Tips for Improving The Strength of 3D Printed Parts
2024-03-22 15:38:01
With the development of 3D printing technology, more and more people are starting to use 3D printers to produce various items. The strength of 3D printed parts is a factor that many people consider when choosing whether to 3D print. Generally, the main factors that affect the strength of 3D printed parts are process and materials. In addition, you can also use some operating techniques to improve the strength of the printed parts.
Choose the right material
Material is one of the key factors that determine the strength of 3D printing. Common 3D printing materials currently in the market include ABS, PLA, nylon, etc. ABS material has high heat resistance and wear resistance, it is suitable for making parts that need to withstand greater force. PLA material is more suitable for making items with high appearance requirements.
Optimize structure to increase filling rate
Filling rate is one of the common parameters in 3D printing, which determines the filling density inside the 3D printed part. The infill rate determines the density of this structure. When 100% infill rate is selected, the interior of the 3D printed part becomes a solid structure. It also has the best strength. However, it has been verified by most designers and engineers that after the filling rate exceeds 70%, increasing the filling rate has a relatively small effect on improving strength. Different filling structures also have an impact on strength, and the filling structure can be selected through optimization calculations through software.
Adjust printing parameters
First, adjust the printing temperature. Different materials have different printing temperatures. Too high or too low temperature will affect the printing quality and strength. Second, adjust the printing speed. Fast printing speeds may result in weak adhesion between layers. In general, slow 3D printing is stronger than fast 3D printing, especially the extrusion process. Finally, adjust the layer height and wall thickness. The more layers there are, the stronger the print will be. There is a minimum wall thickness during 3D printing. Once the wall thickness is less than this, collapse will easily occur during the process. If conditions permit (without affecting the design or assembly), the wall thickness can be appropriately increased to increase the strength of the printed part.
Post-processing process
In addition to optimization during the printing process, post-processing processes can also improve the strength of printed items. A common post-processing method is heat treatment. By heating the printed object, the molecules of the material can be rearranged, increasing its strength. In addition, surface treatments such as spraying, grindingcan also be performed to increase the appearance and strength of the item.
Increase cool time
Most of the current 3D printing involves heating, and the printed parts often need to be cooled. The study found that the cooling rate of the print also had an impact on its strength. Long and slow cooling process increases the strength of your print. The tips of improving the strength of 3D printing include choosing appropriate materials, optimizing designs, adjusting printing parameters, etc. By comprehensively applying these techniques, the strength and stability of 3D printed objects can be effectively improved.
