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Rigid Plastics Elastomeric polymer 3D Printing Materials Tempus 3D specializes in 3D printing high-performance plastic parts, using industry-leading 3D print technology for functional prototyping and low-to-mid volume manfuacturing of end-use parts. Tempus 3D offers a selection high-performance plastics for functional prototyping and end-use parts . Our technology of choice is the HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer because of it's ability to produce parts with fine detail and excellent material properties, with a production speed up to 10x faster than comparable technologies. As HP Certified Production Professionals , Tempus 3D can provide consistently high-quality parts, guarantee d. 3D Printing Materials Nylon PA12 HP Multi Jet Fusion Strong, detailed, low-cost quality parts ​ Produce strong, functional, detailed complex parts. Ideal for a wide range of applications from industrial parts to durable consumer goods. This is our top seller for affordability and balance of all-round material properties. Learn More Nylon PA12 Glass Bead HP Multi Jet Fusion Stiff, dimensionally stable, quality parts ​ Filled with 40% glass microparticles to give stiffness and stability while maintaining the excellent material qualities of HP Nylon PA12. Ideal for stiff, functional parts like enclosures and housings, fixtures and tools. Learn More BASF TPU HP Multi Jet Fusion Flexible, durable, rubber-like parts ​ An excellent choice for parts requiring high shock absorbtion, elasticity, and energy return. It has many applications including car interior comp onents, industrial tools, pipes, grippers, orthopedics and sports protection equipment. Learn More Nylon PA11 HP Multi Jet Fusion Strong, ductile, functional parts ​ Strong and flexible quality parts. Excellent chemical resistance and enhanced elongation-at-break. Ideal for a wide range of applicaitons including prostheses, sports goods, snap fits, living hinges, and more. Learn More Polypropylene HP Multi Jet Fusion Chemical and moisture resistance ​ High elasticity, low moisture absorbtion, and high elongation at break. An excellent choice for anything that needs to be light, water-tight, and durable. Excellent for piping, fluid systems, and watertight containers. Learn More Nylon PA12 White HP Multi Jet Fusion Engineering-grade white nylon parts ​ HP Nylon PA12 White is an engineering-grade plastic which has very similar material properties to the original HP Nylon PA12. The white color makes it easier to dye or paint the pieces in light, bright colors. Learn More Nylon PA12 Full Color HP Multi Jet Fusion Strong, functional, full-color parts ​ Produce engineering-grade parts that combine excellent material properties of Nylon PA12 with full CMYK color. Commonly used for presentation models, consumer goods, jigs, fixtures, and medical devices. Learn More Material Selection Guide Not sure which material is the best fit for your project? Use our materials selection guide to compare the properties and best uses of each. Learn More Finishes 3D printed parts can be used straight out of the printer, or undergo additional treatment to enhance the look, feel, or functionality of the part. Tempus 3D's industry-standard finishes are certified for use with 3D printed plastics, and are expertly applied either in-house or by certified industry specialists. Learn More Explore 3D Scanning Resources Technology HP Certification

Vapor Smoothing Improve the look, feel and performance of your 3D printed parts Vapor smoothing uses a chemical polishing process to smooth and seal the surface of 3D printed plastic parts to improve the surface quality and enhance part performance, with minimimal effect on the dimensional accuracy (< 0.4%). Once finished, the finishing agent is evacuted from the chamber and no residue is left on the parts. ​ The process treats both internal and external surfaces, making it an excellent choice for parts with complex geometries or hollow features. AMT PostPro Vapor Smoothing AMT's PostPro chemical vapor smoothing technology is used for the vapor smoothing process, which uses a chemical vapor to liquefy the surface of the material. This process smooths out the peaks and valleys creating a smoother, more consistent surface. When the procedure is complete the processing chamber is heated to evaporate any remaining solvent, leaving no chemical residue on the part. Benefits of Vapor Smoothing Enhanced Mechanical Properties Vapor smoothing reduces surface porosity and crack initiation sites, which increases elongation at break with no loss of tensile strength. Improved Surface Quality The smoothing process smooths and seals the surface of a part, reducing the roughness from 250+ μin RA to 64 – 100 μin RA. Dimensional Accuracy The process has a minimimal effect on the dimensional accuracy of the part, with no more than 0.4% dimensional change. The process also does not degrade the mechanical properties of the part. Watertight and Airtight Surface The surface of treated parts are completely sealed, making them liquid resistant and easy to clean. Preparation for Surface Treatment Vapor smoothing can be combined with additional surface treatements to improve the end result such as dyeing, cerakote, or metal plating. Reduced Bacterial Growth The reduced surface roughness of vapor smoothed parts reduces bacterial growth, making them suitable for use in the medical and food industries. Material Compatibility PostPro3D has been designed to process thermoplastic polymer materials. Currently the technology can process Polyamide (Nylon) (6,11,12), Flame retardant Nylons, Carbon/Glass filled derivatives of Nylons, Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE). Rigid Plastics Nylon PA12, PP Reduces surface roughness by 800% or more. Improves tensile strength, yield stress and elongation-at-break. Increased functionality. Sealed surface. Elastomers TPU, TPE Reduces surface roughness by 1000% or more. Improves shore hardness, elongation-at-break and tear resistance. Maximum shrinkage of 1%. Sealed surface. Whitepapers Post Pro Vapor Smoothing on HP MJF Nylon PA12 Test results of AMT Vapor Smoothing on the surface roughness, dimensional tolerance and mechanical properties of HP Nylon PA12 View Whitepaper Post Pro Vapor Smoothing on Polypropylene Test results of AMT Vapor Smoothing on the surface properties, mechanical properties, and dimensional variation of polypropylene parts. View Whitepaper Post Pro Vapor Smoothing on BASF TPU01 Test results of AMT Vapor Smoothing on the surface quality, mechanical properties and dimensional variation of BASF Ultrasint TPU01 View Whitepaper Explore more finishing options Learn more About Us Materials MJF 3D Printer HP Certification Get your parts into production today Request a quote

Welcome to Tempus 3D's Online Quote and Ordering Platform Upload your 3D models When you upload a file your model is reviewed for manufacturability. If any potential issues are identified you can submit your model for review or a manual quote. Choose material and finishing options Multiple material and finishing options are available to suit your specific needs. Ask for help to get a custom quote for large volumes or specialty orders. Review your order and pay Once your order is complete select from multiple payment and shipping methods. After your payment is processed your order goes into production. Your parts are produced and shipped Your order is produced by our HP Certified Production Professionals. Once complete it is reviewed for accuracy and shipped to you the same day. Get Started Quoting tool

Manufacturing end-use plastic parts with 3D printing technology is increasingly common as the materials and technologies become more advanced. High-performance coatings such as Cerakote are also becoming increasingly popular to improve the aesthetics and performance of the parts. Although powder coat is not commonly used on plastic, it is a familiar finish that can be an excellent baseline to use as a comparison for those who have not tried Cerakote before. What is Cerakote? Cerakote is a thin-film ceramic coating developed by NIC industries. Originally used on metal for military applications, Cerakote is becoming increasingly popular to improve the looks and performance of 3D printed plastic parts. Cerakote extremely durable and it can increase wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and hardness of the base material. Cerakote is applied as a paint, then air dried or heat-cured to chemically bond it to the surface of the part. Cerakote is a very thin compared to powder coat, with minimal effect on the dimensions of the coated part. What is Powder Coating? Powder coating is a finishing process in which dry powder material is applied to a surface, then heat-treated to create a hard coating. Powder coating can provide both functional and decorative surface coatings in a range of finishes and textures that are not as achievable by liquid coating methods. Cerakote Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Very thin, with a thickness of approximately 0.002”. Suitable for applications with a low dimensional tolerance. High abrasion resistance. Stable in UV light. Resistant to chemicals and fluids. High resistance to flaking and peeling. In a Taber abrasion test on Cerakote H-146 Graphite Black, Cerakote lasted nearly twice as long as the nearest competitive finish and 24 times as long as the furthest competitive finish. Disadvantages More expensive than powder coating. Not the best choice if a thick or textured finish is desired. Powder Coating Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Lower cost than Cerakote. Provides a thicker finish, if this is what is desired. Disadvantages Generally not used for plastics, due to the heat-curing process. Prone to chipping or peeling. Colors can be faded by UV light. Conclusion Overall, Cerakote and Powder coat are both excellent finishes and useful to enhance the performance, durability and looks of your end-use parts. When compared to powder coat, Cerakote is thinner, more resistant to chipping and scratching, and more stable in UV light. Cerakote also has excellent resistance to chemicals and liquids. When choosing a finish for plastic parts Cerakote is generally the finish of choice, as it is specifically formulated for a variety of plastics.

The rapid advancements in 3D printing technology and materials over the past decade have made it increasingly popular for product development and manufacturing end-use products. One of the most popular materials for industrial 3D printing is nylon because of it’s excellent material properties and versatility. However, there are a variety of types of nylon used for 3D printing, the two most common being Nylon PA11 and Nylon PA12. This article explains the key differences between the two when 3D printed with HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology. About Nylon Nylons are polyamides made from reacting carbon-based chemicals in a high-temperature, high-pressure environment. This chemical reaction, known as condensation polymerization, forms a polymer made of long chains of molecules which give nylon it's strength, flexibility and long-lasting durability. There are different varieties of nylon, each with unique properties. Their chemical compositions are identified with specific naming conventions. With Nylon PA11 and PA12, the PA stands for Polyamide, and the numbers identify the ratio of carbon atoms in their chemical components. Chemically, Nylon 12 and Nylon 11 are very similar, but the difference in carbon atoms results in two distinct plastics, each with unique benefits. Nylon PA11 and Nylon PA12: How do they compare? Nylon PA12 is a synthetic polyamide created from petroleum materials. Compared to Nylon 11, Nylon 12 has greater resistance to temperature extremes and can stay strong in below-freezing temperatures. Nylon 12 is also stiffer than Nylon 11, is resistant to cracking and is extremely long-lasting. Nylon PA11 is a bioplastic polyamide created from vegetable and castor oil, which means that Nylon 11 has a lower environmental impact than Nylon 12. Overall Nylon 11 has greater elasticity and thermal resistance than Nylon 12. Both are stable in UV light and weather. Nylon PA12 properties Most commonly used nylon for 3D printing applications. Chemically resistant to oils, fuels, grease, solvents, hydraulic fluids, salts, and water. Excellent resistance to heat. High wear resistance. Commonly used for a variety of uses, including fully functioning end-use parts and as an alternative to injection-molded plastics. Nylon 11 properties Chemically resistant to hydrocarbons, ketones, aldehydes, fuels, alcohols, oils, fats, mineral bases, salts and detergents. Low water absorption. Impact resistant. Good resistance to heat. Commonly used for functional parts that require high strength or impact resistance. Uses include mechanically loaded functional prototypes, automotive interiors, and moving assemblies (such as hinges). Conclusion The excellent material properties of Nylon have made it one of the most commonly used plastics for manufacturing and 3D printing. Understanding the differences between Nylon PA12 and Nylon PA11 can ensure you get the best results for your end-use application. Ready for your next project? To learn more about the material properties and end-use applications of nylon and other engineering-grade 3D printing plastics which are 3D printed with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, check out Tempus 3D’s materials comparison page. If you are ready to create your next project, visit our online quote and ordering page for pricing and ordering details. . Tempus 3D is a Canadian 3D printing service bureau which specializes in manufacturing affordable, high-quality engineering-grade plastics using industry-leading HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology. Sources: www.hp.com/us-en/printers/3d-printers/products/multi-jet-technology.html, www.weerg.com/guides/nylon-pa-11-vs-pa-12. Images courtesy of HP.

Injection moulding and 3D printing are the two most commonly used methods for manufacturing plastic parts, but it can be hard to decide which is most suitable for your project. Each manufacturing process has its own advantages and can be used together as complementary manufacturing methods. This guide compares the optimal uses of each. How do 3D printing and injection moulding work? 3D printing 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. Essentially it prints by adding material one layer at a time, from the bottom up. Additive manufacturing can produce shapes and parts that are either difficult or even impossible to create using other fabrication methods, and an increasing variety of materials are available for use with this manufacturing process. Injection moulding Injection moulding uses moulds to manufacture parts. First, a mould is made of a temperature-resistant material in a reverse image of the part being produced. Once the mould has been manufactured, plastic is injected into the mould and allowed to cool, to produce the final part. With this process, multiple parts can be manufactured at once. How do 3D printing and injection moulding compare? Production volume The volume of the production run is a major deciding factor when deciding whether to use 3D printing or injection moulding. For high-volume production of identical parts (1000+) injection molding is the most effective and affordable. For low volumes (10-100+), 3D printing is more cost-effective. For mid-volume production, other factors including design complexity, turnaround time and customization must be taken into consideration. Design complexity There are many factors which need to be considered when designing for injection moulding, as the part must be able to be removed from the mould when it is complete. A complex design must be moulded in many pieces and subsequently fit together, and delicate areas must be treated with care. Generally, more complex designs are more expensive. With 3D printing, the parts are built layer-by-layer, which gives the designer a great amount of freedom when designing the part. A complex part is as easy and affordable to 3D print as a simple design. Production time Injection moulding has a long lead time because a mould must be designed and built for the part being manufactured. It generally takes 10-20 days to design and build the mould before the parts can be produced. With 3D printing, the CAD file is simply uploaded to the printer and is ready to build, with delivery times as low as 24 hours. Customization When injection moulding, a new mould must be built each time the design is changed. This can cost anywhere from ~$100 for a 3D-printed low-volume injection mould to $100,000+ for a complex steel mould for mass production. This makes design changes very expensive and time-consuming. With 3D printing, all modifications are made with 3D modelling software. The CAD file can be sent directly to the 3D printer to be manufactured, making modifications or custom designs very quick and easy to produce. This makes 3D printing very useful for applications such as designing and testing prototypes, creating customized consumer goods, and creating medical devices formed to the human body. Material strength The injection moulding process creates parts in one single piece, making it strong across all dimensions. With 3D printing the parts are built layer by layer, making the final part weaker along the layer lines. More recently developed 3D printing processes have minimized these weaker layers, and provide strength close to injection moulded parts. Parts requiring strength in a certain direction can be oriented in the print bed to provide strength in the desired direction, as shown in this video where a 3D-printed chain link is used to lift a car. Surface finish Injection moulded parts have a wider variety of finish options than 3D-printed parts. Injection moulded parts often undergo additional surface finishing to hide imperfections such as the flow lines, knit lines, sink marks and shadow marks that are a result of injection moulding. 3D printed parts can have a textured surface finish integrated into the design, but the finished part can show slight layer lines. These lines can be minimized if the part is oriented properly in the print bed. An additional step of post-processing is often used to smooth the parts to improve aesthetics or material properties. 3D printing and injection moulding in the manufacturing cycle Often 3D printing and injection moulding are both used in the product development and manufacturing cycle. A product can be designed and tested with 3D printed prototypes, and initial production runs can be manufactured with 3D printing until the production volume is high enough to justify the expense of injection moulding. In this case, the part can be designed for the injection moulding process so the transition between the two manufacturing processes is seamless. 3D printing is again used in the end-stage lifecycle of a product to create legacy parts for older or discontinued equipment. 3D printing can also be used to create moulds for injection moulding, or create unique parts such as jigs and fixtures. Summary Conclusion Both injection moulding and 3D printing serve different and complementary purposes in manufacturing. When choosing which one to use, it is important to consider which factors are most important, including cost, production volume, delivery time, material properties and your stage in the design and manufacturing process.