Welcome back, 3D printing enthusiasts! Today, we’re going to delve into the world of PA11 Onyx, a remarkable material used for 3D printing on Lisa and Nils SLS 3D printers. PA11 Onyx is a polyamide material derived from castor oil, and it offers some exceptional qualities that make it stand out in the 3D printing world. Let’s take a closer look at what makes PA11 Onyx special and how you can benefit from using it in your projects.
The Key Features of PA11 Onyx
PA11 Onyx is a nylon 11 polyamide material known for its impressive characteristics:
- High thermal resistance
- Outstanding stability under UV light and outdoor weather conditions
- Biologically derived from castor oil
- Great mechanical properties
- High impact strength
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Unique dark color
- Very high ductility
- 33% refresh ratio for efficient powder usage
One standout quality of PA11 Onyx is its high impact resistance, making it ideal for applications that require materials to flex without breaking. Compared to PA12, PA11 Onyx offers more elasticity, which is crucial for certain designs and applications.
Applications of PA11 Onyx
PA11 Onyx finds its place in various industries and applications. It’s a versatile material suitable for:
- Final prototyping
- Snap fit designs
- Living hinges
- Jigs and fixtures
- Custom tools
- Covers and enclosures
- Handles, hinges, and connectors
- Impact-proof elements
- Thermoforming molds
Its high impact strength and durability make it a top choice for applications where other materials might fail. Whether you’re in the automotive, aerospace, or consumer goods industry, PA11 Onyx has you covered.
Printing with PA11 Onyx
When it comes to printing with PA11 Onyx, there’s a critical factor to consider – the need for an inert gas environment. Due to the elevated temperatures in the build chamber, PA11s can oxidize, which can negatively impact their mechanical properties and surface finish. Fortunately, printers like the Leesa Pro, Lisa X, and Nils 480 are equipped with nitrogen chambers that prevent this oxidation, ensuring high-quality prints.
Since PA11 Onyx is printed using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), you don’t need support structures. This means you can create complex geometries with ease and achieve isotropic strength, eliminating common issues like layer adhesion and z-axis problems often seen in other printing methods.
Material Specifications
For those who love the technical details, PA11 Onyx offers the following specifications:
- Shore hardness of d76
- Melting point around 200°C
- Heat deflection of approximately 47°C
- Tensile strength of around 48 MPa
- Modulus of 1680 MPa
- Flexural strength of 62
- Flexural modulus of 1420 MPa
- Impact strength on the Sharpie method of 179+ kJ/m²
- Elongation at break of 55%
For more detailed technical data, you can refer to the official technical data sheet available at fishminder.com.
Real-World Examples
Seeing is believing! Let’s take a look at some real-world examples of what can be achieved with PA11 Onyx:
Glasses Case: This rugged military glasses case, printed in PA11 Onyx, showcases the material’s ability to create functional, durable parts with intricate geometries.
Raspberry Pi Case: For electronics enthusiasts, PA11 Onyx is an excellent choice, offering both durability and protection for sensitive components.
Robot Gripper Arms: The high impact strength of PA11 Onyx makes it perfect for applications like robot gripper arms, where toughness is essential.
These are just a few examples of the incredible possibilities that PA11 Onyx opens up for 3D printing projects. Whether you’re in need of functional prototypes, specialized tools, or durable components, PA11 Onyx can deliver.
Get Started with PA11 Onyx
If you’re excited about the potential of PA11 Onyx and want to explore its applications for your business or projects, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can provide you with detailed cost breakdowns, printing options, and answers to all your questions. We’re here to help you make the most of this fantastic 3D printing material.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through PA11 Onyx. We hope you found this information valuable. If you have any specific topics you’d like us to cover in future content, please let us know in the comments. And, of course, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more exciting 3D printing insights and demonstrations.
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Once again, thank you for watching, and have a fantastic day filled with creativity and innovation. We look forward to seeing you in our next video!