What are the types of 3d printers in the market?

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, several types of 3D printers are available in the market, each using different technologies and processes. Here are some common types:

1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) / Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF):
   • Description: FDM is one of the most common 3D printing technologies. It involves melting a thermoplastic filament and layering it to create the object.
   • Popular Printers: Creality Ender 3, Prusa i3 MK3.
2. Stereolithography (SLA):
   • Description: SLA uses a liquid resin that is cured layer by layer using a UV laser or light source. It results in high-resolution and detailed prints.
   • Popular Printers: Formlabs Form 3, Anycubic Photon.
3. Digital Light Processing (DLP):
   • Description: Similar to SLA, DLP uses a light source to cure liquid resin. Instead of a laser, it uses a digital light projector (DLP) to project entire layers at once.
   • Popular Printers: Anycubic Photon Mono X, Wanhao Duplicator 7.
4. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS):
   • Description: SLS uses a laser to sinter (fuse) powdered materials, such as plastic or metal, layer by layer, creating durable and detailed prints.
   • Popular Printers: Formlabs Fuse 1, Sinterit Lisa.
5. Selective Laser Melting (SLM):
   • Description: Similar to SLS, SLM uses a laser to melt and fuse metallic powders, producing high-quality metal prints.
   • Popular Printers: EOS M 290, Concept Laser M2.
6. Material Jetting:
   • Description: Material jetting deposits tiny droplets of liquid material onto the build platform, which solidify layer by layer.
   • Popular Printers: Stratasys J750, Objet30 Prime.
7. Binder Jetting:
   • Description: Binder jetting uses a liquid binder to selectively bond powder particles, creating objects layer by layer.
   • Popular Printers: ExOne Innovent+, Desktop Metal Shop System.
8. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF):
   • Description: PBF encompasses various technologies like SLS and SLM, where layers of powdered material are selectively fused or melted by a laser or electron beam.
   • Popular Printers: HP Jet Fusion series, EOS P 396.
9. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM):
   • Description: LOM builds objects layer by layer using sheets of material (usually paper or plastic) that are laminated together and then cut into the desired shape.
   • Popular Printers: Mcor ARKe, Cubiio.
10. Bioprinting:
    • Description: Bioprinters are designed for printing biological materials, such as living cells and tissues, for medical and research purposes.
    • Popular Printers: CELLINK BIO X, Organovo NovoGen MMX.

These are just a few examples, and the 3D printing industry continues to evolve with new technologies and advancements. When choosing a 3D printer, consider factors like the intended use, material compatibility, resolution, and budget. Additionally, check for the latest models and technologies in the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing.