you to save valuable time and money on travel expenses for potential tryouts.
Confidentiality & ITAR
When working on a highly confidential or new design, where getting to the market first is crucial, confidentiality becomes an absolute necessity. By partnering with a domestic U.S. supplier that possesses complete in-house mold construction capabilities, you can have greater confidence in the security of your data, knowing that it will not be shared without your knowledge. This is particularly essential for government projects that require ITAR data protection, making the utilization of a domestic tooling vendor a mandatory requirement.
No Additional International Shipping or Tariff Cost
With a domestic tooling supplier, you can avoid additional charges such as international freight, customs, and tariffs. The savings on shipping costs can help offset the price differences between low-cost country tooling and domestically built options. Furthermore, by choosing domestic suppliers, you can avoid delays caused by mold transportation via ocean freight or costly airfreight shipments. Saving both time and money is made possible with a domestic tooling supplier.
Qualification All In One Place
When constructing and qualifying a mold, it is essential to possess prior knowledge of any modifications or tuning that have already been undertaken. By opting for domestic mold construction, your chosen provider can ensure that they possess a comprehensive understanding and documentation of all prior work completed on the mold. This facilitates a more efficient problem-solving process and enables effective troubleshooting of potential flaws.
Let Elite Become Your Preffered Domestic Tooling Partner
Elite Mold & Engineering has been crafting top-notch plastic injection molds domestically in the United States for nearly four decades. Our talented team of experienced designers and skilled professionals in the Tooling Department are dedicated to constructing robust, high-quality, and efficient molds tailored to meet your specific project requirements.
Discover the multitude of benefits when you choose a domestic tooling source. With our expertise, experience, and commitment to quality, we provide a multitude of key advantages that will streamline your operations. Our local presence ensures seamless communication, offering you the convenience of direct and efficient collaboration. Elite’s stringent quality control measures guarantee precision and reliability, delivering top-notch tooling solutions tailored to your specific needs. Also, by choosing a domestic source, you support local businesses and contribute to the growth of your community. Our quick turnaround times ensure that you stay ahead of the competition, enabling you to meet even the tightest project deadlines. Embrace the numerous advantages of a domestic tooling source and watch your productivity soar.