The Benefits of 3D Printing with MJF PA12

As 3D printing project requirements for Shapeways customers have grown, advanced materials and Nylon 12 3D printing properties continue to evolve. MJF PA12 3D printing material offers excellent mechanical properties with few drawbacks. The benefits are expansive, including low porosity in 3D printing, leading to greater strength and durability in parts, high resolution and good density, and resistance to heat and impact. MJF PA12 also supports complex geometries and parts with thinner features.

Shapeways recommends this 3D printing material with Multi Jet Fusion for applications like:

• Drone parts
• Prosthetics and orthotics
• Mechanical and structural parts
• Industrial mounts and cases
• Technical accessories
• Home decor

Colors and Finishes

MJF PA12 is available in both gray and black, featuring a standard finish with a matte surface and slightly grainy texture. Shapeways also provides a black finish with a smooth, non-porous surface created through a physio-chemical vapor smoothing process. 

MJF Black Smooth PA12 is sealed with a semi-shiny, watertight finish, making it possible to achieve less than 1 RA of surface roughness. Since the finishing process is non-line of sight, even the internal cavities of complex parts can be smoothed. Unlike polishing, this all-new process removes very little material while smoothing, maintaining each part’s structural integrity. Parts with this finish are suitable for working prototypes, display models, external functional parts, and high-end DIY projects.

Check out other related nylon materials for 3D printing with MJF:

Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF) – offering the ability to 3D print parts in robust color, this material possesses superior mechanical properties, good dimensional stability, and resistance to impact–as well as chemicals like oil, grease, and more. Defined by the capacity to deform under tensile stress, Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF) is flexible for structures with a thinner design but becomes rigid for use with thicker parts, offering the durability and density required for end-use parts. 

Find out more about the design guidelines for Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF) here.

MJF Plastic PA12 Glass Beads – This material is 40% glass-filled which reduces warping during the printing process and over the product’s life, as well as improving product stiffness and structural integrity. PA12 Glass Beads 3D printing material is great for flat and large parts that are prone to warping in Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] or MJF PA12 Plastic, and for functional parts that require high strength and dimensional accuracy. 

Find out more about the design guidelines for MJF Plastic PA12 Glass Beads here.

Multi Jet Fusion Technology–How it Works

Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing falls into the powder-based subcategory, relying on an inkjet array moving back and forth repeatedly to deposit adhesive agents onto the MJF 3D printer bed. A detailing agent is added around the parts, evaporating and cooling the area–and fusing the molten layers together to form the desired 3D printed structure. Parts 3D printed with MJF technology are uniformly strong due to evenly dispersed temperatures, and deep absorption of thermal energy in comparison to other methods. 

Turnaround in production tends to be faster with MJF 3D printing because many pieces can be 3D printed at once. This is due to the ability to nest hundreds or even thousands of parts at once–made easier due to no requirements for support structures. After cooling, each build is unpacked, and post-processing begins with auto-blasting removing extra powder. High-resolution 3D printed MJF parts are then ready for use as models for testing or high-performance parts.

3D printing with MJF PA12 promotes greater sustainability in additive manufacturing due to the ease in recycling powder from one build to another, with a mix ratio around 80% reused powder and 20% virgin powder. MJF PA12 offers UV stability and skin safety in accordance with ISO standards.

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.

The post 3D Printing Materials Spotlight: Nylon 12 [MJF Plastic PA12] appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] – A 3D Printing Standard

Choosing the correct 3D printing material can be the most challenging part of the design and production process. Recommended for a wide range of industrial applications even when comparing Nylon 11 vs. Nylon 12, the overall appeal of Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] wins due to high tensile strength, durability for long-term use, and resistance to abrasion, fatigue, and stress. 

A Natural matte finish with a slightly rough surface is available, along with a Processed finish which creates a smoother 3D printed surface. More sophisticated finishes for Nylon 12 3D printing are available as follows too:

Shapeways Premium Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic]

For Premium Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic], Shapeways employs a multi-step tumbling, polishing, and dyeing process to create a consistent color and surface finish, while removing the grainy feel and layered look of other 3D printed parts. This finish offers an upscale look, elevating designs with a smoother and glossier surface, resulting in a softer texture.

Just saying Premium is smoother can be too vague, so Shapeways performed surface roughness tests. A surface roughness tester quantifies the texture of a surface by measuring the distance between the peaks and values. The larger the distance and the higher the value, the rougher the surface is. Small values indicate a smoother surface. Surface roughness is measured by its Ra value. Ra is the average of these distances between the peaks and values on the surface to its ‘mean line.’ You can think of the mean line as the center line between the peaks and values.

Looking at the values in the table above, the Ra of Shapeways Nylon 12 Premium [Versatile Plastic] measured around 5 micrometers whereas regular Versatile Plastic 3D printing measured around 10 micrometers. This means that the Premium 3D printing finish is about twice as smooth.

Shapeways Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] Smooth 

This finish has a smooth surface and slight shine, created using a physio-chemical process to vapor smooth the surface.

Accompanied by new choices with Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] Smooth, Shapeways customers can design for even more complex structures—whether in product development or for end-use parts. Shapeways achieves this unique Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] Smooth finish with vapor smoothing techniques. With this post-processing method, rough surfaces that may be present after SLS 3D printing can be treated effectively. Chemical solvents are applied to the 3D printed parts, which are then placed in a sealed chamber filled with vapor for smoothing.

Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printing Technology

Aptly named, versatility for this 3D printing nylon is primarily due to the combination of Selective Laser Sintering 3D printing and the high ductility associated with Nylon 12 3D printing. SLS technology is one of the oldest and most respected forms of 3D printing, and it remains one of the most powerful. The average build size of an SLS 3D printer is around 300 x 300 x 300 mm with a layer thickness of 100 to 120 microns. 

Without a need for supports, expanded design freedom in SLS is a huge advantage. This eliminates the need to make intricate structures for stability during the 3D printing process, making it possible to pack hundreds or even thousands of parts into one build via nesting, and decreasing the potential for damage in post-processing. Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] makes it even easier to take advantage of expanded design freedom with ductility necessary for flexibility in thinner parts and rigidity in thicker structures.

Shapeways Customers Inspire with Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] for Custom 3D Printing 

Shapeways customers choose this material for 3D printing with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) to make products like: architectural statement pieces, medical models, drones, luxury jewelry, and more. Designers take advantage of the optional finishes and colors too, when applicable, as Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] can be dyed in Black, Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple.

3D Printed Architectural Parts with Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic]

Verner Architects designed a six-foot bathroom vanity for a luxury remodel on a home in California. Verner worked with Shapeways to 3D print the interior statement piece ensuring that durability and water resistance were top of mind.

Due to the print-bed size of SLS technology that Shapeways offers, the architects at Verner were “pleasantly surprised” at the easy assembly of the six-foot-long vanity, 3D printed with Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] and coated with polyurethane for waterproofing. Two test prints were performed in-house at Verner Architects, allowing the team to refine the design and structure.

In the architectural and construction fields, 3D printing offers enormous benefits for users engaged in rapid prototyping. Designers are able to create extremely complex models, and make changes easily as they work with their clients. Users today expect many of their 3D printed items to be functional and high performing, with the 3D printed vanity demonstrating just how far the technology has progressed.

3D Printed Medical Models with Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] 

Uruguay-based Armor Bionics has channeled 3D printing into a technology capable of improving the quality of life for patients, but saving lives too with their unique specialty. Armor Bionics creates intricate 3D designs for medical models that are 3D printed by Shapeways and used for diagnosis, training, and treatment. Armor Bionics CEO Bruno Demuro is dedicated to offering medical professionals better solutions for surgical planning:

“We’ve seen the benefits and how much treatment affects the patients,” said Demuro. “It betters the outcome of every single surgery where it is applied.”

Other industrial design firms like Flamingo Works have collaborated with Shapeways to 3D print colorful simulators using Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] to train surgeons in robot-assisted surgeries. Yonatan Assouline, Manager and Co-founder, points out that while the “games” designed for learning may look simple upon first glance, the tasks require practice, medical training, and concentration to excel. This is especially true for surgeons training with robotic grips that shift both forward and reverse to reach objects and complete exercises.

“The training for this technique and the framing of the technology was completely unknown at first,” explained Naty Moskovich, Chief Designer and Co-founder of Flamingo Works. “We were developing 50 to 60 learning tasks at a time, coming up with all sorts of different ideas, and sending them to physicians to see if they liked them or not. 

“We would develop one skill and remove another while prototyping. 3D printing with Shapeways gave us the freedom to try out endless new ideas during the product development phase.”

3D Printing in Drone Technology with Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic]

The aerospace industry is a leader in its use of 3D printed parts, and has for decades—far before anyone knew what the technology could accomplish. Drone technology has taken off in recent years, with a special push via additive manufacturing, allowing engineers to create innovative designs and use lightweight, durable materials with complex geometries. This is especially true for companies like Munich-based Quantum-Systems, specializing in advanced eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) drones. 

Using 3D printing for prototyping and manufacturing of functional parts since their inception in 2015, Quantum Systems is able to make lightweight parts, while also taking advantage of “synergy effects” in reducing part counts and assembly.

“Only because of the fact that we have integrated this manufacturing method into our manufacturing and development process, have we been able to significantly reduce development time. For injection molded parts, we save around 10 weeks by using 3D printed samples to release the CAD data,” said Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum-Systems.

“The probability that these parts need a second loop of corrections is quite low in this way. For CNC-manufactured parts it is the same. We often just skip the first round of samples with 3D printed parts, which saves us three to four weeks. In general, I would say 3D printing saves us 20 to 50 percent of time, depending on which parts we design.”

3D Printing in Jewelry with Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] 

3D printing has a long history with jewelry makers, and especially at Shapeways. Demonstrating the wide range of popularity amongst industrial designers, customers like Groen and Boothman use Shapeways services for 3D printing luxury jewelry like their custom Creatures design series, featuring unique cuff bracelets. The designers rely on the lightweight quality of Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic], along with the strength and durability of the material.

“3D printing gives us a chance to explore new avenues and get away from the mass production paradigm,” said Joanna Boothman.

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.

The post 3D Printing Materials Spotlight: Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

The history of nylon plastics is long, especially for traditional manufacturing. Polyamides like nylon offer a high melting point and are extremely popular because of their high ductility–allowing manufacturers to engineer flexible parts for thinner structures, but more rigid pieces with thicker parts. 

Understanding Nylon 12 3D Printing Plastic

Nylon 12 serves as an exemplary model of a polyamide used for conventional methods like Injection Molding, but is also at the forefront of many applications for 3D printing plastic. In the same family as other popular Nylon materials (notably Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, and Nylon 11), Nylon 12 is revered due to its unique suite of properties and reinforced formulations. 

Popular for its mechanical properties, tensile strength, durability, abrasion resistance, biocompatibility, and overall suitability for making functional parts, Nylon 12 has a relatively low concentration of amides and relatively low moisture absorption. These qualities may make the material trickier for 3D printing plastic, but they also imbue Nylon 12 with desirable qualities like chemical and abrasion resistance, strength, and durability. Further, Nylon 12 offers a low coefficient of friction. All of these qualities create a versatile material favored for 3D printed prototypes and end-use, functional parts featuring gears or hinges.

3D Printing Nylon 12 with Selective Laser Sintering and PA12 Material with Multi Jet Fusion

Shapeways 3D prints materials like Nylon 11 [PA11 (SLS)] and Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] via Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Developed as one of the first 3D printing technologies, SLS is one of the most powerful rapid prototyping tools across all industries. Manufacturers rely on 3D printed nylon plastics for functional, end-use products in applications like aerospace and drones, and automotive. Using intensive lasers that melt nylon powder fast and evenly, SLS technology is advantageous for industrial manufacturers seeking accurate, high-performing parts that are strong and isotropic. Users are not saddled with sacrificing mechanical properties, as SLS parts are excellent in both tensile strength and modulus.

MJF is a 3D printing process developed from HP’s long-standing expertise in inkjet technologies. Droplets of fusing and detailing agents are applied along with thermal energy on top of the powdered material to define the part’s geometry. The precision of inkjet technology is such that builds can be controlled at the 3D voxel level. Shapeways uses MJF technology to 3D print the following PA 12 material: Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF), Multi Jet Fusion PA12 (MFJ PA12), and Nylon 12 Glass Beads [MJF Plastic PA12GB].

Both SLS 3D printing and MJF 3D printing offer clear advantages to any designer or engineer due to the expanded and outstanding freedom in design. This is accentuated by the ability to avoid the use of supports as surrounding and lingering powder bolsters 3D prints in p-ogress, streamlining the design process and eliminating myriad headaches. Both SLS and MJF 3D printing technologies allow for smart packing, resulting in hundreds or even thousands of parts ‘nested’ together in one build. Sustainability also plays an important role as the extra powder can be re-used in consequent builds. This is possible when reused materials are mixed at a minimum of 50/50 with virgin 3D printing powder.

Print time is relatively comparable for both processes as SLS and MJF technology can accommodate larger parts. The biggest differences lie in the precise mechanical properties of chosen 3D printing materials, finishing options, and desired timing. Find out more specifics of each 3D printing plastic below:

Nylon 11 [PA11 (SLS)] 

Nylon 11 [PA11 (SLS)] is the most flexible 3D printing nylon material due to its high elongation at break. It has slightly higher strength than the other materials. This combination of high strength and good elongation at break makes Nylon 11 [PA11 (SLS)] the most impact-resistant of 3D printing plastic material available from Shapeways in nylon. 

This material is biocompatible and known for its ductility, allowing for both durability and flexibility. Nylon 11 [PA11 (SLS)] has higher temperature resistance and is based on renewable resources, making it more environmentally friendly.

Typical 3D printing applications for Nylon 11 [PA11 (SLS)] include:

• Automotive
• Loaded functional prototypes
• Orthotics and prosthetics
• Mechanical parts including hinges
• Sports equipment

A natural white finish is available for this material. Find design guidelines for Nylon 11 [PA11 (SLS)] here.

Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic]

While Shapeways offers over 90 different materials and finishes, Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] tops the list as an industry favorite, living up to its name. Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] is known for high ductility, allowing for flexibility with thinner structures and a rigid nature for thicker parts. This material is known for durability and strength, making it popular for structural components. Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] is dishwasher safe, heatproof to 163C/325F, skin-friendly, and offers good chemical resistance.

Typical applications include:

• Architecture, to include interior statement pieces
• Automotive
• Drone technology
• Footwear, fashion, and accessories
• Mechanical components, including interlocking parts
• Medical models
• Luxury jewelry
• Robotics

Colors and finishes available for Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic]:

• Natural: This finish has a slightly rough surface and a matte finish.
• Processed: This finish removes some material to create a smoother surface.
• Premium: Relying on ceramic media tumbling, this finish removes material to create a smooth surface.
• Smooth: This finish has a smooth surface and slight shine, created using a physio-chemical process with vapor.
• Colors: Versatile Plastic is naturally white. Shapeways also offers Black, Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple. Colors other than White are dyed and will wear through over time with handling.

Find design guidelines for Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] here.

Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF)

Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF) possesses superior mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and good resistance to impact–as well as chemicals like oil, grease, and more. Defined by the capacity to deform under tensile stress, Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF) is flexible for structures with a thinner design but becomes rigid for use with thicker parts, offering the durability and density required for end-use parts. This material is easily recycled and is also safe for skin contact.

Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF) is also available in Natural and Smooth glossy finishes and a vast array of colors. This material is suitable for applications like:

• Industrial jigs and fixtures 
• Braces and casts
• Moving and interlocking components
• Structural parts and mounts
• Medical models 
• Presentation models
• Functional prototypes to test for form and fit

Explore design guidelines for Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF) here.

MJF Plastic PA12 (MFJ PA12) 

MJF PA12 possesses similar properties to its SLS counterpart; however, HP’s nylon plastic is known for superior mechanical properties. This material presents high elongation at break, and great elasticity, making it more resistant to breakage. MJF PA12 provides excellent resolution of small details, and a surface that is slightly more sealed than parts 3D printed via SLS. As a result, watertight properties can be achieved for some parts. Strength, durability and stiffness make MJF PA12 a great choice for functional parts. This material is skin friendly, has a heat deflection of 95C/203F, and offers good chemical resistance.

Typical applications include:

• Drone technology
• Eyewear frames
• Home decor
• Mechanical and structural parts
• Orthotics and prosthetics
• Tech accessories

MJF PA12 colors and finishes:

• Gray: Medium gray with a matte and slightly grainy surface finish
• Black: Dyed black with a matte and slightly grainy surface finish
• Black Smooth: Dyed black with a smooth and slightly glossy surface finish

Explore design guidelines for MJF PA12 here.

MJF Plastic PA12 Glass Beads (MJF PA12GB)

MJF Plastic PA12 Glass Beads are a nylon material infused with glass beads, improving product stiffness and structural integrity. This material is 40% glass-filled, reducing warpage during the 3D printing process and over the product’s life. MJF PA12GB is an excellent choice for functional parts that require high strength and dimensional accuracy. This material has a heat deflection of 114C/247F, is skin-friendly, and offers good chemical resistance. 

Typical applications include:

• Drone technology
• Cases
• Fixtures
• Housing
• Robotics
• Tooling

Colors and finishes:

• Gray: Natural gray finish, blasted with oxide beads and air
• Dark Gray: Blasted with oxide beads and air, finished with a dark gray color

Explore design guidelines for MJF Plastic PA12 Glass Beads here.

Shapeways has been privileged over the years to collaborate with innovative customers involved in very impressive work. Highlighting nylon materials for 3D printing plastic, industrial designers like Flamingo Works 3D printed engaging learning platforms and simulators for robot-assisted surgeries. Architectural design firm Tapperworks collaborated with Shapeways to 3D print The Village, using a variety of materials to complete a complex architectural model of an apartment complex in the Netherlands. Companies like BeeHero have also been able to streamline technology for beekeepers and farmers, 3D printing sensor housings for smart hives created to improve pollination. 

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.

The post The Expert Guide to Nylon Plastics appeared first on Shapeways Blog.