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3D Printing Filament Material Properties

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                                                        <img width="300" height="245" src="https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/3d-filament-strings-300x245.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-32199" alt="Stringing: the common result when a 3D print job has not been configured optimally." srcset="https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/3d-filament-strings-300x245.png 300w, https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/3d-filament-strings-200x163.png 200w, https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/3d-filament-strings.png 503w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />                                                         </div>
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Material properties of filaments to consider when 3D printing a functional product.
Source: ChatGPT 40

  • Hot: Up to 100°C (212°F)
  • Cold: Down to -20°C (-4°F)


UV Resistance Poor: degrades with prolonged UV exposure

Pros

  • Good strength and durability
  • High impact resistance
  • Relatively easy to post-process

Cons

  • Requires a heated bed and enclosed printer to avoid warping
  • Emits fumes during printing, requiring ventilation


Chemical Properties

Chemical properties of filaments to consider when 3D printing a functional product.
Source: Chemical Properties of Common 3D Printing Filaments

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                                        <a href="https://prusament.com/chemical-resistance-of-3d-printing-materials/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" alt="Table: Chemical Resistance of 3D Printing Filaments" title="Table: Chemical Resistance of 3D Printing Filaments">
                        <img width="800" height="538" src="https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/filament-chemical-resistance-1024x688.webp" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32589" alt="Table: Chemical Resistance of Commonly Used 3D Printing Filaments" srcset="https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/filament-chemical-resistance-1024x688.webp 1024w, https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/filament-chemical-resistance-300x202.webp 300w, https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/filament-chemical-resistance-768x516.webp 768w, https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/filament-chemical-resistance-1536x1033.webp 1536w, https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/filament-chemical-resistance-2048x1377.webp 2048w, https://clintongallagher.com/wp-content/uploads/filament-chemical-resistance-200x134.webp 200w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />                                </a>
                                        <figcaption class="widget-image-caption wp-caption-text">Table: Chemical Resistance of Commonly Used 3D Printing Filaments.<br>Source: prusament.com/chemical-resistance-of-3d-printing-materials</figcaption>
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Chemical Resistance Rating: 

A – Resists very well. Polymer does not melt, absorb substance, or swell during a week’s immersion (less than 1% change in weight and dimensions).

B – Resists moderately to well. Slight swelling or change in weight (2 – 3% change in weight or dimensions). 

C – Resists poorly. Significant swelling and change in weight of the test sample (4-5% change in weight or dimensions) occurs with prolonged exposure of the polymer.

D – Does not resist. A red colour indicates a significant change in weight, severe swelling (change in weight or dimensions over 5%) or complete destruction of the fibre (2). 

Data for the evaluation of polymers were obtained from our measurements under laboratory conditions and from a scientific publication not named by Prusa

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Summary

When selecting a filament for 3D printing, consider the specific requirements such as flexibility, strength, chemical resistance and environmental tolerance. ABS and PETG offer a balance between flexibility and rigidity, with PETG providing better impact resistance. Nylon provides high flexibility and impact resistance but can be difficult to print. TPU offers excellent flexibility and durability but requires careful handling during printing. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages based on the application's needs.

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