3DPlink Company News

Material Properties and Printing Needs: A Selection Guide for Resin Printers and FDM Printers

Resin printers and FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers have become indispensable tools in today's manufacturing and design world.
The choice of materials is closely related to printing requirements. Different printing technologies require different materials, and the characteristics of these materials will determine the quality, durability and usage of printed objects.
 

Resin printing - polyjet printer

Polyjet resin printing is a high-precision, high-resolution 3D printing resin technology. Its features include:


 

1. High precision and detail performance: PolyJet printing technology can achieve very high printing precision (0.02~0.05mm), and can print complex geometric shapes and subtle features. It can achieve very fine surface quality and high resolution printing results.
2. Multi-material printing: PolyJet technology can print multiple materials at the same time, and even print parts of different materials in the same model. This makes it possible to realize the combination and simulation of multiple materials, so that the printed model has more diverse performance and appearance effects.
3. Multi-color printing: PolyJet technology can realize 50w+ color printing, and can print parts of different colors in the same model to achieve rich color effects. This enables printed models to have a more realistic and vivid appearance.
4. Smooth surface and details: PolyJet technology can print a very smooth surface, reducing the need for subsequent processing. It can also achieve very fine details, making the printed models more accurate and realistic.
5. Fast printing speed: PolyJet technology has a fast printing speed, which can quickly manufacture models and prototypes. This makes it suitable for rapid prototyping and rapid production needs.
6. Support structures are easy to remove: PolyJet technology uses soluble support structures that can be easily dissolved or peeled off after printing is complete. This makes it easier to remove support structures, reducing the time and effort required for subsequent machining.


 

polyjet resin printing - material selection

Stratasys' polyjet printers have a particularly wide selection of materials.

1. Vero series: VeroWhite, VeroBlack, VeroClear, VeroCyan, VeroMagenta, VeroYellow, etc.
(These feature a wide range of color and transparency options, high precision and detail representation, durability and strength, and are suitable for manufacturing various types of models and parts.)
2. Agilus series: Agilus30.
(Agilus30 has the characteristics of soft rubber texture, high wear resistance and elasticity, high precision and detail expression ability, and is suitable for manufacturing models and parts that require soft and durable performance. It is often used in the manufacture of seals, gaskets, rubber kits, simulation models, and other applications. Due to its chemical resistance, Agilus30 material is also suitable for the manufacture of parts that need to resist chemical attack.)
3. Digital ABS series: Digital ABS.
(Digital ABS has characteristics such as high strength and durability, a combination of rigidity and toughness, high precision and ability to express details, and is suitable for manufacturing models and parts that require high mechanical performance and durability. They are commonly used in the manufacture of functional prototypes, fixtures, molds and other applications. Due to its chemical resistance, Digital ABS material is also suitable for the manufacture of parts that need to resist chemical attack.)
4. Bio-compatible series: MED610.
(MED610 has the characteristics of biocompatibility, transparency, high precision and detail representation ability, and is suitable for manufacturing medical devices, models and prototypes. They are commonly used in the medical industry for applications such as surgical simulation, medical education, medical device design, and more. Due to its biocompatibility and transparency, MED610 material can also be used to make dental models, transparent catheters and other medical devices that need to come into contact with the human body.)



Stratasys' PolyJet printing technology, with its high-precision, multi-material, colorful, and multi-purpose advantages, provides a powerful 3D printing solution in the fields of product design, medical models, and artistic creation. It is especially suitable for projects requiring high-quality appearance, precision and complexity.
 

FDM printing technology

1. Wide selection of materials: FDM technology supports the use of many different types of printing materials, including more than 50 certified materials such as engineering plastics, composite materials and special materials. This makes it suitable for various application fields and can meet the material performance requirements of different needs.
2. Strength and durability: FDM printed parts have high strength and durability. It produces strong, durable parts for applications that need to withstand high forces and pressures.
3. Fast printing speed: FDM technology has a fast printing speed, which can quickly manufacture models and prototypes. This makes it suitable for rapid prototyping and rapid production needs.
4. Reliability and stability: FDM printing technology has good reliability and stability, which can ensure that the printed models have consistent quality and performance. It can run stably for a long time, providing reliable printing results.
5. Ease of use: FDM technology is relatively simple and easy to use, with low operation and maintenance costs. It requires no special equipment or environment and can be used in an ordinary office or laboratory environment.
6. The support structure is easy to remove: FDM technology uses a removable support structure to support the suspended part during the printing process. These support structures can be easily removed after printing, reducing the time and effort for subsequent processing.
7. Large size models can be printed: the maximum printable size is 914x610x914mm


 

FDM Thermoplastic Printing - Material Selection


 

1. ABS-like materials: with good strength and durability, suitable for making durable parts and prototypes. Such as ABS-M30, ABS-M30i (biocompatible material), ABS-ESD7 (ESD material), etc.
2. PC materials: with high strength and durability, high temperature and chemical resistance, suitable for manufacturing functional parts and prototypes. Such as PC, PC-ABS,PC-FR, PC-ISO (biocompatible material), etc.
3. ULTEM/ PEI material: It has extremely high strength and temperature resistance, chemical resistance and electrical insulation performance, and is suitable for manufacturing functional parts in extreme environments. Such as ULTEM 9085, ULTEM 1010, etc.
4. PPSF-like materials: have the characteristics of high temperature and chemical resistance, suitable for the manufacture of durable parts and prototypes. For example, PPSF, Antero 800NA, Antero 830CN03, etc.
5. NYLON-like materials: have good strength and wear resistance, suitable for making durable parts and prototypes. For example Nylon 12, Nylon 12CF, etc.
6. ASA material: It has good weather resistance and UV resistance, and is suitable for outdoor applications and manufacturing appearance parts. For example ASA etc.


 

Choice of Resin Printing and FDM Printing

The choice of resin printing or FDM printing mainly depends on your specific needs.

If the model you need to print needs to be high-precision, rich in detail, or needs to use multiple colors, then Polyjet printing may be more suitable. In addition, Polyjet printing can also be used to print complex geometries and gradient materials.
If the model you need to print requires high strength, large size, or needs to be used in a harsh environment, then FDM printing may be more suitable. FDM printing can produce parts with high strength, wear resistance and good stability.