Printing Techniques Available
in BFG Head 4D Fusion
Classical 2.5D Printing
Foaming
Smearing
Pouring
Sedimentation
Classical 2.5D Printing
What It Is
You print as in standard 3D printing by layering successive sections of the model. It is easiest to implement as it is controlled by classic slicing methods.
How It Works
Similar to Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), 2.5D printing relies on layer-by-layer deposition of material. If the composite created with the BFG head allows this, it can be printed as in classic FDM.
Applications
2.5D printing is valuable for creating stand-alone or part-of-objects where accuracy is not a key component or where an FDM printing head is not suitable.
Pouring Technique
What It Is
Pouring is a technique that involves depositing a controlled flow of liquid or semi-liquid material into a specific case or cavity. This process allows for the creation of solid structures or the embedding of materials within a larger matrix.
How It Works
The printer precisely pours the material, which can solidify or cure into a stable form. This method is particularly effective for filling cavities, creating solid sections within a print, embedding components printed using FDM, and creating composites with unique capabilities.
Applications
Ideal for creating detailed surface textures, reliefs, and objects where only slight variations in height are needed, such as custom enclosures or housings.
Foaming Technique
What It Is
Foaming is an innovative technique where the printer generates a foam structure within the material, creating lightweight, porous components. This method involves the controlled expansion of materials as they are deposited, resulting in a cellular structure with varying densities.
How It Works
The 4D Fusion as insert producer introduces foaming agents into the material during production. The foaming agents expand and form a foam-like structure thanks to precision in material deposition. Operators can control this process via PC Controlling Interface or program in printing profile to produce uniform or gradient foam densities, allowing for customization of material properties such as flexibility, insulation, and strength-to-weight ratio.
Applications
Ideal for creating lightweight, solid parts for aerospace, automotive, and packaging industries, as well as for producing shock-absorbing components, thermal insulators, or buoyant materials.
Smearing Technique
What It Is
Smearing is a technique available in a 4D Fusion printer in combination with dedicated accessories. It is close to pouring, but it can deliver better effects on the surface finish that dedicated accessories can shape. The BFG head, equipped with attached accessories, deposits material in a spread or smear pattern rather than in precise, layered lines. This method creates a thin, continuous layer of material that can be manipulated to achieve specific surface finishes or structural properties.
How It Works
During smearing, the printer head moves across the print surface while depositing material sweepingly. The material is spread out to form a uniform layer with a dedicated "scoop", which can be controlled by an operator or printing profile for thickness and pressure. This technique is especially useful for creating smooth surfaces, blending different materials within a layer, or filling gaps with a consistent material distribution.
Applications
Smearing is ideal for applications that require a smooth, continuous surface, such as coatings, thin-film structures, or layered composites. It's also useful for applying protective layers or when a precise joining of two surfaces is required.
Sedimentation Technique
What It Is
Sedimentation is a technique where heavier particles within a material mixture settle over time, creating a gradient or layered structure within the printed object. This natural process allows for forming components with varying properties throughout their volume.
How It Works
After the material is deposited, gravity causes denser particles to settle to the bottom while lighter components remain at the top. The result is a 3D printed object with a gradient in material deposition that leads to varying material properties, such as hardness, density, or thermal conductivity, depending on the distribution of particles.
Applications
Sedimentation is particularly useful in creating functionally graded materials (FGMs) or variation of addon concentration where different parts of a component have different properties. Examples include wear-resistant surfaces, heat sinks with varying thermal properties, and components with gradual mechanical strength or flexibility transitions.
Contact Us
Have a question or need help?
We’re here for you!
You can reach us via email: info@4dfusion.eu
or telephone: +48 577 711 688
Company Details:
4D Fusion
43-155 Bieruń
ul. Węglowa 14
NIP: 6463012362
KRS 0001101668
REGON: 528426894