3D printing has rapidly expanded from the niche market to the mainstream trend and is developing at an alarming rate. Whether it is expensive small equipment or industrial-grade operation, the hardware level of 3D printing is constantly being optimized and upgraded at a relatively stable speed. So the focus of the next phase will undoubtedly be how to improve 3D printing materials to create more flexible, durable and easy-to-use parts.
In recent years, the introduction of nylon into 3D printing materials is a significant development. It has many significant advantages and can be combined with other materials to help improve the printing process and make better products.
Compared with other printing materials, nylon material has a higher moisture absorption rate, so it is easier to spray paint, and has higher strength and flexibility. Today it is widely used in common machine parts such as cable ties, screws, bolts, nuts, and even plastic gears. Of course, it requires a higher printing temperature than other plastic materials, making it more professional in use.
FDM nylon 12CF (carbon filled) material has higher specific strength and stiffness than any FDM material
Which 3D printing methods are suitable for nylon materials?
The biggest advantage of nylon material is that it is suitable for many different printing methods.
1. Fused Deposition Molding (FDM)
This is one of the most commonly used printing methods and uses nylon filament for printing. With FDM technology, it is easy to print prototypes, but it is relatively difficult to make smooth finished products because nylon is more susceptible to moisture. In order to obtain better results, it can be dried before use to reduce humidity.
2. Multi-jet melting (MJF)
This is a non-laser sintered 3D printing technology for powder materials that uses locally heated and removable print heads. It does not need to dry all materials, but still requires a relatively anhydrous environment for best results.
3. Selective laser sintering (SLS)
SLS can guarantee a certain degree of accuracy, and can use different types of nylon and composite materials. This method is suitable for printing very complicated structures, but pay attention to the deformation caused by thermal shrinkage.
Nylon materials are widely used in the automotive industry
What are the common nylon materials for 3D printing?
Depending on the requirements, there are usually the following types to consider:
1, nylon 11
Also called polyamide 11 (or PA 11). This nylon excels in flexibility and impact resistance, making it an ideal material for printing aerospace parts and conduits for the automotive and construction industries. PA 11 is relatively more moisture-resistant, so it is easier to handle.
2, nylon 12
The biggest highlight of nylon 12 is that it has a lower melting point than other polyamides and is easier to handle. At the same time, it also has high fatigue resistance and toughness. It is usually used for snap locks, press-fit tools and parts that need to withstand large vibrations.
3, nylon 6
Nylon 6 is often used in FDM printing, and its strength, toughness and impact resistance are more prominent. It has better flexibility and bending than nylon 12.
In addition to these basic types, the combination of nylon with other materials is equally popular to meet different needs. Stratasys and Stratasys Direct, for example, provide highly customized nylon material selection for different printing methods and production requirements. Common combinations include:
Carbon fiber nylon
Carbon fiber filled nylon is the most common composite nylon material. As we all know, it has many of the same advantages as standard nylon, including high strength and stiffness. But it produces lighter parts, more suitable for lightweight tools, functional prototypes, and some end-user parts.
Fiberglass nylon
It is commonly used in SLS printing and has high rigidity and mechanical strength. In addition, fiberglass nylon is usually tough and has excellent elasticity. It is suitable for making parts that need to be in a static load and high temperature conditions for a long time, but it is not suitable for making sliding parts because the finish is rough.
Mixed aluminum nylon
Also called nylon aluminum powder, it can show metal finish effect, high hardness and high quality after-treatment. It is commonly used in SLS printing and provides high standards of dimensional accuracy, good density and stiffness balance, and thermal conductivity. Aluminum mixed nylon is suitable for metal-like hard parts such as automotive parts, knives and demonstration models.
Flame retardant nylon
It has higher quality than ordinary filled nylon materials because it adds flame retardant ingredients and is suitable for making customized application parts. As a legally recognized flame retardant component, it has passed combustion smoke toxicity tests and can be used in commercial, military and civil aircraft interiors. Common in two materials of nylon 11 and nylon 12.
Mineral fiber nylon
Also called HST nylon. This polyamide material consists of mineral fibers and has a unique combination of strength, heat resistance and stiffness. It has a clean finish and can be used to express details, making it an ideal material for manufacturing load bearing applications and prototypes requiring precise dimensions.