There are a wide variety of materials compatible with additive manufacturing technology today, from thermoplastics to metals, ceramics and photoresins. Among these materials, polymers are the most frequently used and can be widely used in various 3D printing technologies. However, selecting the right 3D printing polymer for each application or group can be a complex task. Understanding the properties and characteristics of each material is important to ensure good performance of the final part. So, what types of polymers can be found on the market today? For which applications are they best suited? What should you pay attention to when choosing materials?
What polymers are available on the market today?
There are currently a variety of polymers available for 3D printing. In fact, this type of material, in addition to its great variety, can also exist in liquid resin form or in solid form of filaments or powders. Mainly thermoplastics (PLA or ABS), elastomers (TPA or TPU, filament or powder), photopolymers (like resins) and soluble polymers that create support structures. There are also polyamides, generally in powder form (PA11, PA12) for selective laser sintering or SLS, but also in filament form (PA6) compatible with extrusion processes.
The 3D printing materials market is very large and you can find a variety of required materials, from traditional materials (such as PLA, ABS), to composite materials (carbon fiber, aramid fiber), to technologically advanced materials (CPE, ASA, PA) or direct industrial materials with specific advanced values (such as chemical resistance, flame retardancy, weather resistance), etc. The number of these materials increases from year to year depending on the needs of different customer applications, that is to say, 3D technology opens up to more and more applications, so it must meet the needs of each industry.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a polymer for 3D printing?
Before choosing the right polymer, you need to understand the material constraints of the 3D printing process.
●For example, part design is affected based on the technology used. Taking for example a 3D model designed for extrusion, the complexity of the part will be limited due to the need for supports.
●In the powder bed process, on the other hand, design freedom is generally greater because no supports are needed and the smallest details can be reproduced.
●In FFF 3D printing, material and printer limitations must be considered. For example, some filaments can be printed with dissolvable or removable supports, but there are some filaments whose supports must be made of the same material. Printing with supports of the same material requires their mechanical removal, so the supports cannot be inside the part.
●FFF 3D printing must also take into account material shrinkage. Parts whose cross-sectional areas change quickly in subsequent layers may cause warping issues when printed using the above techniques or hyperpolymers.
△FFF 3D printing typically uses polymers
●Also, while designing, you need to keep in mind the required features and the type of process used. The design of the room will also affect the choice of materials. Thermoplastics are often the best choice for parts that need to be strong and have a good surface finish.
●However, for parts that require flexibility and elasticity, elastomers are a better choice. Post-processing is also an important factor, and some materials require post-processing to achieve the desired surface finish or strength.
●Post-processing is a key factor to consider when selecting materials. Post-processing can improve the durability, surface roughness and overall quality of 3D printed parts and includes surface cleaning, preparation and finishing.
△High performance polymers
Identify the right 3D printing polymer for your application
Once you have looked at the types of materials available and the aspects to consider, it is important to consider the application. As we mentioned, more and more industries and sectors are integrating 4.0 technologies into their production. The applications of 3D printing are therefore very broad. Basic polymers are generally used where they will not degrade due to temperature, chemical environment or mechanical stress. High performance polymers such as ULTEM or PEEK are more suitable for demanding industrial environments. The most frequently considered factors and recommendations are:
●Chemical resistance: PPS or PET-G material;
●Used for thermal resistance PA12-CF, PEI or PPSU;
●Suitable for tough PP, TPU or PC used for ASA or UV resistant PC;
●For waterproof parts, avoid using fiber-filled polymers.
△Be sure to consider the application scenario when choosing a polymer, as different polymers have different characteristics
Different types of polymers have a big impact on their use, and thermoplastics are recommended for applications that require strength and good surface finish, such as machine parts or medical supplies. Elastomers are best suited for applications that require flexibility and elasticity, such as shock absorbers and washers. For post-processing, the type of material used should depend on the desired end result. As you can see, there are a wide range of polymer materials to choose from, and when choosing a specific material, it is important to have a detailed understanding of the type of application the part will be used for.
Notice:
●When deciding which polymer to use for a 3D printing application, first consider the requirements for part quality, size and quantity, then research the appropriate technology and discuss your use case with a application expert. If you’re considering purchasing a printer, ordering a test part is often a good proof of concept before committing to an expensive device.
●For those looking to adopt polymer 3D printing, it is advisable to do some research and find the material that best suits their needs, taking into account post-processing and the environmental impact of the material. Finally, it is important to find a reliable supplier who can provide high-quality materials, like Mohou.com 3D Printing.
Source: Antarctic Bear
Daguang focuses on providing solutions such as precision CNC machining services (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis machining), CNC milling, 3D printing and rapid prototyping services.
