{"id":42898,"date":"2022-07-12T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-12T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=42898"},"modified":"2022-07-08T13:52:16","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T17:52:16","slug":"strengthening-3d-printed-parts-material-properties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/strengthening-3d-printed-parts-material-properties","title":{"rendered":"3D Printing Optimization: Strengthen Parts for High-Performance Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Quality 3D printed parts are born from strong designs\u2013and strong planning processes too. From the concept phase to reaching the point of product delivery and customer fulfillment, industrial 3D printing is versatile and allows for the manufacturing of complex geometries like never before; however, 3D printing optimization involves numerous steps, with a variety of factors playing into the process of bringing a 3D model into physical form whether for critical applications like medical<\/a>, robotics<\/a>, or aerospace<\/a> and drone<\/a> technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper 3D Printing Orientation for Maximized Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During the 3D modeling process, success depends on making good choices, from building in the necessary features and functionality to focusing on the basics like 3D printing material properties and 3D print orientation strength. During the design phase, settings should be well-coordinated for each model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orientation designates how a 3D model will rotate within the build space, and is related to accuracy and surface quality as well as offering stability and good bed adhesion. Supporting successful printability, good 3D printing orientation must be considered further for technology like Stereolithography<\/a> with resin-based materials or Material Jetting<\/a> with full-color material that require support structures. Any other types of post-processing requirements should be factored in from the beginning for quality and strength in 3D printed parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customization options are available for certain 3D printing materials, depending on project needs, but in the case of more complex parts and orientation, the User Applications team at Shapeways works with customers who may have special requests or other concerns like heat-resistant 3D printing material and compatibility with certain technologies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For materials like Nylon 12<\/a> [Versatile Plastic] and Fine Detail Plastic<\/a>, it is also possible for customers with more advanced knowledge to set the orientation with the \u2018Set 3D Printing Orientation\u2019 tool, using the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Visit <\/a>this page<\/a> and click the three vertical dots to the right of the model.<\/li>
  2. Select \u2018Open in 3D Tools.\u2019<\/li>
  3. On the following page, click on the \u2018Set 3D Printed Orientation\u2019 button.<\/li>
  4. A popup window will appear, displaying a navigational button in the bottom left corner. Use this to set the orientation, and then click \u2018Save Orientation\u2019 when done.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

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    Compatible Materials Are a Must for Strong 3D Printed Parts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Materials have a tremendous impact on part strength and 3D printing optimization. Each 3D printing material possesses a unique set of properties, to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n