How to choose the right 3D printing material?

How to choose the right 3D printing material?

by | Oct 4, 2024 | Blog

If you decide to 3D print a design, one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is; which filament am I going to use? There is a wide range of filaments available and as a beginner, it can be overwhelming. This blog will help you choose the right filament for your application, so you can be sure you’re getting started with the right filaments.

Who will use the 3D printer?

One of the first considerations when choosing filament is the user of the 3D printer. This is because not every filament is easy to print. For beginners, we recommend PLA or ABS. PLA is the ultimate entry-level material. A print with PLA can hardly fail. If you use the default settings of our dddrop RAPID ONE, it delivers perfect results. ABS is also suitable for beginners, but it is advisable to gain some experience with PLA first before switching to ABS.
Serial production in 3d printing
Filaments such as PETG and FLEX, on the other hand, are more suitable for experienced users. These materials require precise adjustments, where small adjustments can already have a big impact on the print. We therefore recommend gaining a sufficient understanding of the printing process before working with these more complex filaments.

How warm is the environment in which the design is used?

When printing objects exposed to high temperatures, you need to choose the right material that can withstand heat. Each filament has a specific glass temperature – the point at which the material starts to soften. This is crucial when choosing the right filament.

For applications where your object will encounter heat, such as near a heat source or in direct sunlight, ABS is a good choice. It has a high glass temperature of 110°C, which makes it resistant to boiling water and other heat sources. PETG is slightly lower with a glass point of 90°C and is less able to withstand extreme temperatures. PLA and FLEX are the least heat-resistant, with a glass temperature around 60°C.

What are you going to print?

Ultimately, everything revolves around the application of your printed object. What you will print determines which filament is best to choose. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, suitable for different purposes. Below, we briefly discuss three popular filaments.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is strong and rigid, allowing it to withstand large forces without stretching. The downside is that PLA can break on impact, just like glass. It is therefore mainly suitable for visual models, but not for mechanical parts. PLA is easy to print, energy-efficient thanks to its low print bed temperature of 60°C, and a perfect choice for visual models.
pla filament 1.75mm 5kg

ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)

ABS is more flexible than PLA and is less likely to break when dropped. It is therefore ideal for functional parts and industrial applications. For example, ABS is widely used in the automotive industry for parts such as dashboards and bumpers. One drawback is that ABS emits an unpleasant odour during printing. For use in office environments or at home, we recommend using a well-ventilated room, or choosing odourless filaments such as PLA or PETG.

abs filament kopen

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

PETG is both strong and flexible and can be stretched up to twice its own length without breaking. This unique combination makes it suitable for parts that move repeatedly or are under pressure. PETG is also approved for applications in the food industry, making it perfect for packaging, for example. Moreover, PETG can withstand high pressure without deforming, making it an ideal choice for various functional applications.

Conclusion

Which filament you choose will depend on your experience, the environment in which the object will be used and your print requirements. As a beginner, it is best to start with PLA because of its easy print settings and versatility for sight models. For functional parts or applications where heat resistance is important, ABS is a good choice. PETG offers flexibility and strength, ideal for moving parts or food applications. Want to work with flexible materials? Then choose FLEX, but make sure you have gained enough experience, as printing them requires more precision. This way, you will always have the right filament for your project!
10 tips on designing for additive manufacturing (FDM 3D printing)

10 tips on designing for additive manufacturing (FDM 3D printing)

by | Jul 29, 2024 | Blog

Additive manufacturing, in particular Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, has transformed the way engineers approach design and production. By allowing for complex geometries and reducing the need for traditional manufacturing limitations, FDM opens up a world of possibilities. However, to use this technology to its full potential, it’s crucial to follow best practices in design. Here are 10 tips to help you optimize your designs for FDM 3D printing.

1. Understand material properties

The first step in designing for FDM is understanding the properties of the materials you’ll be using. Common materials include PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, PLA is easy to print and biodegradable, but it’s less heat-resistant. ABS is stronger and more heat-resistant but can be prone to warping. Knowing the characteristics of your material can influence your design choices significantly.
Serial production in 3d printing

2. Optimize for layer adhesion

Layer adhesion is a n important factor in FDM printing. Poor adhesion can lead to weak parts and print failures. To improve adhesion:

Increase surface contact: Design flat surfaces that maximize contact between layers.
Avoid overhangs: Where possible, minimize overhangs or design them with support structures in mind.
Adjust infill: Use higher infill densities in critical areas to enhance structural integrity.

3. Conside print orientation

The orientation of your part on the print bed can greatly impact the final strength and surface finish. Parts printed with layers aligned along the direction of stress are typically stronger. Experiment with different orientations to find the best balance between strength, print time, and surface quality.

4. Use appropiate wall thickness

Thin walls can lead to weak and fragile parts, while overly thick walls can result in unnecessary material use and longer print times. A wall thickness of 1.2mm to 3mm is generally effective for most FDM applications, balancing strength and material efficiency.

5. Incorporate support structures wisely

Support structures are often necessary for complex geometries but can be difficult to remove and may affect surface finish. Design with support removal in mind:

Use support-friendly angles: Overhangs of 45 degrees or less typically do not need supports.

6. Optimize overhangs and bridges

Overhangs and bridges can be challenging in FDM printing. To ensure successful printing:

Limit overhang angles: Keep overhangs below 45 degrees when possible.
Use fillets and chamfers: Instead of sharp overhangs, use chamfers and use fillets for corners in the X and Y plane to reduce stress.
Bridge distances: Keep bridges short and ensure your printer settings are optimized for bridging.

7. Account for shrinkage and warping

Different materials have different rates of shrinkage and warping. ABS, for example, has a higher shrinkage rate than PLA. To mitigate these effects:

Use brims and rafts: These can help parts adhere to the bed and reduce warping.
Design compensation: Incorporate allowances in your design for shrinkage, particularly in larger parts.

8. Integrate snap-fit joints and threads

FDM printing allows for the integration of functional components like snap-fit joints and threads directly into your design:

Snap-fits: Design with precise tolerances to ensure a snug fit without causing stress concentrations.
Threads: Use standardized thread designs and consider post-processing like tapping to ensure accuracy.

9. Leverage infill patterns

Infill patterns can significantly impact the strength, weight, and print time of your part. Common infill patterns include honeycomb, grid, and gyroid. Each pattern has its own advantages:

Honeycomb: Good balance of strength and weight.
Grid: Simple and quick, offering decent strength.
Gyroid: Excellent strength and stiffness, but may increase print time.

10. Test and iterate

Finally, always test your designs and iterate based on real-world feedback. Even the best-designed parts can have unforeseen issues when printed. By continually testing and refining your designs, you can achieve optimal performance and reliability.

Conclusion

Designing for FDM 3D printing involves a blend of creativity and technical knowledge. By following these tips, you can create parts that are not only functional and robust but also efficient to produce. Remember, the key to successful additive manufacturing is continuous learning and adaptation.
Get in touch!   Curious about industrial 3D printing? Reach out to one of our team members to learn more!    
In-house 3D printing or outsourcing: which option is best for you?

In-house 3D printing or outsourcing: which option is best for you?

by | Jul 26, 2024 | Blog

3D printing is becoming more and more popular, and businesses everywhere are trying to figure out if they should invest in their own 3D printers or outsource their printing needs. This decision can really affect how your company operates, spends money, and innovates. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of in-house 3D printing versus outsourcing, so you can decide what’s best for you.

1. Cost considerations

Initial Investment: Purchasing your own 3D printer translates to a higher initial investent. Industrial, large-format 3D printers can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.

Operational Costs: After you purchase the printer, printing in-house often is cheaper per part, especially if you print frequently. Outsourcing, however, means you don’t have to spend a lot of money upfront. Service providers charge based on how complex, big, and numerous your prints are. If you only need to print occasionally or in small quantities, outsourcing might save you money.

 

Serial production in 3d printing

2. Speed and turnaround time

In-House Printing: Having a 3D printer on-site means you can print prototypes and parts quickly. This speed is crucial if getting products to market fast is important for your business. Some companies have cut their product development time by up to 50% with quick in-house prototyping.

Outsourcing: While outsourced services often have advanced equipment and expertise, shipping and handling can slow things down. Depending on the provider and your location, it could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to get your parts.

3. Flexibility and control

In-House Printing: Owning your own 3D printer gives you complete control over the printing process. You are able to experiment with different materials, designs, and techniques whenever you want, withoutbeing tied to an external schedule. This flexibility often leads to more innovation and faster iterations.

Outsourcing: Outsourcing allows you to scale up or down based on your project needs without worrying about equipment limitations. However, you might have less control over the process and quality, as you’re dependent on the service provider’s standards and practices.

4. Confidentiality and intellectual property

In-House Printing: Printing prototypes and parts in-house minimizes the risk of intellectual property theft or confidentiality breaches. Sensitive designs and proprietary information stay within your company’s secure environment.

Outsourcing: When you outsource, you have to share your designs with third parties, which can pose risks to your intellectual property. Make sure the service provider has strict confidentiality agreements and secure processes.

Conclusion: making the right choice

Deciding between in-house 3D printing and outsourcing depends on your specific business needs, budget, and long-term goals. Here are a few questions to help guide your decision:

  1. How often do you need 3D printed parts?
  2. What’s your budget for initial investment and ongoing costs?
  3. How critical is turnaround time for your projects?
  4. How important is confidentiality and control over the printing process?
If you frequently need 3D printed parts and can afford the investment in equipment and training, in-house printing offers speed, control, and potentially lower long-term costs. On the other hand, if you have occasional needs or a limited budget, outsourcing gives you access to high-quality prints and expert services without a big upfront investment.

Ultimately, the choice between in-house 3D printing and outsourcing is a strategic decision that can drive innovation and efficiency in your operations. By carefully evaluating your needs and resources, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

Get in touch!   Curious about industrial 3D printing? Reach out to one of our team members to learn more!    
Your Plastic Solutions – Optimized production with the dddrop RAPID ONE

Your Plastic Solutions – Optimized production with the dddrop RAPID ONE

by | May 2, 2024 | User Story

Who is Your Plastic Solutions?

Located in the Achterhoek, Your Plastic Solutions is a prominent player in the plastic processing industry, focusing on sustainable solutions for various sectors such as logistics, mobility, packaging and construction. As a total partner, Your Plastic Solutions offers an extensive range of manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, thermoforming and injection molding, as well as assembly and post-processing, giving customers a one-stop-shop experience.

3D Printing in the plastics industry

One of the technologies that has boosted Your Plastic Solutions’ manufacturing efficiency is the dddrop RAPID ONE 3D printer. This advanced printer allows them to produce large parts that are not feasible with smaller 3D printers, allowing them to meet their customers’ specific requirements.

“We use FDM printing because it is inexpensive and quite fast,” says Sander Feuler of Your Plastic Solutions. “With the dddrop RAPID ONE, we do not suffer from high entry costs as with traditional injection molding processes because we can produce immediately without the need for molds.”

Local partner with excellent service

Choosing dddrop as a partner was a logical step for Your Plastic Solutions because of their need for a local partner offering high-quality 3D printing solutions. During the 2.5 years of collaboration, they have experienced the benefits of dddrop’s close cooperation and excellent service. “When we started with the dddrop RAPID ONE, we did not think we would go for a second one after only 1.5 years,” notes Sander. “But that has turned out differently. What our future will hold, we don’t know yet. But if we need a third one, we will gladly come back to dddrop.”

“When we started with the dddrop RAPID ONE, we did not think we would go for a second one after only 1.5 years. If we need a third 3D printer, we will gladly come back to dddrop.”

Sander Feuler, Your Plastic Solutions

With the dddrop RAPID ONE, Your Plastic Solutions has not only increased their production capacity, but also strengthened their competitive position by quickly and cost-effectively delivering high-quality plastic products to their diverse customer base.

Explore more about Your Plastic Solutions at yourplasticsolutions.com.

Optimising serial production with 3D printers

Optimising serial production with 3D printers

by | Mar 13, 2024 | Blog

In an era when speed and efficiency are the backbone of industrial activities, series production is central to the quest for competitive advantage. The landscape of manufacturing processes is constantly evolving, and one of the most notable innovations driving this revolution is the rise of 3D printing.

Change in the way of serial production.

Traditional methods of serial production were characterised by complex and time-consuming processes, with significant overheads and limitations on design freedom. But 3D printing has broken these conventional boundaries by adding a new dimension of flexibility and speed.

With 3D printing, manufacturers can realise complex geometries with unprecedented precision and reproducibility. This opens the door to new design possibilities previously unthinkable, allowing products to be optimised for performance and functionality.

Serial production in 3d printing

Efficiency as a key point

Efficiency is the backbone of serial production, and 3D printing offers a range of benefits that enhance this efficiency. By eliminating tooling costs and minimising raw material wastage, 3D printing significantly reduces operational costs. Moreover, it enables on-demand production, which can optimise inventory levels and avoid excess inventory.

In addition, 3D printing enables manufacturers to take advantage of digital design and manufacturing processes. Through the use of advanced simulation software, designs can be validated before printing, identifying errors at an early stage and avoiding costly revisions. This reduces development time and accelerates time-to-market, giving companies a competitive advantage.

Quality and consistency

While speed and efficiency are vital, this should not come at the expense of quality and consistency. 3D printing, however, offers a high level of reproducibility, with each printed part being identical to the original. This reduces variability in the production process and ensures consistent quality of final products.

Moreover, the digital nature of 3D printing enables real-time monitoring and control, allowing any deviations to be detected and corrected in a timely manner. This increases the reliability of the production process and ensures consistent results across the entire series production.

Sustainability and environmental friendliness

In addition to operational benefits, 3D printing also contributes to sustainability and environmental friendliness. By minimising waste of raw materials and using recycled materials, 3D printing reduces the ecological footprint of series production. Moreover, local production centres can be set up, reducing transport costs and emissions.

Conclusion

In an era when speed, efficiency and quality are crucial to the success of mass production, 3D printing represents a revolutionary force. By breaking the traditional boundaries of manufacturing processes, 3D printing opens up new opportunities for manufacturers to innovate and excel in a competitive market.

With its ability to realise complex geometries, reduce costs and promote sustainability, 3D printing promises to have a lasting impact on the industry. As manufacturers strive to optimise series production, 3D printing will undoubtedly be an integral part of their strategies for success in the 21st century.

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