3D Printing
With FDM it is possible to use thermoplastic polymers with very similar characteristics with those used in injection molding, thus obtaining comparable specifications.
Typical Applications
| Functional Prototypes | |
| Small series production of functional products | |
| Prototypes from serial production material for certification |
FDM is now wide spread and there are 3d printers in the market, affordable even for home use. 3D Printing has never become more simple!
On the other hand, processing of demanding materials and providing finished parts with adequate mechnical properties is a far more complicated job.
Metal3D provides the necessary deep know-how in polymer processing and industrial level process engineering.
Materials
PLA
PLA is the most common material used in FDM. It is easy to process, but it is only suitable for visual mockups.
PLA melts at a relatively low temperature of about 175 degrees Celsius and printed parts start to lose their mechanical strength at temperatures just above 60 degrees Celsius (HDT 55).
It is an environent friendly and we strongly encourage its use for mockups and design perception and evaluation, as it is biodegradable. Although, biodegradeability and its low UV-Resistance makes PLA totally unappropriate for outdoor use.
PETG
PETG is a tough material with good thermal resistance and good processability. It is the more comon material for 3d printing of functional parts.
It shows an elevated heat resistance (HTD 68), it is a string material with improved elasticity compared to PLA and has a relatively good outdoor resistance.
Its use is universal but especially suitable for mechanical parts and both indoor and outdoor use.
PETG is also available for clear parts.
ASA
ASA is an engineering thermoplastic material available for 3d printing.
It is a temperature resistant material. Parts printed with ASA do not show signs of deformation even at 93 degrees Celsius (HDT 93).
ASA is a material known for its exceptional UV resistance, making this material ideal for outdoor use.
3d printings from ASA show a relative smooth outer surface.
Polypropylene
One of the most wide spread thermoplastic materials, in almost all major processing technologies (injection molding, extrusion, blow molding).
It belongs to the family of the polyolfins that show exceptional chemical stability.
It is a champion in ballancing specifications. PP is Food contact compliant, dishwasher proof and microwave safe, lightweight, no brittle, offers improved wear-, abrasion-, and fatigue resistance and has an acceptable strength.
Technical Specifications
| Max Build Envelope | 250 x 210 x 210 mm |
| Layer Thickness | 0.05 - 0.45 mm |
| Standard Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.15 mm |
| Standard Delivery Time | Minimum, 3 working days. Actual, related to part geometry, lot size and surface finish quality |
| As Printed Surface Quality | The as printed part has a good smooth surface with visible lines between subsequent building layers, although surfaces attached to supports show the traces of them. |
| Surface Treatment | varnishing |
| Other Post Printing Operations | Basic Machining to adapt simple geometric features (holes) to elevated dimensional accuracies. |
Still widely used to produce parts featuring fine details with enhanced accuracy and acceptable surface qualities.Based on the substantial improvements in the materials science, SLA gradually penetrates into the functional prototyping market. There are many different processes under the generic category of SLA.We offer the most developped variations, like SLA - DLP and cDLM & nbsp; ('continuous Digital Light Manufacturing').
Typical Applications
| Concept Models | |
| Small series production of cosmetic articles | |
| Mockups with fine details and complex geometries |
Materials
E-Rigid PU
E-Rigid PU is a polyurethane-like resin that 3D prints end-use and prototype parts that compete with injection molded plastics.
Available in black, natural and white, E-Rigid PU is hard and stiff but also maintains good strength, marked by flexibility and impact resistance. With a hardness value similar to the value of a cast urethane plastic, E-Rigid PU is a versatile and tough material.
E-Rigid PU is ideal for end-use and prototype applications that may have previously used ABS, nylon or urethane plastics, such as casings for handheld devices, snap-fit or consumer and sporting goods.
RC Series
EnvisionTEC RC Series are high-temperature resins for building tough and stiff parts at very high resolutions. Parts made with these materials are ideal for silicone molding, pump housings, blades, test parts for wind tunnels, light reflectors and various automotive applications.
These materials are also perfect for high detail jewelry and animation applications and can be finished with a variety of methods including painting or plating.
E-RigidForm
E-RigidForm is a polyurethane-like resin that 3D prints strong, hard and stiff parts that can be used for prototypes and end use.
Available in translucent amber, gray and black, E-RigidForm has high tensile strength (68-73 MPa) that compares with nylon 6 and polycarbonate. It also delivers good heat deflection and water resistance.
With a hardness value of Shore D 87, the same value as a cast urethane plastic, E-RigidForm is a versatile and tough material that is ideal for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.
E-Model
EnvisionTEC’s E-Model printing material is the perfect choice for a wide variety of modeling needs, from high-precision dental and orthodontic models to production-quality design prototypes and enduse products.
A high green strength gives E-Model added strength and stability during the build, resulting in lower shrinkage and curling than similar products.
Technical Specifications
| Max Build Envelope | 400 x 330 x 400 mm |
| Layer Thickness | 0.025 - 0.150 mm |
| Standard Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.030 mm |
| Standard Delivery Time | Minimum, 7 working days. Actual, related to part geometry, lot size and surface finish quality |
| As Printed Surface Quality | The as printed part has a good smooth surface with visible lines between subsequent building layers, although surfaces attached to supports show the traces of them. |
| Surface Treatment | texturing, glass or sand blasting, polishing, painting, varnishing. |