{"id":41775,"date":"2021-07-07T13:05:07","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T17:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=41775"},"modified":"2024-12-02T05:28:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T10:28:26","slug":"pa11-3d-printed-parts-are-built-to-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/pa11-3d-printed-parts-are-built-to-last","title":{"rendered":"PA11 3D Printed Parts are Built to Last"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As industrial customers steadily begin to rely on additive manufacturing processes more for functional end-use parts, materials like PA11<\/a> used with Selective Laser Sintering<\/a> (SLS) continue to have more impact. All the classic benefits apply: from reduced production time, to extreme opportunity for customization, and the ability to make complex geometries like never before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strength and durability are two key benefits of PA11 that make this material ideal for functional parts like gears and hinges. High ductility is a major benefit too, offering excellent impact resistance for parts in applications like automotive or aerospace, as well as other manufactured parts that must hold up to rigorous use like protection equipment for sports. PA11 is also well-suited for applications that require resistance to harsh weather conditions, especially heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sustainable Origins: PA11 is Naturally Derived and Environmentally Friendly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s an interesting fact about PA11 (also known as Nylon 11, EOS PA11, Nylon Polyamide 11), and one that many find surprising at first: it\u2019s made from castor oil. The castor bean is actually an ingredient included in many different types of additives, from medical and skincare products to materials for industrial manufacturing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of 3D printing, the eco-friendly PA11 can also be recycled easily in manufacturing\u2014often up to 70 percent. This leads to one of the other greatest benefits not only for PA11 but SLS 3D printing overall. As one of the oldest, and still one of the most powerful forms of additive manufacturing<\/a>, SLS 3D printing relies on a laser to move back and forth over each layer as a structure is built, sintering the nylon PA11 powder to build a solid structure. Supports are not necessary as the extra unsintered powder acts as a bolstering mechanism, surrounding and stabilizing the part during printing. Afterward, the powder can be reused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indisputable Advantages: Strength in Material Properties<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"PA11<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

PA11 possesses a wide range of strong material characteristics, making it conducive to additive manufacturing. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n