As an avid 3D printer enthusiast, you know that the quality of your prints is highly dependent on the quality of your filament. Unfortunately, filament can easily absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to a variety of problems, including warping, stringing, and brittle prints. This is where a Dry-Store multi comes in.
A Dry-Store multi is a sealed container that helps to keep filament dry by maintaining a low humidity level. This can significantly improve the quality of your prints and extend the lifespan of your filament.
The Stylox Dry-Store multi is a popular option among 3D printer users. It is a well-made, durable, and affordable storage that can store up to four 1kg spools of filament.
Features of the Stylox Dry-Store multi:
Benefits of using the Stylox Dry-Store:
Overall, the Stylox Dry-Store multi is an excellent choice for 3D printer users who want to protect their filament and improve the quality of their prints.
Here are some additional tips for using a Dry-Store:
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your filament stays dry and that your 3D prints are always top-notch.
https://3dprintz.co.uk/products/stylox-filament-storage-and-dryer-box
]]>Here are just a few of the reasons why 3D printing is good for making Halloween stuff:
If you're looking for a way to make your Halloween truly special, consider using 3D printing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
3D printing is a great way to make your Halloween truly special and one-of-a-kind. It's affordable, versatile, customizable, and fun! So get creative and start printing with 3D Printz filaments today!
]]>When it comes to 3D printing, filament-based printers are not the only game in town. Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printers use a different material altogether: resin. Resins offer unique advantages and capabilities for creating high-resolution, intricate, and detailed 3D prints. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of resins for 3D printing, covering the types of resins available, their benefits, and their diverse applications.
Standard resins are the most common type used in SLA and DLP 3D printing. They are available in a wide range of colors and are suitable for various applications. Standard resins produce smooth, detailed prints with a glossy finish.
Flexible resins, also known as elastomers, are designed to produce flexible and rubber-like prints. They are ideal for creating prototypes of gaskets, seals, and ergonomic grips. Flexible resins come in varying degrees of flexibility, allowing you to tailor the print's properties to your needs.
Tough Resin
Tough resin is engineered to produce 3D prints with high impact resistance and durability. They are often used for functional prototypes and parts that need to withstand stress and wear. Tough resins are suitable for applications in engineering, robotics, and product design.
Castable Resins
Castable resins are specifically formulated for creating detailed jewelry designs and dental applications. They burn out cleanly during the casting process, leaving no residue behind. This makes them ideal for investment casting of metals.
Bio-Compatible Resin
Bio-compatible resins are designed for applications in the medical and dental fields. They are safe for use inside the human body and can be used to create surgical guides, dental models, and custom implants.
Engineering Resin
Engineering resins come in various formulations, such as high-temperature, chemical-resistant, or flame-retardant. These resins cater to specific industrial needs, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics applications.
Water-washable resin is a type of 3D printing resin that can be cleaned with water instead of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). This makes cleanup easier and saves money on IPA or other cleaning solutions. "Water washable" only refers to how the resin can be washed with water. Water washable resins have different mechanical properties. For example, you can find water-washable ABS-like resin and water-washable PA-like resin. However, some users have reported that printed parts can crack over time because the resin absorbs water and swells.
1.High Precision and Detail: Resins can achieve extremely high levels of detail and precision, making them perfect for creating intricate models and prototypes.
2.Smooth Surface Finish: Resin prints generally have a smooth, glossy finish straight from the printer, reducing the need for post-processing.
3.Diverse Material Properties: Resins are available in various formulations, offering a wide range of material properties, from flexibility to high impact resistance.
4.Minimal Warping: Unlike filament-based 3D printing, resin printing is less prone to warping, thanks to the layer-by-layer curing process.
5.Excellent Print Resolution: Resin printers can achieve fine layer heights, resulting in incredibly detailed and visually appealing prints.
Jewelry Design: Castable resins are commonly used to create intricate jewelry designs, allowing jewelers to rapidly prototype and iterate on their pieces.
Dental and Medical: Bio-compatible resins enable the creation of dental models, orthodontic devices, and even custom implants for medical use.
Miniatures and Figurines: Resin 3D printing is popular in the tabletop gaming and collectibles industries, as it can produce highly detailed miniatures and figurines.
Engineering Prototypes: Tough and engineering resins are used for creating functional prototypes and parts for testing and validation.
Art and Sculpture: Artists often use resin 3D printing to bring their digital designs to life, resulting in intricate sculptures and artwork.
Conclusion
Resin 3D printing offers a world of possibilities for makers, designers, and professionals across various industries. With its ability to produce high-detail, high-resolution prints and a wide range of material properties, resins have become a valuable tool in the world of additive manufacturing. Whether you're creating jewelry, medical devices, engineering prototypes, or works of art, resin 3D printing can help you turn your ideas into reality with precision and finesse.
]]>However, as any 3D printing enthusiast will tell you, it's not always smooth sailing.
One of the most common and frustrating challenges faced by makers is poor bed adhesion, a problem that can lead to failed prints, wasted materials, and countless headaches.
We have all been there at some point in time throughout our printing journey, spending hours perfecting the new design that you want to try, tinkering with settings on the printer to make sure it comes out perfect, and waiting hours for it to finally complete.
Only to return to the printer and find out that the first layers never adhered to the bed! Causing you to be left with this huge pile of what can only be described as ‘filament spaghetti!’
It is one of the most frustrating and disheartening things a maker can endure, and unfortunately this is not the only problem that can be caused by not having a proper bed adhesion. Here are some others:
Warping And Lifting: One of the primary issues arising from poor bed adhesion is warping and lifting. As the printing process progresses, temperature changes and cooling can cause the print to contract unevenly, leading to the corners or edges peeling away from the bed. The result? A distorted and failed print.
Supports Failure: Supports are the printed structures to provide stability, prevent any overhangs and stop the entire print from collapsing when it is being produced. However, if the first layer of the print does not adhere it can render the supports useless, and they can fail to hold their position, meaning the print can easily collapse on itself!
Filament Woes: Inadequate bed adhesion can also cause problems with the filament itself. Filaments may curl, tangle, or even break during the printing process, leading to wasted material, increased costs, and a lot of frustration.
Prints Welded To The Bed: Even though this may sound like you did get a good bed adhesion, this can still be a huge problem for makers when they try to remove the print due to the print being practically ‘welded’ to the bed. It can make it near on impossible to remove when complete. Meaning you have to try and force it off and can risk damaging the bed and the print itself!
Despite the huge challenges posed by poor bed adhesion, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon. Innovative minds within the 3D printing community have been hard at work, tirelessly creating a solution to this persistent problem.
An innovative way to simplify the entire process of getting proper bed adhesion, eliminating the frustrations and struggles that come from failed prints and wasted filament.
This amazing product is produced by WhamBam, you may have already heard of it. It is called their Flexi Build Plate System, and it has revolutionised the way 3D printing enthusiasts have been able to deal with poor bed adhesion.
With their PEX and PEI build surfaces that promote one of the best bed adhesions people have seen, you no longer need to rely on things such as glue sticks, blue tape, parcel tape, galorite or standard buildtak plates.
You can rely on the Flexible Build Plate System to stick your prints from the very first layer and hold the print in place the entire way through the process. Also, as an added benefit with WhamBams product, when you finish the print, you never need to worry about trying to remove the print from the plate.
A quick flex of the build plate and the print just pops straight off, making it an effortless task from beginning to end!
So what are you waiting for? Invest into a WhamBam Build plate today and save yourself time, money and effort when printing even some of the most demanding prints.
Go To Wham Bam On Our Store To Purchase Yours Today!]]>
Wham Bam is a company that produces build plates specifically designed for 3D printing. Their build plates are made of a flexible steel plate and a magnetic base, which allows for easy removal and replacement of the build surface. Here are some of the benefits of using a Wham Bam build plate for 3D printing:
1. Easy to install and use
One of the biggest advantages of using a Wham Bam build plate is that it is incredibly easy to install and use. The magnetic base makes it easy to remove and replace the build surface, while the flexible steel plate ensures that the printed object adheres properly to the build surface.
2. Improved adhesion
The flexible steel plate used in Wham Bam build plates is specially designed to improve adhesion between the print bed and the printed object. This means that you can print objects without worrying about them warping or coming loose during the printing process. The result is a high-quality print with a smooth surface finish.
3. Reduced print failures
One of the most frustrating aspects of 3D printing is when a print fails midway through the process. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper adhesion between the print bed and the printed object. By using a Wham Bam build plate, you can significantly reduce the chances of print failure, ensuring that you get a successful print every time.
4. Easy to clean
Another advantage of using a Wham Bam build plate is that it is incredibly easy to clean. The flexible steel plate can be removed and wiped clean with a damp cloth, ensuring that your build surface is always clean and ready for your next print.
5. Compatibility with a wide range of printers
Wham Bam build plates are compatible with a wide range of 3D printers, making them a versatile option for anyone looking to improve their 3D printing experience.
In conclusion, using a Wham Bam build plate for 3D printing is an excellent way to improve adhesion, reduce print failures, and simplify the printing process. With easy installation, improved adhesion, easy cleaning, and compatibility with a wide range of printers, Wham Bam build plates are a great investment for anyone looking to take their 3D printing to the next level.
]]>Ever had that sinking feeling that your printer's extruder might be on its last legs?
Have you recently found yourself dealing with:
Whatever the case may be, dealing with a failing extruder can be incredibly frustrating and leave you deeply irritated.
Spending countless hours troubleshooting and fixing extruder issues can be an absolute nightmare, as every print starts to present new challenges and even more setbacks.
It can feel like an endless cycle of frustration and disappointment, with each attempt at a successful print becoming more and more daunting.
Costing you valuable time, materials and money on failed prints!
Dealing with constant challenges and setbacks can leave you feeling demotivated and exhausted, sometimes wondering if it's even worth all the effort you put in.
Well, there is a solution to all your frustrations…
Introducing a massive technological breakthrough in 3D printer extruders that promises to transform how you print. With unrivalled reliability and consistency, you can now achieve high-quality prints effortlessly.
A revolutionary product that will leave you in complete awe as you witness your designs come to life with stunning precision and detail.
The new Micro Swiss NG Revo, the next generation of direct drive extruder!
With its unbeatable performance, effortless installation, and strong, lightweight aluminium construction.
It's no wonder why so many printing enthusiasts have made the switch and never looked back.
Quickly eliminate nozzle clogs from stopping the progress of your prints, by incorporating the E3D Rapid Change nozzles into your 3D printing setup.
Wait for the nozzle to cool to room temperature, remove it by hand, and replace it with a new one, completely removing the need for special tools.
In addition, the Rapid Change nozzles also provide you with the flexibility to switch between different filament sizes, allowing you to easily print with a different range of thicknesses.
Being a direct drive extruder it allows you to print with more abrasive and challenging filaments, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your designs.
Don't miss out on this game-changing extruder that will take your 3D printing to the next level.
Click below to purchase now and make printing simple, reliable, and fun!
For CR-10 and Ender 3 Printers click here.
For Ender 5 / 5 Pro & 5 Plus Printers click here
]]>
Uses of 3D Printing in Education
Hands-on learning: 3D printing provides students with hands-on experience in the design, creation and engineering processes. Students can use the technology to create prototypes, models and projects, which help them to better understand complex subjects and develop critical thinking skills.
Design and prototyping: 3D printing can be used in engineering, architecture and design courses, where students can create prototypes of their designs, test them and make improvements.
STEM Education: 3D printing is a great tool for STEM education. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by creating and designing objects that can be printed.
Art and Design: 3D printing can also be used in art and design courses, where students can create sculptures, jewellery, and other objects with intricate designs and shapes.
Benefits of 3D Printing in Education
Enhances creativity: 3D printing technology provides students with the freedom to design, create and experiment with their ideas, which enhances their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Improves critical thinking: With 3D printing, students can experiment with different design possibilities and test their theories, which helps them to develop critical thinking skills.
Encourages collaboration: 3D printing can be used in group projects, where students can collaborate on a common goal. This fosters teamwork and communication skills and helps students to learn from one another.
Makes education more accessible: 3D printing technology can make education more accessible, particularly for students with disabilities, who can benefit from custom-made aids and tools.
In conclusion, 3D printing is a valuable tool for students and educators in schools and colleges. It provides students with hands-on experience, enhances creativity and critical thinking, encourages collaboration, and makes education more accessible. With the continued growth of this technology, it is likely that 3D printing will become an increasingly important tool for students and educators in the future.
]]>Speed: 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping, with the ability to produce a functional prototype in just a matter of hours. This speed saves time and resources, enabling companies to quickly iterate on their design and move on to the next phase of product development.
Cost-effectiveness: 3D printing eliminates the need for expensive tooling and moulds, reducing the cost of prototyping. It also enables designers to print multiple prototypes at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods, allowing for more thorough testing and refinement.
Design freedom: With 3D printing, designers can create complex and intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This design freedom allows for more creative and innovative product development.
Customization: 3D printing makes it easy to create customized prototypes that are tailored to specific needs and requirements. This can be particularly useful in industries such as medicine and consumer goods, where prototypes must be tested for fit and function.
Flexibility: 3D printing allows for quick and easy modification of prototypes, allowing companies to test multiple design iterations without having to start from scratch. This flexibility saves time and resources, and enables companies to quickly respond to changing market conditions.
Versatility: 3D printing can be used to produce prototypes in a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and even wood. This versatility allows for the production of functional prototypes that closely mimic the final product.
Improved communication: 3D printing enables designers to create prototypes that can be easily shared and discussed with stakeholders, helping to facilitate communication and collaboration.
In conclusion, the benefits of using 3D printing for prototyping are numerous and far-reaching. From faster development times and reduced costs to improved design freedom and flexibility, 3D printing has become an indispensable tool in the product development process. Whether you're a designer, engineer, or entrepreneur, incorporating 3D printing into your prototyping process is sure to bring new opportunities and benefits.
]]>Choose a 3D Printer: The first step in getting started with 3D printing is choosing the right printer. There are a variety of 3D printers available, ranging from entry-level desktop models to professional-grade industrial machines. Consider your budget, your experience level, and what you'll be using the printer for when making your choice.
Install the Software: Once you have your printer, you'll need to install the necessary software to operate it. Most 3D printers come with their own proprietary software, but there are also a number of open-source options available. Research the software options for your printer and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Find a 3D Model: To print something, you'll need a 3D model. There are many online repositories, such as Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory, where you can find free 3D models to print. You can also create your own models using CAD (computer-aided design) software.
Prepare the 3D Model: Before you can print a 3D model, you'll need to prepare it. This typically involves slicing the model into layers and generating a G-code file that tells the printer how to build the object. The software you choose will take care of this step for you.
Load the Filament: Most 3D printers use plastic filament as the printing material. You'll need to load the filament into the printer and make sure it's properly aligned. Check your printer's manual for specific instructions on how to do this.
Start Printing: Once you've loaded the filament and prepared the 3D model, you're ready to start printing. The exact process will vary depending on the printer you're using, but you'll typically need to select the G-code file, set the print parameters, and then press the "print" button.
Monitor the Print: As the print progresses, it's important to monitor it to ensure that everything is going according to plan. Check the printer regularly to make sure the filament is flowing properly and that the object is being built as expected. If you encounter any problems, consult your printer's manual or online forums for help.
In conclusion, getting started with 3D printing is an exciting journey that will introduce you to a world of endless possibilities. With the right tools, resources, and knowledge, you'll be able to produce high-quality 3D printed objects in no time. Good luck, and happy printing!
]]>We had received a lot of requests for a high quality pink, so after some months of testing we settled on this material.
Peter Roberts, Director of 3D Printz added "Our new Pink is printing beautifully and it is the perfect addition to our PLA range".
"The launch of this colour, lines up well with valentines day, so make sure you print your partner something nice!"
In addition we have launched this material with 10% off to give people a better excuse to test it!
]]>3D Printz Limited, based at Hortonwood, is now supplying the entire range from Florida-based Slice Engineering.
It includes more than a dozen products, from adapters and cables to cooling fans and hotend components.
Daniel Barousse, co-founder and chief executive of Slice Engineering, said: “We pride ourselves on design innovation and precision US manufacturing.
“3D Printz shares similar values - they stock high quality products made by reputable brands, and even their own line of high tolerance filament.
“3D Printz will be stocking the full line of Slice Engineering products, including both industrial and open source components, to satisfy the full range of 3D printing customers, from DIY'ers to print farms.”
He added: “The UK is an important market on the global 3D printing scene, and we have long desired to increase our exposure ‘across the pond’.
“Our partnership with 3D Printz helps us do that while simultaneously investing in the 3D printing community through events like 3D Meetup UK, which they sponsor."
The Slice Engineering deal is the latest in a series of partnerships signed by the Shropshire company.
Others include Bondtech, a Swedish company that produces dual drive extruders for improved digital fabrication, and South Korean supplier Antclabs for its BLTouch auto bed levelling sensor.
3D Printz also sells the popular 3D Gloop! adhesives, to be used with 3D printing of filaments like ABS, PLA, and PETG, as well as products such as nozzles and hotends from US company Micro Swiss, and other adhesives like Magigoo.
]]>A Telford-based 3D printing firm has expanded its product range further by forming a strong bond with another top industry brand.
Bondtech develops, designs and manufactures unique dual drive extruders that eliminate the risk of grinding, slipping, filament deformation and under extrusion.
Using two counter-rotating drive gears, the Bondtech extruders grip and push the filament from both sides for a secure and stable filament feed. The result is a reliable, more precise and faster printing process.
The Swedish-based company supplies its extruders and other innovative 3D printing products to more than 50 countries through a network of distributors and resellers.
Peter Roberts, 3D Printz director, said: “We’re delighted to become one of just a handful of UK companies to offer Bondtech products.
“We’ve taken great strides over the past few months to widen our offering, as part of our desire to provide a one-stop-shop for all 3D printing needs.”
“Bondtech delivers high-performance feeders that make possible to increase the print speed, to save time, and to reduce costs of your 3D prints.”
3D Printz Limited, based at Hortonwood West, Telford, already stocks a choice of market-leading products.
It has teamed up with South Korean supplier Antclabs to become a UK distributor for its auto bed levelling sensor, BLTouch, and an approved supplier of 3D Gloop! adhesive.
The company is already an official UK distributor for Micro Swiss LLC, based in America’s Mid West, which makes replacement nozzles and hot ends kits, and sells non-toxic and odourless adhesive solution Magigoo, used by hobbyists and professionals.
And over the past few weeks it has added the world’s number one best-selling 3D printer – Monoprice - to its constantly expanding product range.
3D Printz Ltd was formed in 2016 by a group of Shropshire-based enthusiasts with experience in quality and manufacturing, information technology and business development.
The team wanted to make great parts from printers but felt let down by the range and quality of materials and filaments available.
Notes to editors:
Bondtech became a landmark for reliability and performance in desktop filament 3D printing with the introduction of the V2 Extruder in 2015. Since then thousands of makers and other 3D printer owners use Bondtech extruders to upgrade their machines and to improve their 3D prints. Today Bondtech leads this revolution of performance and value to bring more reliable, more precise and faster 3D prints to users all over the world. Testament of this leadership is the growing worldwide presence; and the growing adoption, by the most popular manufacturers, of Bondtech’s Dual Drive Gear technology as an OEM product and of Bondtech’s brand as a co-branding partner.
]]>The company, based at Hortonwood West, is now an approved supplier of 3D Gloop!, which has been described by reviewers as ‘ludicrously strong’ and ‘a force to be reckoned with’.
The product’s founders Andrew Mayhall and Andrew Martinussen, both engineers by trade, describe themselves as having been ‘obsessed with 3D printing since 2012’.
Andrew Mayhall said: “3D Gloop is a specially formulated adhesive compound designed specifically for the plastics used most commonly by 3D printers.
“We like to say it is hands down the best adhesive for holding ABS, PLA, and PETG 3D prints together.
“Unlike other ‘commodity’ adhesives such as cyanoacrylate glue, and various epoxies, 3D Gloop! is engineered from the ground up to work with the particular polymers that make up the base plastic.”
Users simply need to take the correct formula of 3D Gloop! and apply it to the mating surfaces, push them together, and in seconds the adhesive goes to work forming a bond that is, in many cases, stronger than the base plastic itself.
3D Gloop! can also be applied to the 3D printer’s glass or metal build platform just before printing begins, to ensure the extruded plastic doesn't peel up or pull away from for the duration of the print.
Once the print is complete, a temperature change will allow it to release from the build platform, to simply peel off.
Peter Roberts, director of 3D Printz, said: “This is a fantastic, multi-functional product which we are delighted to be able to add to the growing range in our online shop, www.3dprintz.co.uk
“The science behind the adhesive is very interesting. 3D Gloop! contains a mixture of solvents, esters, and various other compounds that react in a very specific way to the plastic it is intended to work with.
“These compounds loosen up the polymer chains in the plastic, allowing them to become more receptive to bonding.”
3D Printz Limited has recently teamed up with South Korean supplier Antclabs to become a UK distributor for its auto bed levelling sensor, BLTouch.
It is also an official UK distributor for Micro Swiss LLC, based in America’s Mid West, which makes replacement nozzles and hot ends kits, and sells non-toxic and odourless adhesive solution Magigoo, used by hobbyists and professionals.
3D Printz Ltd was formed in 2016 by a group of Shropshire-based enthusiasts with experience in quality and manufacturing, information technology and business development.
The team wanted to make great parts from printers but felt let down by the range and quality of materials and filaments available]]>Why not watch the video below and let us know what you think!
]]>
1. "The Hug Me Ghost" - Designed by gCreate this is a great gift to give people who are interested in 3D Printing without having to use lots of filament!
Download Here...
2. "Mini Minecraft Jack-O-Latern" - Designed by scottrlindsey how cool is this! It snaps together and prints without support!
Download Here...
3. "Skull Lamp" - Designed by shiuan print this awesome lamp and light up your house ready for halloween. We recommend using an electric candle!
Download Here...
4. "Makies Pumpkin with a hat" - Designed by Liquidd this is a collection of different designed put together into an awesome STL package! We've printed this for our office and it works great!
Download Here...
5. "Ghost Bat" - Designed By yed3D this Ghost Bat would look amazing in our Glow in the Dark PLA! This would be right at home in a halloween party.
Download Here...
All of these parts would look amazing printed and we want to see your results, share them with us via our facebook page, twitter or instagram!
]]>
In addition we also have a trust score of 9.6.
To view our trust pilot page please click the below link:
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/3dprintz.co.uk
See some comments from our amazing customers below:
"Really like the silver pla, it prints well and has a nice finish. All the orders I have placed have been quickly delivered. Good filaments at a reasonable price."
Andrew Beswick - 5 Stars!
"I would highly recommend 3D Printz. The quality of their print filaments are extremely good. They are also very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable"
Richard Blackburn - 5 Stars!
"I have just started using the silver pla it seems to be working fine, in fact I find it better than the e-sun filament I was previously using.
Delivery was first class and they take the time to answer your e-mails promptly"
Robert Asher - 5 Stars!
As of today we now accept PayPal, Google Pay & Apple Pay.
This now means we accept payments from all major payment providers, including all major card providers and for mobile payments Google Pay & Apple Pay.
Here at 3D Printz we are always keen to make things work better and more streamline for our loyal customers.
Make sure you checkout our amazing deals over at 3dprintz.co.uk
]]>
"In conclusion I would say that this is a very nice, cheap and reliable filament. From just £22.95 ($30) for a kilo of good quality filament, that sounds like a good price to me. I highly recommend this filament to anyone as it is so easy to print and reliable due to the great tolerances of the filament."...
To read the rest of the review, article and see some of his pictures click the below link!
https://www.3dpreviews.co.uk/blog/3d-printz-grey-blue-pla-filament-review
]]>In the below video you can see him using our own PLA and 3D Printing techniques to cast metal.
He starts by 3D printing a pattern out of PLA and setting this in a cast, this then sets and he "Melts" the PLA out!
This then leaves him with the pattern required to pour in the metal.
Watch the video below!
]]>When discussing materials it is important to know the differences between them. PLA and TPU 3D Printing Filament both have their advantages, in this blog we will try and set out the differences between them.
PLA
So what is PLA filament? Or to give it its full name - PolyLactic Acid?
Well PLA is the most commonly used material for 3D Printing due to it being the easiest filament to print with. PLA is different from most thermoplastic polymers because it sourced from renewables such as corn starch or sugar cane.
PLA is a biomass plastic and is catergorised under the term “bioplastics”. Polylactic acid is also biodegradable which gives you a clear conscience about using the material for your 3D Printing.
PLA is also considered a food safe material, however there can issues when 3D Printed due to the micro gaps in between layers than can harbour bacteria.
Polylactic Acid is best for 3D Printers who are just starting out as it is forgiving when printed. It is perfect for rapid prototyping and is normally the go to material if you want something done fast.
TPU
So what is TPU filament? Or to give it, it's full name - Thermoplastic polyurethane.
TPU Filament is a widely used filament that gives elasticity to your prints, it also has resistance to grease, oil and abrasion.
In 3D printing technology, usually ABS and PLA are considered as standard for printer filament but due to poor flexibility, they can’t be used in bending prototypes. However, TPU filament is flexible in nature. It can bend easily without any effect on the design, strength and durability. A mild soap can be used for its cleaning.
So! PLA vs TPU: The Pro's & Con's
If you are looking for the easiest filament to print with then it is a no brainer you have to use PLA. PLA is more environmentally friendly and is compostable.
However if you want to add flexibility to your prints then you have no choice but to use TPU!
In short:
PLA is easier to print with, more environmentally friendly and is the go to material for beginners.
TPU is for flexible parts that need to be able to return to it's original state.
]]>When discussing materials it is important to know the differences between them. PLA and ABS 3D Printing Filament both have their advantages, in this blog we will try and set out the differences between them.
PLA
So what is PLA filament? Or to give it its full name - PolyLactic Acid?
Well PLA is the most commonly used material for 3D Printing due to it being the easiest filament to print with. PLA is different from most thermoplastic polymers because it sourced from renewables such as corn starch or sugar cane.
PLA is a biomass plastic and is catergorised under the term “bioplastics”. Polylactic acid is also biodegradable which gives you a clear conscience about using the material for your 3D Printing.
PLA is also considered a food safe material, however there can issues when 3D Printed due to the micro gaps in between layers than can harbour bacteria.
Polylactic Acid is best for 3D Printers who are just starting out as it is forgiving when printed. It is perfect for rapid prototyping and is normally the go to material if you want something done fast.
ABS
So what is ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene? It is a thermoplastic and amorphous polymer.
A fundamental property of ABS is mechanical strength of the 3D printed part along with good temperature resistance. If ABS is placed under a degree of stress, it will start by bending and deforming before breaking. It is therefore suitable for screws, bolts, gears and mechanical systems subjected to external forces.
ABS needs to be printed at a higher temperature than PLA and you will need a heated build plate. We would recommend you start with a temperature of 230C adjusting up or down to suit your particular printer. we would recommend heating the build plate to 110C but please do be careful using these higher temperatures as it is easy to burn yourself by accidentally touching the bed of the printer.
We would also recommend a spray adhesive to ensure your prints adhere well to the build plate and to minimise any chance of a failed print.
So! PLA vs ABS: The Pro's & Con's
If you are looking for the easiest filament to print with then it is a no brainer you have to use PLA. PLA is more environmentally friendly and is compostable.
If you are printing prototypes or engineering parts that need heat resistance and to be strong then you need to use ABS. However ABS is difficult to print and in ideal world you need to print it in enclosure to reduce the risk of your print warping.
ABS can be treated and smoothed with acetone, but with PLA you have to sand it, to get it smooth.
In short:
PLA is easier to print with, more environmentally friendly and is the go to material for beginners.
ABS is stronger, UV resistant, will last longer but is notoriously difficult to print with unless you have a constant air temperature around the print.
]]>Tom print's these parts using 3D Printz Red & Blue PLA using his CR-10 3D Printer.
PLA is normally the choice for small test parts but not normally the choice for engineering parts. Tom defy's this constantly using 3D Printz PLA which has proven itself strong enough to be able to handle high levels of air pressure.
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]]>We want our customers to get the best results possible, so here we offer some tips when using clear filament.
Clear PLA, ABS or indeed any of the filaments designed for 3D printing start out crystal clear on the reel. When they are printed however, that clarity fades to a slightly milky haze at best and a frosted look at worst.
The reasons are simple. 3D printing works by adding layer upon layer and building in very fine layers. When the plastic is extruded from the hot nozzle, it settles onto the previous layer but inevitably traps a little air in the process. The less air, the clearer the result and the more transparent your print.
It will never be like glass but it can be quite translucent.
The secret is to print big and hot. In other words, towards the high end of the temperature range for the filament you are using and the largest layer height you can live with. 0.2mm is probably the most common but certainly, the lower the height (0.1mm for instance) the less chance of keeping the part clear.
Give it a go and experiment with the settings to see just how good – or bad you can get the clarity of a clear print. The best results are often very thin parts with big layers. Thicker, solid prints will struggle to show real transparency with FDM 3D printing.
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