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10 materials you can 3D Print with at home

Since it's emergence in the 1980s, 3D printing has grown from an industrial technology that was the domain of million dollar companies to a desktop technology that we can use in the comforts of our home and office. Together, there has been a lot of advances in materials engineering. Traditionally, desktop 3D printing was restricted to ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) but now there are more than 12 different types of materials you can use and explore at home.  

PLA

Polylactic acid is a versatile and low-cost 3D printing material. Due to its accuracy and ease of use, it is the widely accepted standard for 3D printing materials.

3D prints made with PLA are rigid and strong. PLA has been used to fabricate everything from decorative items to functional products for use in form and fit testing applications.

PLA is a bio-degradable polymer created from processing plant parts. It is considered more “Earth- friendly” than any other 3D Printing material.

PLA is available in about 60 different colors.

PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate)

PET is one of the most commonly used plastics worldwide. It is a strong and tough material that can withstand higher temperatures than other 3D printing materials.

PET is available in a range of colors with varying translucency. Its glossiness and translucency can be manipulated to produce 3D prints with finish similar to glass.

PET is ideal for end-use and functional products including moving parts. It is one of the safest filaments to use for children’s toys and any part that would need to be in contact with food or drink (ensure your extruder is food-safe too).

Dissolvable Filaments (HIPS and PVA)

HIPS and PVA are two different types of dissolvable filaments commonly used to 3D print support structures. Using dissolvable filaments makes removal of support structures easy and less time consuming. Using dissolvable filaments also helps to create intricate shapes which would otherwise be impossible.

HIPS is best used with ABS while PVA is best used with PLA and other materials. HIPS dissolved in Limonene while PVA dissolves in cold water.

Wood-infused filaments

Wood-infused PLA Materials give a warm and tactile finish similar to that of wood. It is also one of the easiest 3D printing material to work with - no need for any specialised extruders and heated build platforms.

The final product can be sanded and stained just like normal wood. If your final product is to be made with wood, use these filaments to test the final feel of your products.

Carbon-Fibre infused filaments

Carbon-Fibre infused PLA filaments are comprised of approximately 20% chopped Carbon Fibre filaments infused with either Polylactic Acid (PLA) or PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET) filaments. Carbon-Fibre Filaments are more rigid than conventional PLA and PET. Yet, it is easy to print with standard PLA settings. The matte-black of Carbon-Fibre infused PLA filaments gives a nice finish that helps to mask layer lines.

Carbon-Fibre infused PLA filaments are ideal for end-use products such as drones and RC cars.

Metal-infused filaments

Metal-infused PLA filaments are comprised of approximately 20% metal shavings infused with PLA filaments. Metal-infused PLA filaments cool and solidify very quickly which allows for faster printing speeds. This also allows the printing of designs that may not be possible with other filaments.

Models printed with metal-infused PLA filaments can be sanded to obtain a finish similar to metal.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Flexible filaments

TPE is an exciting filament that allows you to print soft and flexible products with a finish similar to that of rubber. TPE is also resistant to UV and certain common chemicals.

TPE is ideal for projects that require flexibility and elasticity. TPE filaments are good for many wearable electronics applications. In addition, it can also be used to create shoes, handlebar grips and even tires for RC cars. With the right settings, TPE prints are watertight which is great for floatation devices.

This article first appeared on the 3D Printing Materials Store.

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The Complete List of Tools Every 3D Printing Enthusiast Should Have

How time flies! A couple of years back—in the 90’s to be precise—3D printing was listed as one of the cutting edge technologies destined to revolutionize the world in general and the manufacturing industry in particular. But not even in man’s wildest dreams, did we foresee the impact this phenomenon would have in our daily lives as well as on every professional field.

Today, 3D printing is here to stay as millions of people are now taken advantage of its ability to create art by either becoming hobbyist or professionals in the continuously advancing field of 3D printing.

Now for those who fall into the ‘hobbyist category’, this should be viewed as a slightly more advanced guide on some of the tools you would require in taking your art to the next level. This guide will contain a short review of the listed items, their uses and approximate cost to help you make more informed purchasing decisions.

1. Refine with a Rotary Tool

There are certain sanding, cutting and smoothing tasks you may have undertaken only to discover that your traditional tools—pliers, knife, screw drivers etc.—couldn’t execute these tasks accurately or without slightly deforming the printed model.  This calls for a more powerful tool which can provide the leverage and strength needed to accurately handle the stated activities. The Dremel 4000 is a high performance rotary tool ergonomically designed to simplify handling regardless of your cut angle.

More importantly, the Dremel 4000 comes with multiple tool head accessories which are suited to cutting, smoothing and burring tasks. Its attachments are powered by a variable speed motor as well as an electronic feedback to track its speed.

Image source: Dremel

2. Keep Watch with a Wireless Camera

Every 3D printing enthusiasts has his or her time keeping method when printing time-consuming projects. Some set timers on their printers when printing components, while others have ears which are fine-tuned to understanding every sound their printer emits but there is an easier way. Installing a camera to cover your work space while receiving periodic updates on your mobile device is a much better method of keeping track of projects. Blink is a wireless camera with approximately a years’ battery life. After installation, you can watch live feeds on your mobile device and also receive motion alerts if you are a parent who suffers from the ‘snooping kid’s syndrome’.

Image source: Amazon

3. Light it up with a Flashlight

Although more modern domestic 3D printers are being built with integrated lighting to aid a user’s sight, the average 3D printer in today’s market does not come with this feature. Therefore, the responsibility of strategically lighting up your workspace falls on you. But if like most of us, you still experience some blind spots when printing or finishing a model, you should consider purchasing a LED flashlight to increase all-round visibility.

Image source: Fenix Lighting

4. Track Temperature with a Laser Thermometer

As a true 3D printing professional, it is important to note that you are now playing in the big leagues and as such, it is important to keep track of every aspect of the 3D printing process that may affect the quality of your work. Some of these aspects to track are; inadequate heating when using a heated print bed, the temperature of the 3D printer’s nozzle and the heat distribution to the outer edges of the heat bed. The Kkmoon contactless laser thermometer is the perfect tool for keeping track of your workspace’s temperature and at $24 this precise thermometer with an intuitive display screen is a steal.

Image source: Amazon

5. Build Models on a Polycarbonate Board

Carrying out 3D printing projects by printing on the traditional masking tape should be considered the ‘old way of doing things’ for they get in the way when removing completed builds. On the other hand, polycarbonate boards are a thin yet durable alternative to masking tapes and they provide an optimal surface for 3d printed models to adhere to. Another added advantage it has over its contemporary is its re-usable nature which eliminates the need for constant replacements and waste.

Image source: 3D Printing Materials Store

6. Dry Filaments with Desiccant (or a dry-cabinet, if you are really serious)

As a 3D enthusiast, you must have definitely realised that water is an enemy to your equipment and workstation which means it must be kept out by every means necessary. Most people I know make use of sealed plastic bags and containers to keep out the moisture from their filament stash. While this isn’t completely fail-proof putting desiccant bags into the container or bag may prolong the lifespan of your materials.

Image source: Amazon

There is now an alternative that is better than Desiccant and much cheaper than a Dry-Cabinet. Meet PrintDry. PrintDry is a filament feeder that actively dries the filaments placed within, much like a dry-cabinet or oven.

Image source: Printdry

7. Size Difficult Angles with the Sliding Bevel

When working on small designs with intricate angular edges, the need to accurately measure small angles become extremely important in order to retain your model’s exact dimensions.  In such circumstances, your digital angle finder cannot read these minute angles. Therefore, purchasing a sliding bevel as an added accessory to compliment efforts of a digital angle finder is the way to go. To do this, simply fit the bevel onto the angle and then use the digital angle finder to read it. The sliding bevel can also be used as a check and balancing instrument for maintaining angle consistency along the length of an object.

Image source: Amazon

8. Capturing Curves with the Contour Gauge

The contour gauge is a tool designed to accurately capture the profiles or outline of surfaces spotting multiple curves. For a better understanding, simply imagine trying to build a holder to stick to your car’s dashboard and the difficulties you encounter trying to accurately get the dimensions of its curves. Simply slap the gauge on the dashboard and then trace its shape on paper. You can then import this shape into your digital model or CAD application as either an SVG or DXF file, before proceeding to the 3D printing process.

Image source: Amazon

9. Troubleshoot with a Mechanic’s Stethoscope

This tool is for the serious hobbyist and DIY enthusiast who are willing to dig deep when solving problems associated with his or her 3D printer. The mechanic’s stethoscope is equipped to help with the locating of errant noises emanating from your printer. Simply press the probe firmly to faulty areas to listen to the sounds coming from them.

Image source: Amazon

10. Computer Aided Design Software

The next professional stage for every competent  artist looking to gain some renown is creating original art works that showcase one’s creativity and the world of 3D printing is no different. Mastering the interface of a computer aided design application (CAD), gives you the freedom to be creative while viewing the results of your art in real-time. With CAD, you can design virtually anything you choose and import the finished product for printing on your 3D printer. This gives you the unlimited creative control you desire that cannot be experienced using a 3D scanner or purchasing stock 3D models from the internet.

Image source: 3D Printing Materials Store

So there you have it, our top 10 3D printing tools listed for those looking to expand their abilities to the next level. Note that you can easily purchase some of these items online or at your local store depending on your location. In conclusion, it is important to note that practice makes perfect, so keep surprising everyone including yourself, by building innovative items which could add that little piece of magic to our world.

This article first appeared on the 3D Printing Materials Store.

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What Can A 3D Printer Do in Your Home?

As 3D printing’s popularity increases, you might consider getting your own personal device. While you may wistfully think about how nice it could be and shelve the idea with so many other thoughts in your head, consider the real-life practicality that these machine 3D printing is still fairly new. 

As popularity increases, you might consider getting your own personal device. You may wistfully think about how nice it could be and shelve the idea with so many other thoughts in your head. Before you do, consider the real-life practicality that these machines can offer.

Even though quality printers feel very expensive today, there are a number of good reasons to invest sooner than later. Even if you find yourself waiting in the short-term, you can expect prices to fall as rapidly as most new technologies, and as they continue to come down in price, homeowner level models offer more and more potential. This is only the very beginning of what a 3D printer could do for you.

Print Your Household Needs

3D printers were originally designed to create extremely precise, specialized tools for scientific and engineering research projects. As researchers wanted the freedom to try some designs at home, they pushed the market into more domestic reaches. What does this mean for the home-end user? Well, the sophisticated resources of 3D printing can give you access to tools that used to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars apiece. Now, with the right design, you can make such things for a few dollars worth of materials.

Image Source: Sergepayen

With every tool under the sun at your fingertips, worlds of possibility open. Need a special pipet to decorate a cake? Print it. Can’t reach a bolt to fix your car? Print a ratchet joint. The custom size washer broke in your plumbing? You can print them all. Any job around the house that might need a specialized tool is now within your domain when you master your personal printer. The best part is that you don’t have to make the designs yourself. Places like YouMagine and Thingiverse offer downloadable models that give you professional level precision for every situation.

Fix Anything

As useful as the infinite options for tools are, many repairs require a special part to fix. Obscure plastic latches seem to be the linchpin for all modern construction, and ordering the right replacement part is a dubious prospect. A 3D printer solves this as easily as you might imagine, making an exact part to replace exactly what is wrong. Whether you are fixing furniture, appliances or toys, the sky's the limit.

Image Source: i.kinja-img

If you worry about being able to successfully model the right part when you need it, fear not. Like with everything else on the list, there are communities dedicated to providing parts for every need imaginable. Groups like Kazzata have dedicated their efforts to helping manufacturers create and maintain 3D printing designs for every spare part. They uphold their obligations to supply replacements while minimizing production and storage costs. Those savings are returned to end users and everyone wins. Now you can skip waiting for shipments, arguing with customer service or long drives to acquire special pieces.

Prepare for the Future

This is definitely a technology where you want to be ahead of the curve. Investors are poised to put 3D printers in every home, and it’s only a matter of time before manufacturers are able to make that a reality. Researchers have successfully printed: customized bionic limbs, replacement human organs, entire meals, medication, musical instruments, clothing, bicycles and houses. So, while a 3D printer at home might feel like a large investment today, you can see the unlimited potential that these tools hold for tomorrow.

Image Source: PasteMagazine

“Why not wait?” You might wonder. 3D printers are not as simple and straightforward as the paper eating monsters that sit in every office and many homes. They require some learning and familiarity to operate with success. While innovations promise to reduce some of the user burden, you will ultimately need to learn how to use the technology if you want to have access to all of these wonderful promises. Much like with smart phones, adopting early will put you ahead of the curve and prepare you to make the most of the endless potential that is inevitably headed your way.

Have Fun

Image Source: Youmagine

All of these uses and potentials can be dizzying, but there is one reason that stands above the rest to invest in a 3D printer: fun. All of the good intentions for designing and fixing things are great, but unless you latch onto a personal enjoyment, the printer is likely to collect dust with a number of other things in your home. This tool is a resource to help you unlock every corner of your creative mind, so go into it expecting a good time. Make things that appeal to you on a personal level and use that drive to gain familiarity and mastery of your printer and software. If you do, the other uses will always be at your beck and call.

This article first appeared on the 3D Printing Materials Store.

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12 Amazing Things You Didn't Know A 3D Printer Can Do

3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we see and interact with the world.  3D printing can be done almost anywhere: at home, at the office, and at a hospital.

But would it surprise you to know that 3D printing technology could also be making its way into your favourite restaurant reproducing the swirls on your favourite dessert. What’s next outer space? Would it surprise you to hear that NASA is developing the technology right now to produce food through the use of 3D technology? What if you were told that a 3D printer could extend your life?

3D-Printed Hearts Help Surgeons Save Babies’ Lives

Image Source: Materialise

The medical profession is using 3D technology to help extend people’s lives. Heart replicas are designed to match a baby’s heart. This technology is not only helping to save lives, but it is also helping surgeon’s understand an individual’s heart’s anatomy prior to their surgery.

Working Mechanical Fingers - A Cheaper Alternative To Prosthetics

Image Source: Enabling the Future

After a table saw accent Richard Van lost two fingers, and mangled two others. He was determined to find a way to return to work, but after some research realized that prosthetics were too expensive. After some further research and collaboration with Ivan Owen, Van developed a working mechanical finger. He continues to make hands at no cost to children in his region. He calls these hands Robohands.

Make Your Own Robot

Image Source: Inmoov

Print your own 3D Robot! A 3D Robot can be programmed to shake hands and respond to commands - and it’s all open-source - meaning you can print them yourself too. So long housework!

Regenerate and Replace Muscles and Cartilage

Image source: Smithsonian

3D printing is not just about making objects for personal consumption. The machines provide social value as well. While we’re still a few years away from perfection, organs and body parts can be created from a patient’s tissues, which will decrease waiting time for organ donors.

Print 3D Photos For Everyone To “See”

Image Source: Bored Panda

Just as Braille was invented to help the blind read, ‘Touchable Memories’ was a project to help the blind “see” memories by 3D-printing old photos, scenes from movies, and CD covers.

Give Injured Animals A Second Life

Image Source: 3D Printing Industry

3D printing is giving animals needing prosthetics a second chance at life. While traditional prosthetics were an option, 3D printing allows these prosthetics to be made low-cost and on-demand - and this is important as the prosthetics needs to be revised several times to keep up with the animal’s growth.

Hearing with a Hairclip

Image Source: 3D Printing From Scratch

Developed by Tatsuya Honda, this 3D hairclip, called the Ontenna, transfers the vibrations through the hair to enable the wearer to differentiate one sound from another.

Print Your Dinner (Edibly!)

Image Source: Inhabitat

Yes, 3D printed foods are a thing - just think, hot food with the touch of a button! Choose your cartridge, add some water and voila - dinner is served. The catch is we are still years away from perfecting this type of 3D printing. With the projected increase in world population to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 3D food printers will help to reduce food waste and feed the growing population. Furthermore, printing foods, as they did in Star Trek, will allow people to venture further into space.

Personalize Your Exercise Gear

Image Source: Sport Techie

Shoes, swimming gears, and even racing cars can be 3D printed. While 3D printed shoes may be more costly than those in stores, athletes report that 3D printed shoes allow more agile movements because they are lightweight. Currently, these shoes are not available to the consumers, but it will be a thing in the near future.

Make Your Own Tools

Image Source: Thingiverse

If you’ve ever misplaced that wrench, or didn’t have the right size wrench, don’t go out and buy one! Make one with your 3-D printer!

Micro Batteries for Miniature Devices

Image Source: Top Info Post

Harvard researchers have created 3D printed lithium-ion batteries that can be used in portable and remote devices useful for industries like communications, defense, and medicine. Applications include the use for miniaturized devices, including medical implants, flying insect-like robots, and tiny cameras and microphones that fit on a pair of glasses.

The Future of 3D Printing

It would appear that 3D printing will change the world. 3D printers are helping people heal bones, pick up a pen for the first time, a dog run, and an eagle eat. Does this mean our future’s looking brighter? Well, if it is then you need a pair of sunglasses - and the 3D printer can always print you a pair.

This article first appeared on the 3D Printing Materials Store.