Before we dive into the material science of processing materials with different Additive Manufacturing technologies, we introduce common material groups, distinct molecular structures of material classes as well as discuss other materials used for non-technical applications.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing has matured over the last decades and has become a constant in our product design and development cycles and is debuting in more and more new products. At NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing, we see more and more customers in the field of Additive Manufacturing using our equipment to select materials and optimize their processes. Learn more about Additive Manufacturing in our articles and videos!
During the Vat Photopolymerization process, the component is built-up in layers in a liquid resin vat using a UV laser beam to selectively cure the resin. Learn how the degree of thermal cross-linking of a two-component resin is determined by the preceding cross-linking reaction during photo-polymerization.
In 2020, we started our “Material Science in Additive Manufacturing” video series as we faced an increasing interest from the industry to perfect their 3D printing processes and outcomes. First, we focused on understanding the 7 different Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies. In the advanced section, we will dive deeper and look at the underlying material science as well as the methods suitable to analyze the materials and to optimize processes
Dr. Natalie Rudolph explains the basics of shrinkage and warpage of plastic parts and introduces the right analytical instrument to determine the shrinkage potential of different materials. She gives important tips for home users to avoid warpage and curling during the 3D printing process.
Dr. Natalie Rudolph explains which aspects have to be taken into account to find the best print temperature for your 3D printer. Most importantly, she introduces the Modified Melt Flow Test, which allows home users to easily determine the perfect print temperature for any given filament. All that is needed are a stop watch, a kitchen scale and a sharp object, e.g. a spatula.
The Identify software is one of a kind in the field of Thermal Analysis. Via database comparisons, it only takes a second for Identify to identify and classify your samples. We have added Additive Manufacturing materials to our database! Read more in the article!
Dr. Natalie Rudolph discusses why there are different printing temperatures for one material (e.g., ABS or PLA), which you bought from different filament suppliers. She shares insights into the detection of the melting and softening properties of filaments with analytical instruments and gives tips on how home users of 3D printers can use this knowledge.
Today, we answer the question if ABS filament absorbs water from the humidity in the air. Dr. Natalie Ruldolph explains why different plastics react differently to humidity in the environment and gives advice on what home users can do about it.
While Powder Bed Fusion and Binder Jetting evolved to also using metals, Directed Energy Deposition was specifically developed for this class of materials. We introduce the process principle and variations, benefits and applications of the Additive Manufacturing technology.