Demystifying High-Performance 3D Printing Materials

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6aaqee53xA

Welcome to a journey through the fascinating realm of high-performance 3D printing materials. I’m Matt from 3DX Tech, and over the last five years, we’ve been dedicated to producing our own filaments in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our unique selling proposition? We compound these materials ourselves, enabling us to create specialty formulations that cater to your specific needs.

The Versatility of Our Materials

At 3DX Tech, we offer a wide spectrum of materials, starting from the familiar PLA and ABS, all the way up to the impressive league of ULTEM, PEEK, and their variants. Our materials serve diverse industries, from aerospace to electronics, and our clients employ them in high-performance 3D printers, including some from the Stratasys family.

Ultimate ULTEM

One of our star materials is ULTEM 1010. This polymer belongs to the PAEK (Polyaryletherketone) family and boasts an impressive Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) of 217°C. With a maximum use temperature of around 205°C, ULTEM 1010 excels in areas like chemical resistance, thermal properties, and mechanical prowess. However, it’s worth noting that ULTEM 1010 can be somewhat challenging to print due to its brittleness.

ULTEM 9085: A Sibling with a Twist

If you’re looking for a more user-friendly version of ULTEM, ULTEM 9085 is your solution. This variant is a modified form of ULTEM. The key difference lies in its lower Tg of around 185°C. This slight tweak makes ULTEM 9085 more ductile and easier to print for most applications. It also has FAA certification for flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST), making it suitable for aerospace use.

Discover the Magic of Carbon Fiber ULTEM

Now, let’s talk about a fascinating material in our lineup: carbon fiber ULTEM. We take the already challenging ULTEM 1010 and enhance its printability by infusing it with high-strength carbon fibers. The addition of carbon fibers works wonders by reducing shrinkage, warping, and lifting issues. This means that while you still need a high-performance 3D printer, carbon fiber ULTEM simplifies many of the traditional printing challenges. The carbon fibers create a material that excels in thermal properties and mechanical strength, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

Unveiling the World of PEEK

If you’re a 3D printing enthusiast, you’ve likely encountered PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) and its close cousin PEKK (Polyetherketoneketone). These materials belong to the broader family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs). PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic that offers impressive characteristics. It’s known for its high melt temperature, which typically falls in the range of 400-410°C. PEEK boasts a melting point of 343°C, rendering it solid until it reaches this temperature.

PEKK: A More Accessible Alternative

If you’re looking for a slightly more user-friendly option within the PAEK family, PEKK is your answer. It’s a copolymer with a lower melt temperature, typically around 350-360°C. This characteristic makes PEKK easier to print and accessible to a broader range of 3D printers. Our PEKK is an excellent choice for those who need high-performance materials without the ultra-high print temperatures.

Exploring PSU – A Hidden Gem

Among the less-known high-performance materials, PSU (Polysulfone) shines brightly. It’s part of the family of sulfone polymers, along with PS (Polysulfone) and PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone). PSU has remarkable thermal properties and surpasses ULTEM 1010 in terms of ductility. While it has a slightly lower Tg, PSU still performs exceptionally well at high temperatures, making it a valuable option in various industries, including food service and medical applications.

Electrostatic Dissipation with Carbon Nanotubes

When it comes to electrostatic dissipation (ESD) grades, we introduce carbon nanotubes into materials like PLA, ABS, PEEK, and more. Carbon nanotubes offer a remarkable advantage by providing a steady surface resistance of 10^6 to 10^7 ohms/square with just a small 2-3% addition. This means that ESD properties can be maintained without significantly altering the material’s ductility and flexibility. Carbon nanotubes also contribute to improved printing quality and efficiency.

So, there you have it – a glimpse into the world of high-performance 3D printing materials. Whether you’re reaching for the stars in aerospace or delving into cutting-edge applications, these materials hold the key to your 3D printing success. Join us in exploring the endless possibilities and performance enhancements these materials offer, and let’s continue pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in 3D printing.