3D printing is a new and creative way of building anything that you can imagine. The process has exploded in popularity and is used to create everyday items such as toys, furniture, kitchen utensils and musical instruments to more specialised commercial and industrial items like medical instruments and automotive components. Most newcomers to the 3D printing scene might find this baffling but the production process generally consists of using a 3D printer which builds the desired product layer by layer.
Read more: Unleashing Creativity: Exploring the Possibilities of 3D FilamentThere are dozens of different 3D printing processes, but a more approachable and cost-effective way to indulge your creative juices is by using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and the related FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). These are called extrusion processes in that a 3D printer heats and extrudes 3d filament one piece at a time until you get what’s programmed in the software. This is a simple way to get into 3D printing and one that is also constantly developing and finding new uses, especially in industry and the building of product prototypes.
What is 3D Printing Filament? And How Does FDM 3D Printing Work?
In plain speak, these are plastics used to make 3D prints. Or more precisely, they are thermoplastics or polymers that melt when they are heated and can be shaped and moulded as needed before cooling and solidifying. The filament is fed into the printer’s heat chamber and then heated until it reaches its melting point. This is when it’s sprayed or extruded through the printer nozzle, with the extruder assembly moving in a pre-defined path to create the object. The filament is sold in spools and with a defined thickness and length, meaning it works with most types of 3D printers.
Choosing the Right Filament
There’s a wide range of plastics or filaments used in 3D printing. Each type has certain properties that make it more favourable or user-friendly than other materials. But the two most common are ABS plastic and PLA and can be used in the most basic desktop 3D printers for home, school or DIY and craft projects. And they’re also affordable.
ABS
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene or ABS for short (there’s a dizzying number of acronyms used in 3D printing) is the same type of plastic used in Lego blocks. The material is tough and durable, and to boot non-toxic. It can be processed with acetone in the finishing stages for a glossy look. This 3D Print Filament is ideal for making objects like automotive components, toys, electronic housings and assemblies, protective work gear and more. To get the best results without the ABS warping at the edges, use a printer with a heated bed.
PLA
The biodegradable and eco-friendly plastic that is Polylactic Acid can be worked with lower temperatures and, as it is more flexible and harder than ABS, can be used without a neat bed. It is used to make things like food containers, hygiene products, plastic kitchenware, basic medical equipment and so much more. The only downside is that it’s not water-resistant. This often is the beginner’s choice among the different 3D filaments on the market as it is very easy to work with, so a good choice to inspire kids’ curiosity.
High-gloss PLA variants known as “silk” filaments are available in several colours and are usually used to make decorations and ornaments.
Nylon and Other Filaments
Nylon or Polyamide is a good alternative to both ABS and PLA in that it is very hard and durable yet flexible, so used in engineered objects, particularly parts prototypes, as well as jigs, tool heads, moulds and more. The only downside is that it needs higher heat to melt, so might not work with all printers.
Thermoplastic variants such as elastomers and polyurethanes are softer and akin to rubber so good in medical parts such as orthotic pads and prosthetic liners and items like car bumpers and engine seals.
Pros of Printing with 3D Filaments
The price of 3D printers has come down substantially in the last few years and so has that of 3D filaments. The materials are widely available, unlike resins or other printing materials and are an easy way to start creating objects that you could only think were impossible. Different types of filaments can be used in basic and entry-level printers to good effect.
Moreover, the process is easy to master, with the materials easily loaded and off-loaded from the printer. Objects can be printed at decent speeds, so good for high-volume projects. And with 3d filament printers usually bigger in size, you’re not limited to the size and shape of the object. The quality, durability and appearance of the end product can be modified by choosing the right materials.
Filament is sold in 1-kilo spools and the material comes in at a standardised 1.75mm thickness, so can be used across multiple printer models. Shop for desktop and industrial 3D printers and a range of filaments from online and in-store 3D printing specialists.
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