Materials Used In 3D Printing: Learn About Them
3D printing is a relatively new field in technology. Having come about around 1986, it was not until the late 1990s that the public had knowledge of 3D printing. Initially the usage of these printers was confined to the engineers, manufacturers and architects. However, with the passing times, the potential of 3D printing was realised and the process became popular among the general masses.
The rise of demand can be largely attributed to the medical industries. The medical industry employs 3D printers for the purpose of printing copies of organs that need to be operated. These copies are then operated on, to anticipate any unforeseen situations that may arise during the course of the operation. These mock operations are especially important when the operation that needs to be carried out, is a sensitive operation.
Process of 3D Printing:
There are various processes of 3D printing.Fused Filament Fabrication or (FFF), also known as Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is perhaps the most important process of 3D printing.Thisprinting process uses a continuous filament of a certain thermoplastic material. A movingprinter extruder head that is heated and it feeds a large coil to the filament. The nozzle on thehead of the printer, forces out molten thermoplastics. This molten thermoplastic getsdeposited on the structure being prepared.
Different Materials Used in 3D Printing:
3D printers employ different kinds of 3D printing Materials. The purpose of printing usually decides the choice of material used to carry out the printing. Here are some of the most commonly used materials used in 3D printing:
Nylon: Nylon is probably the most commonly found material that is used as materials used in3D printing. It is a white, translucent and silky thread like structure. It is called white plastic.Nylon possesses immense strength and hence, the 3D printed articles are very durable. Nylon 3Dprinted structures have rough surfaces but, can easily be smoothened. It is because of therough surfaces, that small articles are advised not to be 3D printed as smoothening damagesthem.
PC(Polycarbonate): Polycarbonate or PC is known for its immense strength. It is usually used in engineering applications. It is highly temperature resistant and is known not to deform until about 150° centigrade is reached. However, PC is known to attract moisture from the air. This can affect the performance and printing resistance. Therefore, it is important to store PC in an airtight container.
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