3. Filaments for Material Extrusion Flashcards
What is the filament used in MEAM and how is it sold?
- The filament is typically a thermoplastic polymer
- It is commonly sold on reels for ease of use in printers
What are the 3 types of filament failure?
-Jamming or slipping
- Entanglement
-Degradation
What causes filament jamming or slipping in MEAM?
- Can be due to quality control issues during filament manufacture
- Often a result of inconsistent filament width
What leads to filament entanglement in MEAM?
- Lack of tension on the reel, leading to the material unwinding improperly
- This entanglement can disrupt the printing process
How can filament degradation occur in MEAM?
- Degradation often happens due to improper storage
- Exposure to moisture, heat, or other environmental factors can degrade the quality of the filament
What is the process of filament manufacture for MEAM?
- Involves filament extrusion which typically includes a hopper, screw, and die
- Desktop manufacturing of filament is possible, allowing for small-scale production
What components are used in the batch production of filament?
- The base material typically includes a polymer mixed with a masterbatch
- A colour masterbatch is a concentrated mixture of colour pigments
- Colour is controlled by the type, quantity, or combination of colours used in the masterbatch
- Different masterbatches can be used for different properties.
What are the ideal storage conditions for filament in MEAM?
- The filament should be stored in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption.
- Temperature should be controlled to avoid filament degradation.
- Exposure to UV light should be considered and minimized as it can affect the filament’s properties.
What printer/process factors influence filament material selection in MEAM?
Diameter: Most printers are restricted to a specific input size (e.g., Ultimaker uses 2.85mm).
Stiffness: This depends on whether the printer has a remote or integrated feeder system.
Operating Temperature: Considerations include the temperatures of extrusion, the bed, and the chamber.
Emissions: Some materials emit noxious or unpleasant fumes and odours when heated, which must be considered.
What application factors influence filament material selection in MEAM?
Strength and Durability: Important for impact, tensile, and shear resistance.
Flexibility or Rigidity: Whether the material needs to bend or compress.
Optical Properties: Including clarity, color, sheen, and transparency.
Post-Processing: Suitability for smoothing, painting, gluing, drilling, etc.
Environment: Considerations include temperature, humidity, solubility, and whether the material is degradable.
What are the main materials used for MEAM?
PLA
ABS
PETG
TPU/TPC
What are the key characteristics of PLA in ME?
Derived from starch/sugar, biodegradable
Printing temperature: 190-220°C, no heated bed required
Features: High stiffness, poor heat resistance, not hydroscopic
Considerations include warp, flexibility, melt temperature, and glass temperature
What are the main properties of ABS in ME?
- Made from crude oil
- Printing temperature: 230-280°C, requires heated bed and chamber
- Characteristics: Durable, strong, good impact resistance, susceptible to curling and warping
- Temperature resistance above 100°C, higher shrinkage rate
- Allows for chemical or mechanical post-processing
What are the notable features of PETG in ME?
Used in consumer goods and packaging
Printing temperature: 230-260°C, glycol-modified (G)
Sits between ABS and PLA in terms of flexibility and durability
Easier to print than ABS, more flexible than PLA, hygroscopic
Good for layer adhesion, not ideal for support structures, prone to scratches
PETT is the transparent variant of PETG
Suitable for chemical or mechanical post-processing
How do TPU and TPC compare in ME?
TPU: Very flexible
TPC: Similar to TPU
Printing temperature: 220-250°C, can be printed without a heated bed
Features: Good impact resistance, tough, but challenging to print
