Last Updated on December 28, 2020 by Leizi
3D printed materials have developed rapidly over the past 10 years, not only the performance of printable materials has been greatly improved, but also the choice of materials is increasing. 3D printed materials can not only be used as model prototypes but more and more functions. Pieces, final product pieces; these developments have greatly affected how engineers, designers, and producers use 3D printing, how to look at 3D printing, and how to integrate 3D printing into existing processes. How to choose the 3D printing materials that suit you, there are usually four major considerations:
a: Application environment
Some 3D printed materials have biocompatibility, heat resistance, dielectric properties, sterilizable type, chemical resistance, food safety, skin contact safety, flame retardancy, smoke toxicity, or some other special properties, in some Application scenarios, the above performance may be the most critical factor, or even a one-vote veto factor, this time we have to examine the specific 3D printed materials, whether it has the corresponding performance, it is best to have a certificate issued by an authority to prove the corresponding performance. For example, Ultem 1010 has good biocompatibility, heat resistance, flame retardancy, and other properties, which makes this material have a good innate advantage in some aerospace and medical applications.
b: Functional requirements
3D printing materials need to be tested in various ways to respond to the requirements of different functions. Of course, whether a function can be realized, in addition to the performance of the 3D printing material itself, the design is also an important part. If the target product is mainly for display, then the factors considered may be mainly surface properties rather than mechanical properties.
c. Geometric constraints
3D printing materials are generally connected to specific processes. Choosing different materials determines the process and determines the limitations imposed by the process, such as dimensional accuracy, minimum detail, wall thickness, and vice versa. The dimensional accuracy, minimum detail, and wall thickness that must be achieved can also be used to determine the optional 3D printed material.
d. Post-Processing
3D printing materials can also be used to obtain perfect finished products. Some post-processing techniques may be more suitable for certain materials, such as heat treatment of stainless steel printing products or secondary curing of photosensitive resin products.
