Three tips for stronger 3D printed parts
In this article, we tell you three practical tips to obtain more resistant 3D printed parts - Proto&Go!
One of the most common myths about 3D printing is that parts produced with this technology are brittle and prone to breaking. This statement is completely incorrect.
3D printed parts can be just as durable as parts made from plastic or metal materials. Those parts that turn out to be brittle or not as durable are caused by poor material choices or technologies and poor decisions in the 3D design process of the part.
In this article, we tell you three tips to produce more durable 3D printed parts:
Choosing the material for 3D printed parts
First, one of the most obvious factors, but also, that most affects the durability of 3D printed parts, is choosing the ideal material for each project and application. It is essential to use materials that contain robust mechanical properties. On the other hand, some materials can be difficult to print on low-cost 3D machines due to the high temperatures required.
At Proto&Go! we use PA12 and TPA 90A, two materials with high resistance and durability. On one hand, parts made with PA12 feature high chemical resistance, density, and lower porosity, while parts made with TPA offer properties such as flexibility and toughness.
The importance of design in part functionality
Once the limitations and advantages of each material regarding resistance have been analyzed, it is important to keep in mind that the 3D model must be optimized for part manufacturing. In other words, a part designed for CNC machining will behave very differently in additive manufacturing, potentially generating a fragile part.
To manufacture strong 3D parts, it is important to consider the following factors during the 3D printing process:
- Create support walls to help maintain long vertical structures whenever possible
- Respect the minimum thicknesses of the technology
- Include radii between flat parts and their vertical walls
Currently, there are some softwares that allow you to automatically improve a 3D model, and even optimize its geometry. It is an excellent tool for optimizing resistance and, above all, the cost of 3D printed parts.
On the other hand, there are also softwares for simulation, with which it is possible to study the mechanical behavior of parts by simulating the 3D manufacturing process and the part's mechanical resistance.
Post-processing
The surfaces of 3D printed parts contain stress concentrators, which can lead to early failures.
Post-processing, that is, filling, sanding, and chemical smoothing, can smooth these surfaces and, therefore, improve part performance. For this reason, improvements in surface finish are a fundamental part of the design process.
In short, we can say that the success of a 3D printed part 's resistance lies in the manufacturing process and material selection.
At Proto&Go!we offer the best service for the development of your parts and prototypes through additive manufacturing. Our specialty is printing via Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), a technology that makes series production of parts possible in truly short production times and without the need for high investments in molds.
What are you waiting for? Request your quote now through our website!
