Deciding what material to use for your project is probably the most important decision you make. The testing or usability considerations undoubtedly determine the mechanical properties of the material, whether it is heat resistance, durability, elasticity or fine feature detail. Today's availability of multiple materials to match nearly any project is a testament to the expeditious evolution of material development.
More than 15 years ago, Stratasys started out using wax with its FDM technology because it was easiest to develop due to its low temperature resistance. It is also commonly used in investment casting so it seemed like the perfect segue from traditional manufacturing processes to rapid prototyping. As rapid prototyping gained momentum in the industry, the need for more functional prototypes rose demanding more durable materials.
ABS was developed to provide a more structurally sound prototype that enhanced testing for fit, function, durability and temperature resistance. ABS is a highly functional material that can be used to create prototypes, jigs and fixtures and production parts. It is widely used in applications where impact-resistance and structural strength are necessary.
Additionally, its dimensional stability positions it as an ideal material for pre-production rapid prototypes that can accurately predict performance of injection molded parts.
More than 10 years after the introduction of ABS, Stratasys introduced a material that is even stronger and more functional that ABS – ABS-M30. ABS- M30 is approximately 50 percent stronger than traditional ABS. The increase in strength provides more functional prototyping and digital manufacturing options for designers and engineers today.
Within the last 5 years, FDM technology has expanded the number of materials to include Polycarbonate (PC) and Polyphenylsulfone (PPSF) in addition to a variety of ABS and PC blends. There are even some that meet ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI classification 1 for medical applications.
The most recent addition to FDM materials is Ultem 9085. If you're in the automotive, aerospace, or military industries you've probably heard of it. At a tensile strength of 10,390 psi1 and flexural stress of 16,700 psi, it's the strongest FDM thermoplastic available today. It is also inherently flame-retardant, offering full flame/smoke/toxicity (FST) compliance including OSU heat release of less than 55/55.
The constant evolution of better, stronger, more functional materials has created a real alternative for designers to choose FDM over injection molding.
More than 15 years ago, Stratasys started out using wax with its FDM technology because it was easiest to develop due to its low temperature resistance. It is also commonly used in investment casting so it seemed like the perfect segue from traditional manufacturing processes to rapid prototyping. As rapid prototyping gained momentum in the industry, the need for more functional prototypes rose demanding more durable materials.
ABS was developed to provide a more structurally sound prototype that enhanced testing for fit, function, durability and temperature resistance. ABS is a highly functional material that can be used to create prototypes, jigs and fixtures and production parts. It is widely used in applications where impact-resistance and structural strength are necessary.Additionally, its dimensional stability positions it as an ideal material for pre-production rapid prototypes that can accurately predict performance of injection molded parts.
More than 10 years after the introduction of ABS, Stratasys introduced a material that is even stronger and more functional that ABS – ABS-M30. ABS- M30 is approximately 50 percent stronger than traditional ABS. The increase in strength provides more functional prototyping and digital manufacturing options for designers and engineers today.
Within the last 5 years, FDM technology has expanded the number of materials to include Polycarbonate (PC) and Polyphenylsulfone (PPSF) in addition to a variety of ABS and PC blends. There are even some that meet ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI classification 1 for medical applications.
The most recent addition to FDM materials is Ultem 9085. If you're in the automotive, aerospace, or military industries you've probably heard of it. At a tensile strength of 10,390 psi1 and flexural stress of 16,700 psi, it's the strongest FDM thermoplastic available today. It is also inherently flame-retardant, offering full flame/smoke/toxicity (FST) compliance including OSU heat release of less than 55/55.
The constant evolution of better, stronger, more functional materials has created a real alternative for designers to choose FDM over injection molding.
