As materials for 3D printing, we all know that PLA, ABS, PC, nylon, resin, etc. have become commonplace, and the addition of fiber materials has improved material performance.
Generally, the advantages of parts printed by the FDM / FFF process are the advantages of better mechanical properties and light weight, but compared to metal 3D printing, the performance of the parts printed by the FDM / FFF process will be weaker and lighter. If we want parts with high mechanical performance and light weight, how should we choose?
Let me introduce you to the FDM + CFF process printing technology
• FDM: Fused layered molding technology The concept of fused layered molding technology. Fused deposition is also called fuse deposition. It is the heating and melting of filamentous hot melt material, which is extruded through a nozzle with a fine nozzle.
• CFF: Continuous fiber forming technology Continuous fiber forming technology, which flattens the fiber bundle through the nozzle and cuts the fiber bundle through the blade for printing.
Nylon / Onyx (nylon mixed short carbon fiber material) is printed by FDM technology, and long fibers are filled inside the part by CFF technology to realize the overall printing of the part.
Parts printed with Onyx materials have excellent surface finish, and can print hard, strong and precise parts. The strength and hardness are 1.4 times better than ABS. Onyx printing has better surface finish, chemical resistivity and heat resistance.
Through the continuous fiber filling inside the parts, better performance can be obtained. If continuous carbon fiber filling is used, the stiffness and strength are 20 times and 5 times that of ABS plastic, respectively, and the specific strength exceeds 6061-T6 aluminum.
Let's take a closer look at the advantages of various fibers:
• Fiberglass CFF: It has the best cost performance and is used for general purpose parts. Helps prevent twisting and increase dimensional stability. Cracks will occur when the load exceeds the yield point, and there will be signs of fracture before complete fracture. • Carbon CFF: It has the strongest strength under unit weight and has the best weight ratio. It is often used to print hard and high-strength parts. It has the best physical properties and can be used as a metal replacement. When the deformation reaches the yield point, it will immediately break off. • Kevlar CFF: Has good impact resistance. Commonly used in industrial applications. In the use environment where the parts are under periodic load, impact or wear, there will be a better application effect. Deformation and bending will occur. When the deformation reaches the yield point, it will not break immediately like glass fiber, and the broken fragments will stick together. • HSHT Glass CFF: low cost, good heat resistance, good tensile strength, suitable for parts that require heat deformation and are very strong. Cracks will appear when the load exceeds the yield point, and there will be signs of fracture before the complete fracture.
Application Samples:
1. Fiberglass CFF: has the highest strength cost ratio, suitable for tooling fixture
2. Carbon CFF: The hardest material with the highest strength to weight ratio, suitable for direct use of parts.
3. Kevlar CFF: the best wear resistance and impact resistance, suitable for inspection tool protectors.
4.HSHT Glass CFF: The hardness is better than glass fiber, and it has good performance in extreme cases, suitable for molds.
Summary:
Nowadays, the field of additive manufacturing has exploded, and some printers provide carbon fiber printing capabilities. However, it is best to pay attention to the composite materials you have purchased and the applications for which each fiber is already open. Unless it indicates that it is continuous carbon fiber, this material is almost certainly composed of chopped carbon fiber reinforced filaments. Although both provide independent value, being able to print both is the best way to meet all your application needs.