3D Printing Filaments Buying Guide

3D printing filaments or printing materials are thermoplastics that melt and do not burn after being exposed to heat. The flexible and durable nature of thermoplastics makes it easier for engineers to mold and shape them in a number of ways using the appropriate 3D printer. The 3D printers produce objects, models, prototypes, and patterns by depositing the melted filament layer by layer based on a digital file.

According to Wikipedia, “3D printing filament is the thermoplastic feedstock for fused deposition modeling 3D printers. There are many types of filament available with different properties, requiring different temperatures to print.”

3D printing a consumer product or industrial model, you have the option to choose from a wide range of 3D printing filaments. The 3D printing materials differ from each other in many aspects, including physical property. This 3D printing filaments buying guide will make it easier for you to differentiate between widely used 3D printing materials and choose the appropriate 3D printer filament for your project.

3D Printing Filaments Buying Guide: Types, Usage, Pros, and Cons

PLA Filament

Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) is an easy-to-use form of thermoplastic that is prepared from organic materials like sugarcane and cornstarch. In addition to being a safe filament, PLA helps you to produce items with a smooth appearance. PLA is used widely for 3D printing both consumer products and industrial parts. However, moisture often makes PLA brittle.

ABS Filament

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a petroleum-based thermoplastic with superior strength and moderate flexibility. Its impact-resistant properties make ABS one of the popular 3D printing materials for producing a wide range of items – musical instruments, toys, automotive parts, and plastic objects. You can opt for ABS to 3D-print strong and durable objects in a cost-efficient way. But ABS melts at a higher temperature and creates unpleasant fumes during the 3D printing process.

PET Filament

PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET) is a harmless and durable form of material that is used widely for producing plastic bottles. PET’s transparent and colorless form changes when it is exposed to heat or cold. Its strong and flexible nature makes PET one of the most preferred 3D printing materials to create cups, utensils, kitchen appliances, and food containers. You can opt for PET to 3D-print items that withstand water and moisture. PET is not one of the easy-to-use 3D printing filaments.

PETT Filament

PolyEthylene Trimethylene Terephthalate (PETT) is a food-safe but non-biodegradable 3D printing filament. The recyclable 3D printing material is used widely for producing food containers and kitchen appliances. In addition to being strong, durable, and safe, PETT does not absorb water or moisture from the environment. But beginners often find it difficult to 3D-print items using PETT.

Wood Filament

This 3D printing material is created by combining recycled wood and special-binding polymer. You can opt for the wood filament to produce items that look, feel, and smell like real wood. You can easily change the shade and surface of objects during the 3D printing process by increasing temperature. However, you must remember that wood filament is both softer and weaker than other 3D printing materials including PLA.

Metal Filament

You can opt for the metal filament to make the 3D-printed items look and feel like metal items. The metal filament is produced by combining the fine metallic powder with PLA filament. You can customize the metal filament by adding a variety of metallic powder – copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, and stainless steel. The items 3D-printed with metal filament are extremely durable. But beginners often find it difficult to 3D-print items using metal filament.

Nylon Filament

Nylon is one of the strong, durable, and flexible 3D printing filaments which is used widely for producing consumer products, containers, industrial tools, machine parts, and mechanical components. In addition to being 100% thermoplastic, nylon can be re-melted and recycled without putting in extra time and effort. But 3D-printed items must be stored properly and effectively as nylon absorbs moisture from the environment.

PVA Filament

Engineers often use polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a support material while using ABS or PLA as the primary 3D printing filament. PVA makes it easier for you to 3D print a variety of items as a durable, biodegradable, and non-toxic filament. However, PVA is much more expensive than other 3D printing filaments. Also, it is one of the difficult-to-source 3D printing materials.

3D Printing Filaments Buying Guide: Things to Consider or Parameters to Use

As noted earlier, the physical properties of 3D printing materials differ. In addition to differentiating between widely used 3D printer filaments, you must evaluate each 3D printing filament according to the precise needs of your project using a slew of parameters.

Usability/Printability

Some 3D printing filaments are easier to use than others. For instance, beginners find it easier to 3D-print items using PLA or PET-G. However, PLA is used widely by manufacturers to 3D-print prototypes and functional parts. Hence, you must compare the usability of widely used 3D printing materials according to your experience and expertise.

Complexity

Some 3D printing filaments are best suited for producing complex and complicated designs. Engineers often opt for mid-level 3D printing materials like PAHT CF15 or PPGF30 while 3D-printing complex designs. But these 3D printing filaments are not easy to print. That is why; you must keep in mind the complexity of the design while comparing 3D printing materials.

Environment

Unlike consumer products, industrial tools and prototypes are exposed to heat, chemicals, and stress regularly. Hence, you need to opt for an advanced filament like ABS or TPU to 3D-print prototypes that withstand heat and chemicals effectively on a regular basis. Likewise, you should consider a durable and reinforced 3D printing material like PAHT CF15 to build industrial tools with more resistance.

Flexibility and Durability

3D printing filaments differ from each other in the category of flexibility and durability. Engineers often opt for TPU as a mid-level 3D printer filament to produce items and instruments that last longer despite being bendable. Likewise, they make industrial and commercial objects more durable using carbon fiber materials.

Stress Resistance

Some 3D printing filaments are effective in resisting more stress than others. You can make the 3D-printing item withstand higher stress by opting for a filament that resists heat, chemicals, and the environment successfully. For instance, you can make the outdoor 3D printed items withstand various weather conditions by choosing PP. Likewise; you need to consider specific filaments to withstand heat or water.

You have the option to choose from a wide range of filaments while 3D-printing an object, model, prototype, or part. But you must remember that 3D printing filaments differ from each other in several aspects. You must refer to this 3D printing filaments buying guide to compare 3D printing materials using the appropriate parameters according to the precise needs of your project.

Keyword: 3D printing filaments buying guide

References

https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/3D_printer_filament

https://www.bcn3d.com/how-to-choose-3d-printing-material/

https://www.think3d.in/think3d-top10-3d-printer-filament-types-fdm/

https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/custom-manufacturing-fabricating/types-of-3d-printer-filament/

https://robu.in/3d-printer-filament-types/

https://www.lpfrg.com/guides/3d-printer-filament-types/

https://robu.in/3d-printer-filament-types/

Best 3D Printing Service Providers in India

You can produce a product or item using a wide range of 3D printers. Also, you have the option to choose from a variety of 3D printing filaments and materials. You can obtain a high-quality and high-precision item only by combining the right 3D printing technology with the right 3D printing filaments. 3D printing service providers in India make it easier for you to produce a variety of three-dimensional consumer or industrial products without investing in a 3D printer and buying 3D printing filament.

Most Indian 3D printing service providers allow you to choose from several 3D printing services according to the precise needs of your project. But you must remember that the quality of 3D printing services differs across providers. You can obtain a high-quality and high-precision item only by comparing the experience, expertise, and reputation of some of the best 3D printing service providers in India. We help you to compare some of the leading providers based on the quality of their 3D printing services.

Shortlisting and Comparing Some of the Best 3D Printing Service Providers in India

3D Print World

3D Print World allows you to choose from a variety of 3D printing services – 3D rapid prototype services, 3D mechanical CAD designing services, 3D mechanical CAD prototyping services, and CAD CAM designing services. The 3D printing services provided by this Mumbai-based company help you to convert various ideas and concepts into a digital file and obtain a three-dimensional item based on the digital file. You also have the option to customize the 3D printing services according to your precise needs by getting the assistance of experienced domain experts.

Aurum3D

In addition to a variety of 3D-printed items, Aurum3D offers 3D printing, 3D designing, and 3D scanning services. The Bangalore-based 3D printing service provider allows you to avail of FDM, SLA, and SLS 3D printing services. Hence, you can get the desired prototype or model by availing of the appropriate 3D printing services. The in-house team at Aurum3D has expertise in delivering customized 3D printing services to businesses from various industries – manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and education. Hence, you can trust Aurum3D to high-quality and high-precision 3D-printed items.

VOiLA 3D

VOiLA 3D offers a slew of 3D printing services, including FDM 3D printing services and SLA 3D printing services. Also, the Bangalore-based 3D printing company allows you to choose from a wide range of 3D printing materials – PLA, ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, and food contact safe thermoplastic. You can obtain a model, prototype, part, or product simply by sharing a 3D model. The domain experts at VOiLA 3D will send you a quote after reviewing the 3D model and 3D print the item once you send the order and payment confirmation. 

3D Technique

In addition to selling FDM 3D printers, 3D Technique offers 3D designing services, 3D printing services, and 3D scanning services. This Gujarat-based 3D printing company allows you to produce three-dimensional items using a variety of 3D printing technologies – FDM, SLS, SLA, DLP, and Polyjet. Also, you have the option to choose from several 3D printing filaments according to the precise needs of your project. 3D Technique delivers the 3D-printed item at your doorstep based on the digital file share by you. It further helps you to customize the 3D printing services without escalating costs.

3Ding

In addition to selling and renting 3D printers, 3Ding offers 3D designing, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services. You can avail of the 3D printing services to get a physical model, part, prototype, or product by uploading your digital file and selecting the 3D printing technology/filament. Also, you can get the digital file created by experienced 3D artists by availing of 3D designing services. 3Ding has already delivered over two million 3D-printed parts to clients from different industries. It further allows you to get a single item by availing of 3D printing services.

Think3D

Along with selling 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D filament, Think3D provides 3D designing, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services. This Telangana-based 3D company allows you to choose from a variety of 3D printing services according to the precise needs of your project. Hence, you can get the desired item using widely used 3D printing technologies like FDM, SLA, SLS, or DMLS. The engineers at Think3D have already 3D-printed prototypes for enterprises across industries. Hence, they can deliver high-precision 3D-printed items by combining the right 3D printing technology and filament.

Global3DHub

In addition to supplying 3D printers and 3D printing filaments, this Rajasthan-based 3D printing company offers 3D printing and rapid prototyping services. You can avail of rapid prototyping services to get solid three-dimensional items based on ideas and concepts. At the same time, you can get customized 3D printing services to get items physically without putting in extra time and effort. You can share the digital file with the Global3DHub and get the desired item by combining the appropriate 3D printing technology and filament.

3DigiPrints

3DigiPrints helps you to create prototypes rapidly by making accuracy and authenticity the key points in the 3D printing process. You can avail of the 3D printing services to create prototypes in four simple steps by uploading the 3D model in STL format. The team at 3DigiPrints will help you to choose the right 3D printer and 3D printing filament according to the precise needs of your project. Also, 3DigiPrints delivers the 3D-printed item to your doorstep. Also, you can avail of the rapid prototyping services to create a 3D model that replicated your ideas accurately.

3DBazaar

Along with selling 3D printers, 3D Bazaar helps you to build prototypes rapidly by offering designing services and 3D printing services. You can avail of engineering designing services and organic designing services to design complex shapes and patterns using CAD software. At the same time, the 3D printing services provided by 3D Bazaar helps you to get prototypes physically simply by uploading the digital file in OBJ or STL format. You also have the option to choose from a slew of 3D printers and 3D printing filaments while uploading the 3D model.

In India, you have the option to choose from many 3D printing service providers. But you can get high-quality and high-precision 3D printing services only by comparing the leading providers using a variety of parameters. The comparison will help you to choose the best Indian 3D printing service provider for your project.

Keyword: 3D printing service providers

References

https://www.cati.com/blog/2018/08/3d-printing-parts-services-need/

https://technology.siliconindia.com/ranking/3d-printing-service-providers-2019-rid-576.html

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-10-india-based-3d-printing-services-company-bring-engineering

9 Innovative Applications of 3D Printing for Automotive Industry

Automotive companies have been leveraging 3D printing technologies for quite some time to drive innovation and curtail costs. Initially, 3D printing technologies were used by automotive companies for rapid prototyping. But many automotive manufacturers these days incorporate 3D printing into every process and function. Also, many automotive companies have announced their plan to launch 3D-printed cars in the near future.

According to FutureWise Market Research & Reports, “The global automotive 3D printing market is expected to value over US $ 3 Billion by 2027 end and register a CAGR of 26.1% during the forecast period, 2020 to 2027. The automotive industry is incorporating 3D printing into almost all of its processes and functions, right from designing prototypes, manufacturing, concept designing, to end-to-end repairs.”

The forecast report depicts the growing significance of 3D printing technologies for the automotive industry. The common applications of 3D printing for the automotive industry include accelerating production, reducing turnaround time, and curtailing operational costs. But automotive companies have been creating new use cases regularly by applying and leveraging 3D printing technologies innovatively. We are highlighting some of the exciting and innovative automotive 3D printing applications.

9 Exciting Use Cases and Applications of 3D Printing for Automotive Industry

1) Launching 3D-Printed Vehicles

Most vehicles these days contain a variety of 3D-printed parts and components. But anautomotive company has already launched the world’s first 3D-printed car. According to EnduranceWarranty.com, “Local Motors’ solution to changing the way we make cars is the ‘Strati,’ the world’s first 3D-printed car. It’s a humble, yet uniquely sleek-looking machine. It was built, or rather, printed in Detroit, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.” The customers will soon have the option to choose from conventional and 3D-printed vehicles while visiting a local dealership.

2) Driving Vehicle Electrification

The growing demand for greener transportation options has made it essential for automotive companies to accelerate the electrification of vehicles. But no automotive company can electrify vehicles only by leveraging cutting-edge electric technologies. It has to focus extensively on focus on designing new lightweight components. 3D printing technologies enable engineers to design and evaluate lightweight components by facilitating overnight prototyping. Also, they can make changes to the prototypes regularly to reduce the overall weight of the electric vehicle.

3) Designing Connected Vehicles

The connected cars communicate and interact with a variety of nearby devices using both embedded and portable communication systems. Most connected cars are designed with complex components like antennas and sensors. The traditional manufacturing technologies keep sensors separated from the vehicles. But automotive companies leverage 3D printing technologies to create connected vehicles with embedded sensors. The embedded sensors make the vehicle gather data reliably. Also, engineers can save both time and resources by 3D-printing the sensors and antennas.

4) Accelerating Prototyping Process

3D printing technologies enable automotive companies to accelerate prototyping and concept designing. Engineers can combine appropriate 3D printing technology and filament to convert design concepts and ideas into physical prototypes. 3D printing further helps engineers to evaluate concept designs without increasing filament usage and wastage. Leading automotive companies invest in high-end 3D printers to obtain and evaluate convincing proofs of concepts in a few hours.

5) Creating Custom and Complex Parts

The conventional manufacturing methods increase the overall cost of producing custom and complex parts hugely. But automakers can save both time and cost by 3D-printing custom and complex parts. One of the common applications of 3D printing for the automotive industry is the creation of custom and complex car parts on demand without sacrificing functionality and performance. Most automotive companies these days 3D-print car parts to abandon and transform conventional manufacturing methods.

6) 3D-Printing Spare and General Parts

The flexible nature of 3D printing enables engineers to experiment with a wide variety of hardware and filament. Also, engineers can easily curtail costs by reducing material consumption and cost. That is why; automotive companies these days 3D-print a variety of spare parts and general parts. They minimize the dependence on the supply chain by 3D-printing spare parts on demand. At the same time, they leverage 3D printing technologies to assemble multiple parts or components into a single part.

7) Manufacturing Tools Internally

Earlier, automotive companies were outsourcing the production of manufacturing aids and tools to save both time and resources. But the dependence on machining service providers made it difficult for automakers to speed up time-to-market. 3D printing technologies create opportunities for automakers to produce tools and manufacturing aids internally. The automotive companies can further control the production process without escalating costs. They can further experiment with 3D printing filaments to manufacture innovative tools and replace metal components with plastic components.

8) Driving Sales of Classic and Vintage Cars

According to Bloomberg.com, “From Bentley to BMW, Polestar to Porsche, new-car sales have slumped in 2020. Sales of classic cars, on the other hand, have remained positively stable.” But no automotive company can boost the sale of classic cars and vintage cars without ensuring the supply of components and spare parts. 3D printing technologies enable automakers to support the low-volume production of parts for vintage and out-of-production cars on demand. The leading automakers already leverage 3D printing to supply rare spare parts in both metal and plastic on demand.

9) Supporting Customization and Personalization

Many buyers these days customize and personalize vehicles by availing of a variety of aftermarket parts and services. Many automakers already attract and impress buyers by providing them with many personalization and customization options. They leverage 3D printing technologies to customize vehicles as well as personalize the experience. The leading automobile manufacturers allow customers to customize vehicles by ordering 3D-printed parts and panels. The buyers also have the option to make the vehicle stand out from the crowd by choosing from a wide range of colors and patterns.

3D printing service providers have the potential to transform the automotive industry by facilitating the electrification of vehicles. The customers will soon have the option to choose from many 3D-printed cars and vehicles. That is why; new applications and use cases of 3D printing for the automotive industrywill be created regularly in the future.

Keyword: applications of 3D printing for automotive industry

References

https://all3dp.com/2/coolest-3d-printed-cars/

https://www.endurancewarranty.com/learning-center/news/first-3d-printed-car-makes-debut/

https://amfg.ai/2020/09/03/3d-printing-in-the-automotive-industry-4-major-digital-manufacturing-trends/

https://formlabs.com/asia/blog/3d-printed-car-how-3d-printing-is-changing-the-automotive-industry/

https://www.3dcastor.com/post/the-best-applications-of-3d-printing-in-the-automotive-industry

https://archer-soft.com/blog/how-3d-printing-used-automotive-industry

https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/automotive-3d-printing-applications/#applications

https://amfg.ai/2019/05/28/7-exciting-examples-of-3d-printing-in-the-automotive-industry/