Flexible filaments

As the name indicates these more flexible than any other filaments. Due to flexibility these are soft and can be molded into any shape and size with ease.

Pro Series Flex

The filament is the one among TPE which is popular for its elasticity and flexibility and behaves like a real rubber which can bend and mold in any shape and size easily. Therefore, these are made of tightest tolerance with high precision for3D printing. The filament can be best experienced with slower print speeds to avoid filament binding in the extruder.
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 Advantages/properties

• The filament is like a soft rubber making it more flexible and elastic than the popular PLA and ABS filaments
• The filament is good for high-quality objects with large objects because it bonds well between layers
• The heated bed is not needed and it is a durable material with little shrinkage while cooling.

Disadvantages/Issues 

• The printer should be modified otherwise can extrude from the nozzle inconsistency due to its flexible property.
• Hence, needs experienced hands for printing the filament is not for beginners
• For optimal performance the printer nozzle needs fine-tuning.

Applications

• Stoppers, belts, caps, phone cases, bumpers and more can be made from this filament due to its 2 important properties.
• The filament can be used in various fields due to its flexible nature i.e., home appliances, automotive, medical, electrical insulation, weather seals for windows and doors, Kid’s toys and wearable’s and soles of the footwear.

Price Starting from : $30 to $ 50 for 1.75mm/1kg spool

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 220 to 230 °C.

TPE

This filament is well-know for its flexibility and elasticity. Also helpful in the making of extremely flexible 3D printer material that will have the properties of soft rubber. As the name the Thermoplastic elastomers the filament is superbly flexible and elastic. The less infill you use, the more flexible your finished print will be.
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 Advantages/properties

• Great to use with most of the FDM filaments.
• The filament is like a soft rubber making it more flexible and elastic than the popular PLA and ABS filaments,
• Good for high-quality objects(bonds well between layers).
• The heated bed is not needed.
• Hence, it is a durable material with little shrinkage while cooling.

Disadvantages/Issues

• The printer should be modified otherwise can extrude from the nozzle inconsistency due to its flexible property.
• Hence, needs experienced hands for printing the filament is not for beginners
• For optimal performance the printer nozzle needs fine-tuning.

Applications

• Stoppers, belts, caps, phone cases, bumpers and more can be made from this filament due to its 2 important properties.
• The filament can be used in various fields due to its flexible nature i.e., home appliances, automotive, medical, electrical insulation, weather seals for windows and doors, Kid’s toys and wearable’s and soles of the footwear.

Price Starting from : $30 to $ 50 for 1.75mm/1kg spool

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 225 to 235 °C.

PCTPE

Plasticized Copolyamide TPE is the combination of synthetic polymer Nylon and flexible filament TPE. Due to the mixture of these 2 filaments the properties and settings are almost the same. Synthetic fabrics are used to dye your prints of any color.

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 Advantages/properties

• Nylon makes it easy to print.
• Flexible like TPE and can be dyed into any color due to Nylon.
• Can work better in critical setup
• Low shrinkage

Disadvantages/Issues

• The filament needs to be dyed in various colors that require an extra step, consumes more time and highly expensive.
• Difficult to print needs experienced hands.
• While printing may lead to blobs and stringing
• Not good with Bowden extruders
• Poor bridging characteristics

Applications

• The main applications are, helps in printing cosplay armor, phone enclosures, and industrial parts.

Price Starting from : $30 for 1.75mm/1kg spool

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 235 to 245 °C.

Soft PLA

The Soft PLA has similar characteristics as that of normal PLA with one unique property that is flexible like rubber. Due to this it is also, called “Flexible PLA“. Hence, it is compatible with all the 3D printers.
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Advantages/properties

• Soft PLA is flexible, rubbery, elastic and has impact resistance.
• Hence, it acts like a biodegradable PLA due to its low carbon footprints.
• Therefore, it has good vibration dampening characteristics.

Disadvantages/Issues

• It creates clogging, bubbling, and bunching in the nozzle while printing.
• Can’t shape in the desired form due to extremely adhesive nature.
• Hence, need to slow down the printing speed for best results
• A direct extruder is required for the smooth journey of the filament to the bed.
• Not good for objects with more gaps and overhangs.

Applications

• Best for stoppers, belts, caps, phone cases, bumpers and more.
• Unique ergonomic nature helps in printing pen grips, shoe sole inserts.
• The materials which need to be strong such has tires, cell phone covers, and other things with flexible in nature.

Price Starting from : $30 for 1.75mm/1kg spool

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 220 to 230°C.

TPU

Thermoplastic Polyurethane is the filament that belongs to the class of polyurethane that has unique properties namely elasticity, transparency, and resistance to grease, oil, and abrasion with a shore hardness of 95A. There are various types of TPU namely polyester TPU used to resist oil and hydrocarbons, polyether TPU used in wet environments, and polycaprolactone TPU performs with low-temperature and comparatively more resistant to hydrolysis.
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Advantages/properties

• Resistant to oil, grease, and abrasion.
• Printed parts have low-temperature resistants
• Ease to work
• With the right settings, there will be no curling or delamination.
• Excellent layer to layer adhesion.
• No warping issues.

Disadvantages/Issues

• It creates clogging, bubbling, and bunching in the nozzle while printing.
• A well-polished and smooth look can’t be obtained.
• We need to slow down the printing speed for the results.
• Hence, it doesn’t dissolve in simple chemicals.

Applications

• Best for stoppers, belts, caps, phone cases, bumpers and more.
• Used in automotive instrument panels, caster wheels, power tools, sporting goods, medical devices, drive belts, footwear, inflatable rafts, and a variety of extruded film, sheet, and profile applications.
• The materials which need to be strong such has cell phone covers and other things with flexible in nature.
• Therefore, it helps in the outer casing of antennas for efficient performance even after many wash cycles.

Price Starting from : $30 for 1.75mm/1kg spool

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 220 to 250°C.

Composite filaments

These are the filaments made up of 2 or more individual components whose combined physical strength exceeds their individual properties as per the name.

Laybrick

Lay-Brick is the 3D material that almost as similar features as LAYWOOD-D3,  Kai Parthy is the inventor of these 2 filaments which are quite amazing, the filament is rough apart from that gives a look and feel of grey stone retaining the flexibility and elasticity of the plastic. The filament should be used with maxi-sized 3D printers. Therefore, it gives the ” Non-plastic look“. The temperature above 210°C the filament produces rough and sandstone result otherwise it will produce a smoother finish.
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Advantages/properties

• The filament is stiff and brittle in nature
• Gives sandstone look rather than plastic
• No warping
• No heated bed required
• Get a different variety of textures depending on the extruder temperature.

Disadvantages/Issues

• Temperature above 210 makes the print rough.

Applications

• Best for landscape and architectural designs.
• Fux-stone, model train scenery can be printed with this filament.

Price Starting from : $40 for 1.75mm/1kg spool

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 165 to 190°C.

Wooden PLA

The wood filament is a fusion of standard PLA and finely powered wood materials that provide the print with the natural texture of wood. The mixture may contain bamboo, cork, wood dust, and other wooden by-products,  come in the ratio of 70:30 of PLA and wood. Therefore, best used with desktop 3D printers that provide the wooden-like finish. They are various types of wood filaments namely LAYWOO-D3, ColorFabb’s Woodfill series, and Timberfill.
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Advantages/properties

• The natural look of wood and a biodegradable filament
• Similar PLA properties
• Different extruder temperature provide different colors, hotter the darker
• No warp and shrink
• Less abrasive compared to other composite filaments.
• Therefore, as pleasant wood-like smell.

Disadvantages/Issues

• Less strength than natural wood.
• Hence, it is inflexible and brittle makes PLA better filament
• Easily breakable material
• There should not be any sharp turns while working with the filament.

Applications

• Best for landscape and architectural designs.
• Fux-stone, model train scenery can be printed with this filament.
• Wood burns when exposed to high temperature
• Filaments are more expensive than PLA
• Use large-sized nozzles to reduce wear and tear.

Price Starting from : $25 for 1.75mm/1kg spool

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 220 to 250°C.

Conductive filament

The filament is modified PLA with a conductive carbon particulate with low voltage and low current circuitry not being that technical. The filament helps in making smaller circuit boards on the printer bed. These filaments may consist of sensors and some LEDs( Light-emitting diode). The filament is present for both PLA and ABS users. As the name, it has a conductive nature. Hence, works well with all the 3D printers.

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Advantages/properties

• More flexible than the PLA
• Conductive in nature with small power circuitry.
• No heated bed is required but gives better results with it.

Disadvantages/Issues

• As less layer adhesion
• The filament is more expensive
• Less flexible and durable compared to PLA
• Repeated binding may break the material and shrinks during cooling.

Applications

• Most of its applications may come in the field of electronics i.e., small circuit boards.
• Best for functional prototypes, integrated circuits and electronic components like sensors, LED, and low voltage projects
• Best for Arduino projects.

Price Starting from : $17.99 for 1.75mm/1kg spool

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 215 to 230°C.

Lay ceramic

As the name gives ceramic or clay finish to the print. The filament has similar properties that of the natural clay when burned and glazed provides strength and gives the elegant look to the object. While using this filament requires extra settings or additional upgrades to the printer for a better print.

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Advantages/properties

• The filament is durable and brittle in its nature
• Can be fired in the kiln to get that ceramic look and can apply glaze
• The Kiln can take the filament to make more amazing objects

Disadvantages/Issues

• Takes more time to heat and cool
• The printed objects are hard in nature
• More expensive

Applications

• Therefore, best used for making mugs, flower pots, model roofing tiles, ashtrays, sculptures, or pottery.

Price Starting from : $200 for 3.mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 265 to 275°C.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced PLA

As the name, the filament is a mixture of PLA and small carbon fiber strands, designed to fit through the nozzle easily. The carbon contained in the filament provides more rigidity and enhances the structural support to the object to be printed. The 3D printer user who requires stiff and rocky like nature of the objects can use this filament. Drone builders and RC Hobbyists may fall in love with this filament.

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Advantages/properties

• No warp and excellent layer adhesion property
• Provides better print quality and no heated bed is required
• High strength, durable, ductile and stiff
• Little string during the cooling process

Disadvantages/Issues

• Not flexible in nature
• Contains abrasive strands
• Wear and tear of printer nozzles more with brass
• Requires investment in a printer nozzle

Applications

• Drone bodies, propellers, and RC car frames can be made with great ease.
• Frames, supports, and tools can also be made,
• Various materials like protective casing, mechanical parts, and highly durable objects can be formed.

Price Starting from : $60 for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 190 to 230°C.

ColorFabb BrassFill, CopperFill, and BronzeFill

The filament is metal combined with PLA gives absolutely the metal finish look. Therefore, these are tougher to print than MH build PLA filaments, due to metal integrated with plastic prints are heavier but are more authentic in nature. The objects printed can be polished, painted, and sanded that gives a beautiful, unique and elegant look even unpolished objects are classy, matte, with a dull appearance and dusky look amaze people. Therefore, what’s in your mind that can be a desired outcome when polished. The temperature can reach to 14oo °C or above.

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Advantages/properties

• An aesthetically appealing metal finish.
• Therefore, no heated bed is required.
• Heavier than other filaments due to its metallic nature.
• High durable and strength
• Hence, no, shrink while cooling

Disadvantages/Issues

• Expensive filament
• Therefore, require a wear-resistant nozzle
• Printed parts are very brittle in nature.
• Very poor overhangs and bridging property.
• Over-time partial clogging can be seen.
• Heavy objects when printed with it.
• To obtain a smooth finish need to rock tumbling, polishing, or wet sanding needs to be done.

Applications

• Used for cosmetic prints of busts, jewelry, or sculptures.
• Perfect for printing props, costumes, figurines, and robots.
• The filament can also be used by designers as well other than hobbyists looking to make faux metal prints.
• Replicas for Museums
• Best for hardware products.

Price Starting from : $25 to 50 for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 190 to 220°C.

Proto-Pasta Stainless Steel and ColorFabb SteelFill

The filament is a mixture of the steel strands and PLA, thus these are tougher than the MH build filament. Even these can be sanded and painted to get a better look like the above filaments even with an unpolished look the prints get the cast metal from the mold. Therefore, it has high abrasion to brass nozzle you will need to install a hardened steel nozzle before printing. They print like PLA but slower than PLA.

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Advantages/properties

• An aesthetically appealing steel finish.
• Therefore, no heated bed is required.
• Heavier than other filaments due to its metallic nature.
• High durable and strength
• Hence, no, shrink while cooling

Disadvantages/Issues

• Expensive filament
• Printed parts are very brittle in nature.
• Very poor overhangs and bridging property.
• Over-time partial clogging can be seen.
• Heavy objects when printed with it.
• To obtain a smooth finish need to rock tumbling, polishing, or wet sanding needs to be done.
• Not easy to print with for the inexperienced

Applications

• Used for cosmetic prints of busts, jewelry, or sculptures.
• Perfect for printing props, costumes, figurines, and robots.
• The filament can also be used by designers as well other than hobbyists looking to make faux metal prints.
• Replicas for Museums

Price Starting from : $25 to 50 for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 200 to 220°C.

Magnetic Iron PLA

As the name, it has all the magnetic properties as that of the magnet. The filament is a mixture of standard filaments and iron powered due to which magnetics stick to the filament and provide a dusty and gunmetal look to the printed objects. The temperature needs to be 10-20 degrees lesser than what is required for the MH build PLA filament. To get a rusty look you need to spray several times the mixture of hydrogen peroxide of 16oz, the vinegar of 20oz and 1Tbs of salt let it dry and you will get the desired look.

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Advantages/properties

• It provides a rusty and worn look to any print.
• Therefore, no, shrink while cooling
• Extremely durable and has great strength
• The filament is not soluble in nature.
• Hard and heavy prints can be achieved.

Disadvantages/Issues

• Expensive filament
• Due to high abrasion needs to install hardened steel nozzle.
• Heavy objects when printed with it.
• To obtain a smooth finish need to rock tumbling, polishing, or wet sanding needs to be done.
• Hence, not easy to print with it for inexperienced

Applications

• Used for cosmetic prints of busts, accessories, or aged-metal props.
• Therefore, best used for various DIY projects, sensors, and educational tools, etc.
• Home uses it is just like a novelty material.

Price Starting from : $70 for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 195 to 220°C.

PORO-LAY Series

The filament is made from a rubber-elastomeric polymer and a PVA-component. Therefore, there are various types of filaments namely Lay-Felt, Gel-Lay, and Lay-Fomm 40 and 60. These filaments can be characterized as highly porous and flexible filaments.

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Advantages/properties

• These filaments are highly flexible and porous in nature
• Also, have a sponge, jelly, foamy and soft in nature.
• When soaked in water dissolves PVA material and left with the rubber-elastomer.
• Unique and experimental uses.
• Lightweight objects even they are large in size.

Disadvantages/Issues

• Printed objects will be soft and sponge in nature.
• Not used for hard and stiff prints
• Hardware components can not be printed
• Expensive filament.

Applications

• Therefore, best used in filters, permeable membranes, jellyfish models, stamps, or intricate sponges depending on the material.
• Can be used in making of artificial paper and future cloths
• Used for the rubber-like, sponge in nature applications such as ink-reservoirs, bio-cells, micro-foam, and elastics.
• Also used for tissue and orientated objects making.

Price Starting from : $160 for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 220 to 230°C.

Specialty filaments

Like the name, these are special kinds of filaments. Now let’s look at the various types of specialty filaments and their special features.

Polycarbonate(PC)

The filament is more strong, impact and highly resistant in nature. Polycarbonate is a tough and highly durable thermoplastic.

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Advantages/properties

• Hence, very resistant to any temperature
• It is flexible and can bend without crack
• Transparent in nature
• No soluble

Disadvantages/Issues

• Should store in a dry place
• Above all not for food components
• Expensive than standard filaments.

Applications

• Most commonly used in RC parts or drone parts.
• Therefore, it can be used in applications related to electrical, mechanical, or automotive components.
• Due to its optical clarity can be used in lighting projects or for screens.

Price Starting from : $120  for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 210 to 290°C.

Bendlay

The filament as exciting new features and that is extremely translucent and flexible in nature. Hence, 91% of light passes through the filament. Therefore, it is also flexible and elastic. The other modified version of it is Butadiene.

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Advantages/properties

• Flexible, transparent and provides strength to the material.
• Absorbs less water compared to ABS
• Food safe
• High interlayer adhesion
• Less warping
• Unbreakable and easy to print

Disadvantages/Issues

• Acetone will make it crushy.
• Suffer from whitening when bend.
• Harder than ABS

Applications

• Best used in food packing and food industry.
• Best used ornate cups, containers, or translucent objects.
• Therefore, it can also be used in medical devices.
• Hence, it can be used in the making of containers and utensils.

Price Starting from : $100  for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 225 to 245°C.

Moldlay

As the name, it is mainly used for molding which as wax-like properties. The filament is stiff and rigid at the room temperature when heated with 170 10 180 degrees starts to extrude. The prints can be made not only for permanent mold but also for lost wax molding purposes. Therefore print takes the long process usually in the traditional form but thanks to Moldlay it consumes time.

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Advantages/properties

• No warping
• No heated bed required
• Easy to print
• Inexpensive to print the objects

Disadvantages/Issues

• Softer than any other filament
• Feed gear may not work
• Melted wax is runny in nature so won’t deposit correctly

Applications

• Therefore, it can be used for molding purpose
• Designed for silicone molding or completely vaporizing for investment casting.

Price Starting from : $80  for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 175 to 195°C.

Continuous Fiber 

Continuous fiber filaments are designed for the ready to use products other than most 3D printing materials are meant for rapid prototyping and testing models.

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Advantages/properties

• Strong, durable and ready to take abuse.
• When comes in contact with a strong base filament like Nylon with Continuous fiber provide a professional and beautiful finish

Applications

• Best used for production parts, drone bodies, or even manufacturing molds.

Price Starting from : $50 to $100  for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 245 to 265°C.

Support filaments

These filaments are water-soluble and also act as support filaments with other filaments while using dual extruders. Support filaments are necessary to obtain the best prints or prefect without any overhangs.

PVA filament

The filament is a well-known support material when printing with ABS or PLA filament. The full name of PVA filament is Polyvinyl Alcohol. The filament is transparent with slightly yellow in color and most often used with dual extrusion printers one with the primary material and on the other hand, this dissolve filament provides support to avoid overhangs.

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Advantages/properties

• Acts as a support material
• Biodegradable, durable and non-toxic
• Water-soluble
• Best with PLA due to similar heating temperatures
• Difficult printing makes easy

Disadvantages/Issues

• Dissolves in water easily
• Should be kept in a dry place
• Expensive material than other filaments.

Applications

• Best used for models with internal supports or supports for incredibly detailed models with many overhangs.
• It can be used in thickener in paper adhesives, in personal hygiene products, as a mold-release agent, kid’s putty, and freshwater fishing products.

Price Starting from : $80  for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 190 to 220°C.

HIPS

High Impact Polystyrene is similar to ABS and best support material. It is bright, white and biodegradable in nature. It also acts as secondary as that of PVA and liquid hydrocarbon dissolves the filament as soon as possible. The filament is well dissolved in limonene.

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Advantages/properties

• Acts as a support material
• Biodegradable, durable and non-toxic
• Best with ABS

Disadvantages/Issues

• A heated bed is required without it difficult to print.
• Common issue while printing is curling and adhesion.

Applications

• Used for models with internal supports or supports for models with many overhangs.
• The food industry uses for packing, medicinal trays, signs, all kinds of kid’s toys, and much more.
• The filament can be manipulated in many ways as required.

Price Starting from : $25  for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 220 to 250°C.

LAYaPVA

The filament is a support material that quickly dissolves in water. And as best viscosity when heated at a temperature of 230-degrees. Of the LAY-AWAY Support Series, LAYaPVA dissolves the fastest.

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Advantages/properties

• Therefore, it is stiff and water-soluble
• Act as support material
• Dissolves quicker than normal PVA

Disadvantages/Issues

• Dissolves in water easily
• Should be kept in a dry place
• Expensive material than other filaments

Applications

• Therefore, best used for models with internal supports or supports for incredibly detailed models with many overhangs.

Price Starting from : $160 for 1.75mm/1kg

Extrusion Temperature: Vary between 220 to 250°C.

LAY-CLOUD

Hence, the best support material for flexible filaments and when overexposed to water it becomes gelly and soft. Therefore, when heated with a 240-degree temperature to achieve the best viscosity.

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Advantages/properties

• The filament is stiff and water-soluble
• Therefore, act as the best support material for flexible filaments.

Disadvantages/Issues

• Hence, dissolves in water easily
• Should be kept in a dry place
• Therefore, expensive material than other filaments

Applications

• Therefore, best used for models with internal supports or supports for incredibly detailed models with many overhangs.

This guide to 3D Printing is about the remaining filaments which were left in the previous guide. Hence, it is all about the guide to 3D printer filaments. There is one more upcoming part of this that will help you choose better.

• Require a lesser number of components
• Production of required components may be stopped
• Takes lots of time
• Traditional methods are costly when comes to produce a lesser number of components
• Can’t provide the rail operator with latest technology parts
• Lesser number of labor can cut the production cost to around 50%

Benefits of 3D printing for UK rail department

Deutsche Bahn Consultancy and Engineering service provider, Angel trains British rolling stock operating company, Stratasys is an American 3D printer manufacturer and lastly Chiltern Railways British train operating company their collaboration was first announced in December 2018 to produce 3D printed replacement parts for trains. As a result, UK has already announced becoming a world leader in the additive manufacturing sector by 2025.

Therefore, UK government has taken a step ahead by collaborating with these companies to manufacture passenger trains. The components such as armrests and grab handles using additive manufacturing 3D printing techniques. Hence, the company is looking for other applications, researching 3D printed seat tables and custom braille lettering  abnormal passenger’s

3D printing technology is well utilized in Rail companies for customization.  The 3D printed passenger train components are running successfully with seven grab handles that were produced within a 2 an half months and cutting the cost down from  £15,000.  Hence, the cost saving of 50% per part will be achievable.

The testing of other applications and research is carried out in 3D printed rail components. So, to provide a better journey for rail passenger’s in the future.

Make the best of Geeetech A10 3D printer only @ Geeetech official site

Human Heart: Using Patients Cells

A team of Tel Aviv University researchers revealed the 3D printed heart. That completely matches the immunological, cellular, biochemical and anatomical properties of a human patient. Until now, scientists have been successful in printing only simple tissues without blood vessels.

“This is the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart. A heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles, and chambers,” said Prof. Tal Dvir of TAU’s School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology. Therefore, who led the research for the study. He was assisted by Nadav Noor, Dr. Assaf Shapira, Reuven Edri, Idan Gal and Lior Wertheim.

The process involved taking a biopsy of fatty tissue from patients. After which the cellular and a-cellular materials were then separated. While the cells were reprogrammed to become pluripotent stem cells. And therefore efficiently differentiated to cardiac or endothelial cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM). A three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules, such as collagen and glycoproteins, were processed into a personalized hydrogel that served as the printing “ink.”

The differentiated cells were then mixed with the bio-inks. As a result, they were used to 3D-print patient-specific, immune-compatible cardiac patches with blood vessels and, subsequently, an entire heart. The 3D printing process takes around 3-4 hours.

First-Ever 3D Heart

“This is the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles, and chambers,” said Prof. Tal Dvir of TAU’s School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, who led the research for the study. He was assisted by Nadav Noor, Dr. Assaf Shapira, Reuven Edri, Idan Gal and Lior Wertheim.

The process involved taking a biopsy of fatty tissue from patients, after which the cellular and a-cellular materials were then separated. While the cells were reprogrammed to become pluripotent stem cells and efficiently differentiated to cardiac or endothelial cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), a three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules, such as collagen and glycoproteins, were processed into a personalized hydrogel that served as the printing “ink.”

The differentiated cells were then mixed with the bio-inks and were used to 3D-print patient-specific, immune-compatible cardiac patches with blood vessels and, subsequently, an entire heart. The 3D printing process takes around 3-4 hours.

“This heart is made from human cells and patient-specific biological materials. In our process, these materials serve as the bio-inks, substances made of sugars and proteins that can be used for 3D printing of complex tissue models,” Dvir said. “People have managed to 3D-print the structure of a heart in the past, but not with cells or with blood vessels. Our results demonstrate the potential of our approach for engineering personalized tissue and organ replacement in the future.”

Abstract

In today’s world of mechanical engineering, the applications of 3D printing are huge. Hence, they are very useful for research and development of various components ranging from simple structures used in everyday life too complicated components in aerospace applications. 3D printing provides many advantages few are simplicity, reliability, and precision, etc. Furthermore, let’s go through the overview of 3D printing and its various applications.

Generally in Fused Deposition Modeling the component is manufactured using the concept of rapid prototyping and layer by layer deposition of the material which is done by sending the data into the software of the machine using a stereolithography (.STL) file format made by using modeling software (CAD).

Moreover, 3D printing technology showed many industrial benefits over conventional technologies in designing, modeling and fabricating forms.

1. 3D Printing Development

3D Printing Is Revolutionizing Medical Surgery:

Though 3D printing technology has fascinated many of its innovations across various sectors. Some of them are construction and aviation, health care is one of the main areas where it’s making a big impact.

Take bone cancer for example. It’s a terrifying disease that could either be fatal or leave you without your limbs. But with the help of 3d printing, we can develop implants that could completely transform the medical field. The ultimate goal is to provide bone cancer patients with custom-made implants that can be used immediately. This means that in one surgery it will be possible to remove the cancerous portion of the bone and fix the limb – amputation will be avoided in more of the cases.

Not only limited to bones, 3D printing can be used for various other organs and parts of our body. Hospitals around the world are printing 3D models of patients’ organs, using data from ultrasounds to re-create, say, a heart or a lung so that it can be studied in all its unique complexity prior to surgery, allowing doctors to plan how to fix it before even picking up a scalpel.

3D Printing PODS:

Homed is yet another example of achieving the unthinkable! Made of steel and oxidized aluminum, each pod will be equivalent to a compact room with suitable interiors. PMMA smart glass on the front face of the modules will offer great views out to the city and when they are clustered together it will form a screen for art installations or adverts.
The 3D printed interior, covered in wood laminate, can be constructed to incorporate things like furniture and lighting, so that very little is needed to be brought in from outside. The pods will have furniture, equipment, and cabinets alongside the wooden interior for a soft and friendly atmosphere that is efficient and clean; wellness modules in the structure include sanitary provisions between the occupants.

Creating 3D Printers form E-Waste:

Since the electronic waste in Ghana makes it one of the world’s largest digital dumps, the initiative taken by WoeLab has not only made a mark in the field of 3D printing but a mark worldwide. It shows us how action taken at even the smallest community-driven level has enough potential to make a big impact.

WaveLab locally sources their e-waste from all across Togo’s capital, particularly from one of their partnering groups, the Action Sociale pour Le Developpement Integral (ASDI) recycling center.

With about 50 people working in the space, and a second lab opened in Lomé earlier this year, WoeLab is gradually growing. There are 10 startups based in WoeLab pursuing projects ranging from building robots to tackling waste.

In a country where about almost half of the inhabitants live in poverty, offering access to emerging and self-sustainable technologies will help improve their livelihood and standard of living.

2. 3D Printing Models

GAME OF THRONES 3D Printed Models:

We cannot deny the fact that GAME OF THRONES is the most loved series of this generation. And everyone is a fan of different roles played by the actor, some would love Danerys, some love Tyrion and Jon Snow is just next-level love. Being a 3D Printing enthusiast and also a fan of GOT, you would be thinking of making 3d prints of your favorite character or your favorite house.

Gucci’s hot 3D Printed Fashion Accessories:

At the brand’s Fall-Winter 2018 show in Milan, Gucci designer Alessandro Michele sent models down the runway carrying duplicates of their own headless domes. Gucci may well be the hottest brand the world, which suggests that its favorite maximalist trends —all-over prints, endless logos, animal picture, embroidery—trickle all the way down to the remainder of the style world.
Fashion lovers were shocked at Gucci’s freaky catwalk show that saw models strut their stuff carrying fake heads. Whereas the fashion things were spectacular, two of Gucci’s models stole the show by taking to the runway carrying 3D printed replicas of their own heads.
Unsurprisingly, the 3D printed heads have caused quite a stir on social media and have even been the inspiration for a number of funny memes.

3D Printing Beer Bottles:

Rather than throwing away the bottles and adding up to the pollution, you can take a step to revolutionize things and this article will tell you exactly how you can. We have bought a good news for you, so get excited. Click here to read more… 

Multi-Material 3D Printing:

The 3D Printing community is constantly making new efforts and updating new processes to get things done easily. The most difficult process is multi-material and multi-color 3D printing. Both are time-consuming processes and also more fun.

How to create a multi-material print with a Single Extruder printer?

The secret? Spread the different materials across different layers of a single extruder printer. Both of the models that are shown have the materials at separate heights; on separate layers. The process basically works by printing with one material to a certain height, pausing the printer, switching materials, and continuing the print. To know more about multi-material 3D printing click here…

3. 3D Printing Filaments:

3D Printed Pens:  

As we know technology is beyond our imagination and the 3D Printed Pen is the perfect example of it. Basically, it is a handy tool that is created especially for teenagers. The 3D drawing pen comes in beautiful colors which include yellow, blue, green, white, red, and purple. These pens are extremely lightweight and easy to use.

For those who are new to the art of 3D printing, getting a good start is challenging, so you have to start with a good 3D printing pen. You need to work with the best 3D pen that flows without a single hitch, so you can concentrate on the craft.

3Doodler Pen

This one comes with 50 plastic filaments out of which 25 are PLA plastic filaments and remaining are ABS filaments. But it is not just the look and feels that have been improved. The functionality also promises nice improvements such as lower power usage, optimized and quieter cooling, better speed and performance and more. Above all, if you are someone that is more conscious about the looks, then you’ll love this version.
Investing in the 3D printer may be a very pricey deal and a lot of therefore if you’re obtaining it for brief-term use. Apart from the investment to induce one, alternative expenses like renewal, replacement, and maintenance are reaching to add up to lots of cash going out of your pocket. This is where 3D printing pens can come as a good alternative and help you enjoy the advantages of a really affordable valuation.

4. 3D Printing DIY

3D Printed Ergonomic Keyboard: 

A whole community just talking, making and sharing their split keyboards!! Now the question that arises is why do we need a mechanical keyboard? Most manufacturers make keyboards from one circuit board and use what many describe as mushy buttons. A mechanical keyboard uses individual switches on each key and many people claim it is not only much more satisfying to type. But also more accurate and faster.
If you’re interested, you can actually build one of these amazing keyboards yourself with the help of Matt’s GitHub files, but there isn’t really a detailed guide available. And the best printer and PCB for printing this keyboard is available at Geeetech.

Earphone Holder:

You may put your earphones in your pocket as gently as you can manage but eventually, they will end up in a tangled mess(just like always) Luckily this cool earphone case is here to make life much much easier and you can find them on Thingiverse!
You can use either clear PET filament for the first couple of layers. Since it works better as a hinge material and works as a window, but ABS will work too. They take around 30 minutes to print.

The Mountster- a Raspberry Pi Camera Mount:

The Mountster is a monster mount for the Raspberry Pi Camera. You can screw the cam to print using the two holes on the side of the lens. Also, there is an opening for the focus light.

5. 3D Printing Troubleshooting Guides

Tips To Help You Remove Your 3D Prints From The Bed:

• If the object is sturdy you can go ahead and put in more strength. Grabbing, twisting and turning, should work in most cases.
• By using more extreme temperatures you can take advantage of this behavior. You can speed things up by placing a cool pack or run cold water on the 3D print.
• Think of all the flat, sharp tools which you can slide between the printed object and the build platform. Spatulas, palette knife, or even a razor blade will be able to help you pry away your design from the print bed.
• Using solvent liquids should be the last resort since they will make a new coating of blue tape inevitable.
• Dental floss isn’t just for your teeth! It can help remove stuck print asides as well. Place the string underneath the edge of the print and begin to move it horizontally in a sawing motion.
• Geeetech Superplate comes with high-performance microporous coating and silicon carbide glass. The silicon carbide glass is of chemical stability, uniform heat, and durability. Besides, the special coating is inorganic, with its hardness of 8 Mohs and heat resistance up to 400 ℃. Easy to clean with water or alcohol. Compared with aluminum plate, this kind of build platform is of better adhesion and flatness and easy to take offprints.

Blocked Nozzle?

If you frequently switch between filaments like ABS and PLA then this problem occurs quite a bit. The difference in melting points of various filaments is what attributes to a blocked nozzle. Some amount of the PLA is left behind in the nozzle. When heated beyond its normal melting point, it will carbonize and burn which causes the blockage.
Similarly, a switch between ABS and Nylon does the same and you may see a wisp of smoke appear briefly as the new filament is fed through.
The Atomic Pull or Cold Pull is one of the best solutions to fix this problem!

Your 3D Print Won’t Stick to the Print Bed?

One of the most common problems faced during 3D Printing is the print design refusing to stick to the print bed. Though it can prove to be extremely frustrating, it can be fixed easily.

How can you fix pillowing?

Your 3d print may have seemed successful while printing it but once it’s finished you notice gaps and holes in the outer layers. This is known as pillowing and though it is frustrating after spending hours on a print. There are some easy ways to prevent it from happening again!

Mistakes To Avoid When Designing and Printing a 3D Model

3d printing involves different stages and processes of designing and printing. 3d designers use different software, different print in materials & printers. Therefore, sometimes most of them using a different printing technology suited to the product or item they’re printing. So it’s perfectly normal to feel lost until such a time. Where we feel like it seems difficult to design a perfect 3D model for 3D printing.

I hope this article will help you to understand more about 3D printing and its overview in the future. Perhaps acts as a springboard for your creativity to run wild.

3D pen vs 3D printers

But if you are thinking that there is some connection between 3D printers and 3D pens. Because both are used for printing then my friend you are wrong. There’s no relation or connection between 3D printers and 3D pens. They both are designed for different functions. The 3D pen uses plastic to draw an object or a structure; solely you hold the extruder in your hand instead of let motors, and a laptop does the work.

To draw the 3D object using your pen. All you need to do is fill your pen with the plastic filament that comes with the kit. The heating technology utilized in the pen can mechanically heat the plastic. Eventually, the plastic turns from solid to the liquified state and at this stage you’ll just about draw something. That you just need to together with your 3D pen. And you’ll draw on surfaces like walls, furniture, and plastic.

Note: To help you narrow down your options, we’ve listed out the most popular 3D pens that people are using this year.

Scribbler 3D Printing Pen V3 – A Teenager’s Best (Pen) Friend

As we know technology is beyond our imagination and the Scribbler 3D Pen is the perfect example of it. Basically, it is a handy tool that is created especially for teenagers. The 3D drawing pen comes in beautiful colors which include yellow, blue, green, white, red, and purple. This pen is extremely lightweight and easy to use.

As a parent, you would surely want a bright future for your child. For young teenagers, this is an engaging and exciting experience, one that they will cherish and appreciate. You can expose your child to 3D printing from an early age, opening the window to their curiosity for new tools and technologies. So, which will come in a helpful way when they move towards higher education.

Glyby Intelligent 3D Printing Pen – Best Seller Pen

For those who are new to the art of 3D printing, getting a good start is challenging. So you have to start with a good 3D printing pen. You need to work with the best 3D pen that flows without a single hitch. So you can concentrate on the craft. The Glyby Intelligent 3D Printing Pen is the #1 bestseller 3D printing pen. It comes with a feature that automatically switches the device to standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. Every button on the pen functions as it is supposed to do and it is very easy to manage.

3 Doodler 2.0 – A Version that Gives You a New Vision

Launched in 2013, 3Doodler 2.0 has been a favorite choice among many 3D pen lovers. It’s the newest and improved version of 3Doodler, which is the world’s first 3D printing pen.

In terms of looks, the pen looks more stylish than its parent version. It’s sophisticated and more futuristic. The 3Doodler 2.0 is 75% smaller than the original, making it similar in size to a marker pen. It is also lighter at just 50 grams or half the weight of the original and should come with a stronger and better looking anodized aluminum case instead of the plastic one used by the original. These things should make the 3Doodler 2.0 3D printing pen easier and more convenient to use as well as more attractive looking. Talking about extras, this one comes with 50 plastic filaments out of which 25 are PLA plastic filaments and remaining are ABS filaments. But it is not just the look and feels that have been improved; the functionality also promises nice improvements such as lower power usage, optimized and quieter cooling, better speed and performance and more. Above all, if you are someone that is more conscious about the looks, then you’ll love this version.
Investing in the 3D printer may be a very pricey deal and a lot of therefore if you’re obtaining it for brief-term use. Apart from the investment to induce one, alternative expenses like renewal, replacement, and maintenance are reaching to add up to lots of cash going out of your pocket. This is where 3D printer pens can come as a good alternative and help you enjoy the advantages of a really affordable valuation.

Draw Your Future Bright with 3D Printing Pens!!!

If you want it simply confined to one thing like your kids’ college projects, presentation, or an exhibition, the 3D printer pens would be a sensible choice than 3D printers.