THERMOPLASTIC 3D PRINTING
Thermoplastic, the multipurpose material.
3D printing enables the production of functional and design prototypes in a fast and cost-effective way. In addition, due from the growing variety of thermoplastics available, it is possible to produce small and medium parts series for end use. For example, jigs and claws for robotization of lines, parts for adaptation of machines and tools, mold mothers, accessories for vending machines, replicas of non-existent parts, models, and others.
Comparison of thermoplastic materials
Biodegradable material under composting conditions, derived from sugarcane and corn starch.
Benefits:
– Biodegradable
– Variety of colors
– Faster production time
Disadvantages:
– Low temperature resistance
– Low mechanical strength
Applications:
– Ideal for parts with low physical stress
– Applications exposed to mild temperatures and/or UV rays
Among the most used materials in the world. For example, we can find it in water bottles and clothing fibers.
Benefits:
– FDA-approved for food uses
– Resistance to higher temperatures, UV rays, forces and shocks.
– Fast production time
Disadvantages:
– Lower high-temperature resistance than ABS
– Lower surface finish
Applications:
– Technical parts subjected to mechanical forces and exposed to corrosive environments and/or subject to UV
Material with high physical resistance withstanding high temperatures.
Benefits:
– Great resistance to temperatures
– Resistant to shocks and forces
Disadvantages:
– Loses properties when exposed to UV rays for long periods of time
– Higher production time
– Low dimensional accuracy on large parts
Applications:
– Parts subject to high mechanical forces and exposed to high temperatures
Flexible material with high resistance to abrasion and UV rays.
Benefits:
– Flexible and elastic material
– Non-slip
– Due to its elasticity it is able to absorb physical shocks
Disadvantages:
– Greater limitation on the type of parts due to the difficult removal of supports
– higher cost
Applications:
– Protective covers
– O-Rings/Caps
– Bracelets
– Tires
Material of extreme resistance, hardness and tenacity.
Benefits:
– High-temperature resistance
– flame retardant
– electrical insulator
– Resistant to shocks and forces
Disadvantages:
– Higher production time
– Low dimensional accuracy on large parts
Applications:
– Parts subject to high forces such as increased safety, electronic products
Polyjet
Polijet technology consists of the deposition of extremely thin layers allowing high detail and finishing on the piece.
Benefits
- High detail with a smooth surface finish
- A combination of colors allows choice and production in the desired color
- Resistant to forces and shocks
- Fast production time
Disadvantages
- Higher cost
- Discoloration when exposed to UV rays for a long time
Applications
- Detailed and small pieces (such as purlins for jewelry foundry)
- Functional and visual prototypes
