3-D printing is an essential tool for most industries today. This method helps you design flexible items, make prototypes rapidly, and create lightweight parts in cheap and straightforward applications. 3-D printing filaments are a critical ingredient in this process since they determine the final product's attributes. This piece discusses the criteria for selecting 3-D printing filament for your next project.
Resilience
Some applications expose the 3-D printed product to high amounts of stress. For example, outdoor applications require filaments that are not sensitive to variations in ultraviolet rays. You also need a filament that does not deteriorate due to temperature changes when used for outdoor applications. Therefore, investigate the weather-resistance properties of the filament you select.
Another type of risk that affects 3-D printed products is the chemicals in the environment. For example, 3-D printed arms for chemical plants must not react to the chemical or alter its composition. In addition, the product must not deteriorate when used in a chemical-rich environment. Ultimately, the filament must produce a product with minimal maintenance needs.
Professionalism
Some filament materials are cheap for your easy prototypes and models. However, professional items for sale to clients must be in good shape and depict the professionalism associated with your business or prototype. Therefore, ensure the filament you pick has the attributes desirable to buyers in the target market. Filaments for commercial use must bring out positive attributes for your product.
Some critical issues you may consider when picking a professional 3-D printing filament include the processing agents and stabilization packages. Ensure that both factors align with the type of professionalism you need your product to display. Remember, your end product might perform a required but clients often fish for the finer details, and you must consider them in advance.
Structural Properties
Your chosen filament must have the type of structural properties desired in the final product. For example, the tensile strength shows how much a product can resist tensile stress. Most design methods in engineering cater for this attribute. Therefore, you already know your desired tensile strength. Ensure the filament you select has such characteristics.
Ensure you also examine the heat deflection properties. Different applications generate excessive heat, and you require a product whose stiffness barely varies. The stiffness of the material might determine its safe usage and durability. Therefore, ensure you know the desired heat deflection qualities of the filament you pick.
Some essential criteria for picking a 3-D printing filament include resilience, professionalism, and structural properties. Contact a printing service today for more information on 3-D printing supplies such as Zortrax 3D filaments.
