What is material extrusion in additive manufacturing?

Material extrusion in additive manufacturing refers to a process where material is melted and extruded to build parts layer by layer. This method typically involves the use of thermoplastic materials, which are heated until they reach a molten state and then forced through a nozzle to create precise shapes and structures. As each layer is deposited, it cools and solidifies, bonding with the layer beneath it.

This technique is foundational in various 3D printing technologies, most notably Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which is widely used for its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. The ability to control temperature and flow rate allows for intricate designs and robust parts, making material extrusion a versatile choice for prototyping and production.

In contrast, methods such as using UV light pertain to different additive manufacturing technologies, like stereolithography, which relies on photopolymerization rather than extrusion. Post-processing methods involve finishing printed items but do not encompass the initial material deposition process. Additionally, designing models in 3D software is a separate phase of the additive manufacturing workflow that does not relate directly to the material deposition method itself.