3D printing prototypes: A future technology is gaining a foothold

3D printers and 3D printing prototypes are becoming an increasingly important topic. No wonder, because this revolutionary technology is also gaining a foothold in real life.

The 3D printing process is also called additive manufacturing. Because in the production of 3D printing prototypes, even complex and three-dimensional objects are produced by successively adding further layers.

3D printing prototypes: Additive manufacturing

3D printing prototyping is therefore also known under the terms generative manufacturing or rapid technologies. The areas of application are almost inexhaustible and range from equipment construction and automation technology in industry to the medical sector, model making and handicrafts to rapid prototyping 3D printing in architecture or in the production of glasses.

In fact, in the form of 3D printing prototypes, manufacturing processes and the market launch of new products can be drastically shortened. Such additive manufacturing processes have been used since the 1980s. The generative manufacturing for the production of 3D printing prototypes also relied on already known processes such as screen printing.

So much for the historical consideration of additive manufacturing. In the following we want to take a closer look at new 3D printers , modern 3D printing prototypes and, above all, at the starting material required for this.

3D printing prototypes: A new world is emerging!

In fact, it's not just the printer that matters, but also the so-called filament. This therefore represents the basis, or the starting material, for every 3D printing prototype.

The 3D printing filament , from which the 3D printing prototypes are later created, is wound on rolls and is heated in the printer during the printing process. There are many different types of filament. The choice of the right material depends not least on the product to be manufactured, the 3D printed prototype. Among other things, there are plastics such as PLA in the production of 3D printing prototypes, but also carbon filament, which is used by many professional companies. When using carbon filament, it should be considered that hardened nozzles should be used when using this material. Normal brass nozzles wear out very quickly due to the abrasive nature of the carbon fibers.

Filaments - the basis of every 3D printed prototype

There are different filaments on the market. Filaments with special properties such as electrical conductivity (ESD-capable filaments) or flame-retardant filaments are of great relevance for industrial use. But there is also so-called luminous filament, which makes very special 3D printing prototypes possible.

All filaments for the production of 3D printing prototypes therefore have their pros and cons. Of course, also with regard to where and how the finished products are used afterwards. In addition, of course, new products and ideas in the context of 3D printing prototype production are constantly coming onto the market.

We at Multec like to use PLA HT as an ABS substitute. This is because many of the disadvantages of ABS are eliminated in the production of 3D printing prototypes. The high-performance PLA filament available from Multec is characterized by numerous interesting properties. It is extremely robust, extremely temperature-resistant and guarantees excellent printability.

3D prototypes: conclusion

If we want to venture a conclusion in terms of 3D printing prototypes, it should be noted that today we have a technology that was tantamount to utopia a few decades ago. Joints from the 3D printer have long seemed possible and this process is also mutating into an absolute game changer for dentistry.

If you have any further questions about 3D prototypes, please contact us at any time! We are looking forward to your message.