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3D printing of ceramic, wood and cotton

Area of ​​3D printing has recently experienced an unprecedented boom. Every day there are reports about new models of 3D printers that print is still greater accuracy. The meteoric progress can be seen in the increasing size and complexity of the design printable 3D objects.

Progress, however, does not stop only at the device. In recent months, was presented with a range of new materials, which are significantly shifted the limits of 3D printing. Which materials are enduring classics of 3D printing materials and that the sector portends a promising future? You can read the following article.

The most widely used material? White plastic

According to statistics organizations 3DHubs is the most common filling for 3D printers thermoplastic ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). ABS 3D printing is stiff enough and also withstand low and high temperatures and effects of chemicals. The second most popular material is PLA (Polylactide acid). It is especially popular for home 3D printing. Its processing is faster and easier than ABS, on the other hand is not as resistant to temperature changes. 3D PLA products are environmentally friendly because the material is made ​​from biodegradable resources. "Downside of PLA products is their less flexibility, but that is not the majority of users of 3D printing top priority," says Jan Škopík, manufacturer of 3D printers 3Dfactories the company AROJA . The most popular color for 3D printing by Škopík natural or white, very popular color 3D models are also red, blue and green.

3D printing of ceramics - Print dishes and original home decoration

Unusual material for 3D printing ceramics and glazing. This special technique is used Figuli American company to manufacture cooking utensils and art objects. The printer model coated ceramic mixture of alumina and silica, the subject is done from the printer glazed and then fired in a kiln, as well as classic ceramic products. Custom production according to data from the company to grow, despite the higher price of 3D printing. It is around $ 35 per object size coffee cup.

Green printing of wood

An alternative material for 3D printing cartridges are combined with wood fibers. They contain roughly a third of the wood fibers (directly from wood or wood waste from saw dust) and two-thirds of PLA material. 3D printing of wood can be implemented while the coarser and finer variations of wood filling. According distributors of specialty materials products after printing really smells of wood and even they can mimic changes in the melting temperature and the growth rings, ie darker and lighter areas typical for the trees. In addition to the classic natural variations in the market recently emerged and stained wood filling.

Printing metal objects = 3D technological revolution?

To print 3D objects from metallic materials, its eyes a number of designers and production operations. At this time, printing of metal in the stage production of the first test subjects. A few months ago a Texas company announced the first 3D printing metal weapons. The gun was printed from a powder containing a combination of several metals. Although the product has passed the functional test method used laser sintering time being due to the technological and financial cost is not applicable to mass production. According to John Škopík has just melting metal powder potential for commercial use 3D printing in manufacturing plants, materials development, however, has yet to move a little. "In Germany and Austria, scientists are experimenting with 3D printing, metal mikrosoučástek. The results of their work in print accuracy and strength of metal are promising, "says Škopík. Advances also recently announced a UK university in Sheffield, which began to print from an affordable titanium powder.

Hot news? 3D printing clothing and batteries

Among the hottest news in the field of 3D printing is clearly printing batteries and electrical components. In this area have reported the first successful scientists from Harvard, when they were able to develop a special material suitable for 3D printers. It is apparently similar to that found in conventional lithium batteries. Refill for printing is formed of nanoparticles, whose consistency is diluted so that it can smoothly pass through the nozzle 3D printer and subsequently solidified. At this point, scientists are experimenting with 3D printing mikrobaterií, in the future it plans to use silver.

The British company Tamicare from Manchester contrary, developing material for printing and fabrics. The company has already announced that it managed to print lingerie and latex from the rubber polymers enriched with cotton fibers. The test materials are enriched viscose. The successful development of the project is the fact that with the author negotiates on cooperation and renowned manufacturer of lingerie Victoria's Secret.

According to John Škopík the development of 3D materials especially important for the use of 3D printing in mass production. "Modern 3D printer can print it very accurately even larger objects. For mass commercial use in various industries is now crucial to develop content into 3D printers which would be good alternative for machine production, while it could compete on price, "says Škopík.


Source: tz
Author tz Mr. Jan Škopík

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