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3D Printing
3D Printer Filaments and Resins
I3I3CO
The filament in a 3D printer is a continuous thread of thermoplastic material used as a raw material in the 3D printing of objects in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technologies.
What is filament in a 3D printer?
Filament in a 3D printer is the material used as raw material to print objects in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technologies, which is one of the most common technologies in 3D printing.
What is the process and treatment of filament in a 3D printer?
In a 3D printer, the filament process is as follows:
Feeding: The filament as modeling raw material is fed to the 3D printer through the extrusion system. Melting: Inside the printer, filament is heated to its melting point in a nozzle Deposition: The molten filament is deposited layer by layer on the printing platform, forming the desired three-dimensional object.
What types of filaments for 3D printers exist?
There are many types of filaments on the market, each with its own characteristics and specific applications. Choosing the right filament will depend on the needs and requirements of the 3D printing project.
The filaments commonly used in 3D printing are the following:
PLA (polylactic acid): It is one of the most popular and widely used filaments in 3D printing. It is biodegradable, easy to print and available in a wide range of colors. PLA is ideal for high-quality prints and fine details, but tends to be less resistant to temperatures and shocks than other filaments.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene): It is another very common filament in 3D printing. It is resistant and durable, with good resistance to impacts and high temperatures. However, it requires a higher printing temperature and good ventilation due to the fumes it may emit during printing.
PET-G (polyethylene terephthalate glycol): It is a filament that combines the ease of printing of PLA with the strength and durability of ABS. It is impact resistant, has good temperature resistance and is more flexible than PLA or ABS. Plus, it's clear and UV resistant, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): It is a flexible and elastic filament, similar to rubber. It is ideal for printing parts that require flexibility, such as phone cases, stamps and gaskets.
PC (Polycarbonate): It is a resistant and highly durable filament, capable of withstanding high temperatures and dimensional stability (up to 110ºC, which makes it ideal for high temperature applications. Many of them have flame retardant properties, therefore resistant to fire, They also have excellent resistance to impacts and abrasion, therefore, ideal for applications that require high mechanical resistance.
Nylon: It is a strong and durable filament, with good wear resistance and tensile properties. It is ideal for applications requiring mechanical strength and durability, such as gears, bearings and machinery parts. HIPS (high impact polystyrene): It is a filament similar to ABS but with dissolving properties in lemon or lime-based cleaners. It is often used as a support material for complex prints that require additional support during printing.
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol): It is a water-soluble filament used as a support material for 3D prints that require complex support structures. It dissolves easily in water, leaving the final piece clean and residue-free.
What type of resins are used in 3D printing?
In 3D printing technologies such as stereolithography (SLA) and ultraviolet light polymerization (DLP), photosensitive liquid resins are used that solidify when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light or other types of activation energy. These resins can vary in composition and properties depending on the manufacturer and the type of 3D printing being performed.
The resins commonly used in 3D printing are the following:
Standard Resins: These are basic resins used for a wide range of applications. They have general properties such as moderate hardness, strength and flexibility. They are suitable for printing prototypes, conceptual models and general purpose parts.
High resolution resins: These resins are formulated to provide greater precision and detail in prints. They have a lower viscosity and allow the printing of fine details and smooth surfaces with high resolution.
Transparent resins: These are resins designed to produce transparent or translucent pieces. They are ideal for applications requiring optical viewing or inspection, such as lenses, device housings, and anatomical models.
Engineering Resins: These resins are formulated to provide specific properties, such as temperature resistance, chemical resistance, hardness, or flexibility. They are suitable for applications that require functional parts or mechanical components.
Casting Resins: These resins are formulated to create master models or casting patterns for the manufacture of metal parts using lost wax casting processes.
When to use filaments and when to use resins in 3D printing?
The selection of the use of filaments or resins will depend on several factors:
3D printer technology.
The characteristics of the object to be printed.
The property requirements of the final product.
To decide the use of filaments or resins, we must consider the following aspects:
Printing technology: The 3D printer to be used will define the type of consumable needed.
Filaments: Used by FMD (fused deposition modeling) technology 3D printers.
Resins: Used by 3D printers with SLA (stereolithography) and DLP (digital light polymerization) technology.
Details and finish: Resins typically offer greater resolution and detail in prints, making them ideal for parts that require high precision and a smooth finish. If surface quality and fine details are critical to the project, resins are likely the best choice.
Strength and durability: Filaments may be better suited for applications requiring strength and durability, as some types of filaments, such as ABS and PET-G, are known for their impact and high temperature resistance. If a strong and durable part is needed, especially for functional or mechanical applications, filaments could be the best option.
Transparency: If a transparent or translucent part is needed, transparent resins are the obvious choice. Resins can offer superior transparency and clarity to filaments, making them ideal for optical inspection or viewing applications.
Biocompatibility: If objects are required to be printed for medical or dental applications, such as prosthetics or anatomical models, biocompatible resins that meet safety and biocompatibility standards may be needed.
