Welcome back to the exciting world of 3D printing! Today, we’re diving into Flexa Gray, a remarkable SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) material by Sinterit. If you own a Lisa or Nils lineup machine, you’re in for a treat. Flexa Gray is one of the most dynamic flexible materials you can find for your 3D printing projects. In this overview, we’ll explore what makes it stand out, where it finds its use, and why you might want to consider it for your next project.
Flexibility Unleashed
What sets Flexa Gray apart from the rest? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly flexible, and you have the power to adjust that flexibility to your liking. You can fine-tune the laser power to make your prints more or less flexible. The flexibility doesn’t stop there. Here’s a game-changer – all of Sinterit’s flexible materials, including Flexa Gray, come with a 100% or zero percent refresh rate. In simpler terms, you can reuse all the unused powder from previous prints, contributing to resource efficiency and sustainability. While they recommend adding 10% fresh powder for best results, it’s pretty cool that it’s not a strict requirement.
Flexa Gray is a TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) based material. This is what gives it that sought-after rubber-like feel. If you’ve ever handled rubber cables or soft, flexible gaskets, you know exactly what to expect. So, let’s explore where this dynamic material fits into the world of industry and business.
Real-World Applications
Flexible materials like Flexa Gray find a home in various industries where soft, rubbery items are a must. Here are some typical applications:
- Cable Protectors: The flexibility of Flexa Gray makes it ideal for creating protective covers for cables and wires. These cable protectors prevent damage and tripping hazards.
- Product Grips: When you need handles or grips for tools or equipment, Flexa Gray can provide a comfortable and ergonomic solution.
- Seals and Gaskets: Creating effective seals and gaskets is crucial in various industries. Flexa Gray’s flexibility ensures a snug fit and reliable sealing.
- Tubes and Hoses: When you need flexible conduits for liquids or gases, Flexa Gray can deliver. It’s versatile and reliable.
- Shock or Vibration Absorbers: Flexa Gray’s softness and flexibility make it excellent for shock or vibration-absorbing components in machinery or products.
- Protectors and Cases: From phone cases to bottle covers, Flexa Gray can safeguard your devices and products with its shock-absorbing properties.
If you’re wondering if your 3D printer can handle this versatile material, you’re in luck. Flexa Gray is compatible with the entire Lisa lineup from Sinterit. Whether you own the Lisa, Lisa Pro, Lisa X, or the industrial-grade Nils 480, you can create with this material. You won’t need any advanced software – the Citrus Studio Basic is all you require. Plus, one of the fantastic aspects of SLS technology is that you don’t need support structures for your prints. The unfused powder acts as support, allowing you to create intricate designs without the hassle of removing supports.
Layer adhesion, often a concern with other 3D printing methods, isn’t an issue with SLS. The result is strong, durable parts with excellent z-axis strength. If you’re printing intricate rubber feet for a product or even custom phone cases, this technology is an excellent choice. The possibilities are endless, and Flexa Gray opens doors to innovative designs.
Technical Specs and Versatility
Now, let’s dive into some technical specifications of Flexa Gray:
- Adjustable Hardness: You can easily switch between rigid and softer prints by adjusting the laser power in your slicing software. The flexibility is entirely under your control.
- Refresh Rate: With a 100% reasonable refresh rate, you can reuse unused powder, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
- Chemical Resistance: Flexa Gray boasts great chemical resistance, ensuring it can withstand exposure to various substances.
- Shore Hardness: In the A scales, Flexa Gray falls between 70A to 90A. This means it’s harder than a pencil eraser but softer than a leather belt, similar to a car tire’s hardness.
- Melting and Softening Points: With a high melting point of 160°C and a softening point around 67°C, Flexa Gray can handle a variety of environmental conditions.
- Strength and Flexibility: It offers a tensile strength of 3.7 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 7.8 MPa. You’ll find it’s surprisingly flexible with an elongation at break of 136%. It can stretch and bend to meet your needs.
If you’re yearning for more detailed specifications, you’ll find comprehensive information in the technical data sheets available on VisionMiner’s website. Simply visit VisionMiner.com to access all the nitty-gritty details.
Inspiration from Real Examples
Now, let’s see some real-world examples to inspire your next project:
- Pressure Chamber Baffle: As seen in one of the examples, Flexa Gray can be used to create a pressure chamber baffle. It’s an accordion-like structure that’s both flexible and air and watertight when sealed.
- Fashion and 3D Printing: If you’re into fashion, you’ll love Flexa Gray. 3D printed fashion items, from bracelets to dresses, are possible. The flexible nature of this material allows for comfortable and wearable designs.
- Chainmail: Stay tuned for future projects as Flexa Gray is perfect for creating chainmail. It’s not only historically fascinating but also showcases the material’s ability to produce intricate, flexible designs.
Let your imagination run wild with Flexa Gray, and don’t hesitate to share your ideas in the comments below. If you have a project in mind and wonder about the costs and feasibility, reach out to us. We can provide you with a detailed cost breakdown, considering factors like machine depreciation, electricity costs, material expenses, and printing time. It’s all about helping you make informed decisions for your 3D printing ventures.
At VisionMiner, we’re passionate about 3D printing, and we’re here to help you explore the full potential of this technology. We offer a range of 3D printing solutions, from high-temperature FDM systems like PEEK and Ultem™ to 3D scanners and the SLS technology we’ve been discussing today. Feel free to reach out to us with your questions and ideas – we’re just a call away.
Thank you for joining us in unlocking the potential of Flexa Gray by Sinterit. Your next 3D printing project is just around the corner, so keep the 3D printing excitement alive and have a fantastic day!