How to correctly select the most appropriate 3D printing materials？

Traditional manufacturing machines cannot easily integrate a variety of raw materials in the process of cutting or mold forming. With the development of multi-material 3D printing technology, we have the ability to integrate different raw materials. Raw materials that cannot be mixed before will form new materials after mixing. 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 materials to choose, so which process and materials should we choose?

There are usually the following considerations: cost, appearance, details, mechanical properties, mechanical properties, chemical stability, and special application environment. Despite various factors, based on the purpose of making the model, it can be roughly divided into two categories: appearance verification model and structure verification model.

Appearance verification model: a prototype model designed and manufactured by the engineer to verify the appearance of the product or a model that is directly used and has high requirements for appearance. The appearance verification model is visual and touchable. It can intuitively reflect the designer’s creativity in the form of physical objects, avoiding the disadvantage of “drawing is good-looking but making is not good-looking”. The production of appearance verification model is essential in the process of new product development and product shape deliberation.

Based on the requirements of appearance verification model, it is preferred to choose photosensitive resin 3D printing (including high-precision and high toughness ABS and transparent PC materials);

Structure 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 the relatively large mold is worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. If the structure is unreasonable or other problems are found in the process of mold opening, the loss can be imagined. Therefore, making structural verification model can avoid this loss and reduce the risk of mold opening.

Based on the requirements of structural verification model, if the requirements for accuracy and surface quality are not high, it is preferred to choose materials with good mechanical properties and low price, such as PLA, ABS and other materials.

In addition, there are some special requirements. For example, if there are requirements for conductivity, metal materials are required, or if you want to reverse make a beautiful jewelry, it is recommended to use paraffin. As for the food, you can experience the 3D printing of our food and taste the taste of 3D printing chocolate!