Traditional manufacturing machines cannot easily fuse multiple raw materials together during the cutting or mold forming process. With the development of multi-material 3D printing technology, we have the ability to fuse different raw materials together. Raw materials that could not be mixed before will form new materials. These materials have a wide variety of colors and unique properties or functions. When using 3D printing for the first time, there are various processes and material choices, so which process material should we choose?
In the process of using parts, there are usually several considerations: cost, appearance, detail expression, mechanical properties, chemical stability, temperature adaptation range and other factors.
Although there are various factors, based on the purpose of making part models, it can be roughly divided into two categories: appearance verification models and structural verification models.
1. Appearance verification model: a prototype model designed and produced by an engineer to verify the appearance of a product or a model that is directly used and requires high appearance. The appearance verification model is visible and touchable. It can intuitively show the designer's creativity in the form of physical objects, avoiding the disadvantage of "drawing to look good but not making it look good". Appearance verification model production is indispensable in the process of new product research and development and product appearance deliberation. Based on the needs of the appearance verification model, it is recommended to use photosensitive resin 3D printing (including two materials of high toughness photosensitive resin and transparent resin)
2. Structural verification model: In the process of product design, from design scheme to mass production, it is generally necessary to make molds. The cost of mold manufacturing is very high, and relatively large molds are worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. If unreasonable structure or other problems are found during the mold opening process, the loss can be imagined. Therefore, the use of 3D printing to produce structural verification models can avoid this loss and reduce the risk of mold opening. Based on the requirements of the structural verification model, if the accuracy and surface quality are not high, it is recommended to choose materials with better mechanical properties and low prices, such as PLA, ABS and other materials.
3. If the appearance and structural strength requirements are relatively high, it is recommended to use nylon 3D printing;
In fact, the main cost of 3D printing lies in the purchase of 3D printing materials. As long as you choose what suits you according to your needs, after all, you must be cost-conscious and save costs.