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Cascade Orthotics Designed 3D Printed Back Brace Multi-Jet Fusion PA-12 Nylon Hand brace For over 30 years, Cascade Orthotics has been a trusted name in custom orthotic care in Calgary. Best known for their work in spinal orthotics, they've continued to grow and adapt by expanding their services and embracing the latest technologies. We caught up with Jeff Wright to hear more about Cascade’s journey, their day-to-day work, and how they’re using modern tools to make a real impact on patients' lives.   Be sure to check Cascade's website! Instagram: @cascadeyyc Getting Started and What Drives Them    Can you tell us a bit about how Cascade Orthotics got started and what made you want to get into this kind of work?    The business has been around for about 30 years. I’d say Cascade is most known for providing spinal orthotic care. We deal with a lot of trauma related to spine fractures and scoliosis. Even though we do a lot of other types of orthotics and bracing, that’s probably what we’re most known for.   Personally, I was drawn to the field because it brings together a lot of different disciplines. I liked the idea of applying anatomy, materials science, and biomechanics. I also enjoy working with advanced technology like 3D scanning and CAD, and being able to use that to help people.   How have things changed at Cascade since it first opened?    In the ten years I’ve been involved, we’ve definitely broadened what we do. While we still do a lot of trauma spinal work, we now provide a wider range of orthotic services. We also work with a bigger variety of patients, from kids to seniors.   What values or goals guide your team in how you treat patients?    We really focus on offering a modern approach to orthotic care. Our team considers ourselves early adopters of 3D scanning, CAD design, and digital fabrication tools like carving and 3D printing.      Services and Patient Care    You offer a wide range of orthotics. What kinds of conditions do you usually treat?    I like to describe it as head-to-toe bracing. I always joke that we do everything except teeth, since people often mix us up with orthodontists when we say we’re orthotists.   Some of the most common conditions we see include stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, arthritis, and traumatic fractures.   How do you make sure each device is really tailored to the individual?    Most of what we do is custom-made. The design process is a mix of clinical experience, patient feedback, and knowledge of what’s considered best practice for the specific type of orthosis that’s needed.   Do you work with other healthcare providers as part of your care process?    Yes, quite regularly. Orthoses are typically prescribed by general physicians or specialists. Many of the people we work with also see physiotherapists or occupational therapists. When we’re working with inpatients, we rely a lot on nurses and hospital staff too.      Tools and Technology    You’ve mentioned using things like 3D scanning and printing. How have those changed the way you work?    We rely heavily on digital workflows for a few key reasons. For one, they allow us to be more efficient. We don’t need to deal with heavy plaster casts, which is especially helpful when working with torsos or large limbs. It also saves us from a lot of the hands-on manual work like casting, filling casts, and modifying by hand.   We also find the digital tools are also more accurate. Our 3D scanners have a high degree of precision, and CAD software helps us make very exact design adjustments. Then with 3D carving and printing, we’re able to fabricate devices that really maintain that accuracy all the way from scan to final product.   3D printing in particular has been a big step forward. It gives us design flexibility that we don’t have with traditional vacuum forming. That means we can make devices that look and perform differently.   What do you like about using PA-12 nylon in your devices?    We like PA-12 and the MJF process because of how consistent and strong it is. It has a high level of isotropy, which is important for durability. We can drill into it, attach components with rivets, and even make some adjustments after it’s been printed.      Working with Patients    What do you do to make sure your patients have a good experience?    We always try to understand what their goals and expectations are. Then we match that with our own knowledge and experience to come up with a solution that we’re all confident in. Whenever possible, we like to give patients a few different options and let them decide which direction to take.   How do you gather feedback and use it to improve?    That’s something we’ve started focusing on more recently. We just launched our social media platforms to help share more about what we do and also to encourage patients to show us what they’re doing with their orthoses. We’re also launching a formal feedback program within the clinic.      Looking Ahead    You’re based in Calgary. Do you do much community outreach or public education?    That’s something we’re hoping to build on through our social media presence. We want to raise awareness about orthotic care. We also provide in-service or education sessions to different hospital units to increase their knowledge about working with orthotic inpatients.    What’s next for Cascade Orthotics? Are there any new tools or services you’re excited about?    We’re always keeping an eye out for new products and technology. Right now, we’re interested in adding a degree of automation to our workflow in order to make our design process even more efficient. We also think that could help us grow our 3D printing capabilities.   How do you stay on top of what’s new in the orthotics field?    Our clinicians attend different conferences focused on orthotic care. We also meet with product reps who keep us up to date with new materials and components. And, we talk with our colleagues in the field to learn what’s working for them.   We love proudly supporting forward-thinking clinics like Cascade Orthotics with precise, production-grade additive manufacturing. Contact us to explore how we can support your custom healthcare components! Multi Jet Fusion 3D printed Foot and Ankle orthodic Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Alberta, BC, Washington, and Oregon. Serving Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland from its location in Trail, BC.

We’re excited to share that SLA printing is soon available at Tempus 3D! We’ve added a Formlabs 3BL to our production lineup, expanding the range of high-quality parts we can offer and giving you more options for detailed, precision work.  Whether you need smooth surface finishes, fine features, or functional prototypes that closely match final products, SLA is a powerful addition to your manufacturing toolkit.  What Is SLA Printing?  SLA, or stereolithography, is a resin-based 3D printing technology that uses a laser to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic. It’s known for its ability to produce highly detailed parts with extremely smooth surfaces and sharp features.  Unlike powder-based processes like our MJF or SLS, SLA parts come off the printer with a polished appearance and minimal layer lines. This makes it a go-to solution for parts where aesthetics and precision matter.  What SLA Is Best For  SLA is ideal when you need:  Fine details and smooth surfaces that mimic injection-molded plastic  Tight dimensional tolerances on small or complex parts  Prototypes with a high-quality look and feel  Mold masters, tooling, and casting patterns  Dental, medical, or wearable components with biocompatibility  While the part strength of SLA resins varies, some formulations are well suited for mechanical use, while others focus on appearance, flexibility, or heat resistance. We’ll be releasing our full resin list soon!    Why We Chose the Formlabs 3BL  The Formlabs 3B L  is built for industrial-scale SLA printing, offering a large build volume and exceptional part accuracy. It’s designed to handle production-grade applications while maintaining the quality and reliability that Formlabs is known for.  With the 3BL, we can produce everything from engineering prototypes to custom end-use parts with professional-quality results.  We are very excited to add this machine to our fleet, and look forward to printing your products!  What This Means for You  Adding SLA to our capabilities means we can offer:  More options for prototyping and low-volume production  Faster lead times for highly detailed parts  Greater flexibility when appearance and finish are a top priority  Specialized materials for medical, dental, and casting applications  Keep a close eye on our Instant Quote tool to see when we official launch availability!  Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

We’re excited to share two new upgrades to our 3D printing lineup at Tempus 3D.  First, we are soon switching over to PA-12S for all of our Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) prints. Second, we’re now offering SLA (Stereolithography) printing as a new service. Both changes are part of our goal to give you even better-looking parts, more options, and consistent results every time you order! PA-12S: A Better Look with the Same Trusted Performance  HP’s new PA-12S material is a next-generation version of the classic PA-12 Nylon that many of our customers already use. It offers the same strength, durability, and reusability, but with some nice improvements:  Cleaner, more uniform surface finish  Improved consistency across complex builds  Almost no changes to part strength or material waste  So if you’ve used PA-12 before, you can expect the same great performance with a smoother, more polished look.  Read the more detailed blog here! SLA Printing: High Detail and Smooth Finish  We’re also excited to add SLA printing  to our services. SLA uses a liquid resin and a laser to build parts with extremely fine detail and smooth surfaces. It’s a great option when visual quality and precision really matter.  SLA is ideal for:  Highly detailed prototypes  Small parts with fine features  Molds, patterns, and tools  End-use parts that need a polished appearance  Read the more detailed blog here! We’re currently finalizing our specific list of resins, so stay tuned for more info! Tempus 3D is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF technology, Sinterit SLS technology, and Formlabs 3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland. To request a quote, please contact our team at info@tempus3d.com  or through our contac t  us  page.

At Tempus 3D, we’re proud to support meaningful innovation through additive manufacturing. In this video, Justin Johnson, a Selkirk College graduate and research assistant at the Selkirk Technology Access Centre , showcases a 3D-printed adaptive fishing rod holder designed for individuals with limited or no hand function. Developed in collaboration with Fishing Forever and the BC Wildlife Federation , this inclusive design uses clever mechanics to make fishing more accessible—no grip strength required. Watch how 3D printing helps turn a class project into a province-wide initiative that’s making a real impact across British Columbia. Justin Johnson demonstrating his 3D printed fishing rod holder that makes fishing more accessible. Want to turn your idea into a product that makes a difference? Whether you’re developing adaptive equipment or prototyping for production, contact Tempus 3D to start your next project. Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

Philip Carter's drone fully assembled When Philip started building aircraft as a teenager, he wasn’t just exploring how things fly—he was questioning how they should . Years later, he’s become a specialist in a complex area of drone design: ducted, counter-rotating propulsion systems that emphasize safety, reduced noise, and control. “My drones aren’t flying cameras,” Philip says. “They’re platforms for testing new propulsion concepts.” With experience contributing to open-source tools like MIT’s Xrotor and the FTC suite, Philip builds drones from the ground up. His goal is to develop compact, quiet UAVs that are safer to operate near people—and more efficient than traditional open-rotor designs.Achieving that means working within tight design constraints. “We’re running at 14,000 RPM with 0.7 mm tolerances,” he explains. “You can’t prototype that with off-the-shelf parts. The material and accuracy have to be reliable.” That’s where Tempus 3D came in. Very tight tolerances between the blades and the duct Using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 5200 system, Tempus helped Philip prototype complex components—fan ducts, housings, and control structures—with the precision and durability needed for high-performance testing. “Tempus made it possible to move quickly without compromising on quality,” he says. “I’m not building for show—I’m building to solve real engineering problems. That means fast iteration, aggressive testing, and confidence in the parts I’m using.” Philip also designed a custom 2-axis gimbal rig and thrust bench to measure performance in real-world conditions, allowing him to refine each iteration without risking a full flight test. His advice to others working in UAV development? Skip the templates. The custom test gimbal “There are enough cookie-cutter quadcopters out there. If you’re going to build something, make it count. Innovate.” Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

Remember when it felt like the world ran out of everything from toilet paper to auto parts? Global supply chain disruptions made headlines for years, but quietly, a powerful solution has been emerging: 3D printing. Why 3D Printing Is a Game-Changer Industrial 3D printing enables objects to be built layer by layer from digital blueprints. It’s like having a fully functional mini-factory right where you need it, no more waiting weeks for overseas shipments or navigating customs delays. Local Manufacturing, Global Advantages The impact of 3D printing, especially 3D printing in Canada, is profound: - Production Where It’s Needed: Whether it’s Toronto, Vancouver, or a remote town in the Yukon, industrial 3D printers can set up shop close to end users. Need a replacement part? Just print it locally. No transcontinental shipping required. - Faster Prototyping and Personalization: Businesses can design, prototype, and refine products within days and often without leaving the country. - Reduced Waste and Inventory: The “print-on-demand” model means fewer resources are wasted, and less capital is tied up in unused inventory. Beating the Supply Chain Bottleneck Traditional supply chains falter when overseas factories shut down or shipping routes are clogged. Made-in-Canada 3D printing solutions offer a nimble alternative: - Streamlined Production: Skip the middlemen. Designs go straight to production, minimizing error points and delays. - Rapid Response Capability: Need an urgent part replacement? Local industrial 3D printing facilities can deliver within hours. - Supply Chain Resilience: Localized production reduces dependence on fragile global networks. Whether it’s a pandemic or port shutdown, communities stay operational and secure. The Future Is Local and Layered Gone are the days when 3D printing was only for hobbyists and engineers. Today, it’s fueling a quiet revolution in how we make things—more flexibly, more sustainably, and more locally. 3D printing in Canada is leading the charge, empowering businesses and communities to design and produce faster, cleaner, and smarter. Ready to explore the benefits of industrial 3D printing for your business? The next revolution in manufacturing is already underway. Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

Orthotics manufacturers are increasingly embracing industrial 3D printing to build custom orthotics for their customers. Creating custom orthotic insoles using 3D printing technology involves a combination of digital foot scanning, design software, and 3D printing hardware. Compared to traditional methods of manufacturing orthotics, digital manufacturing of orthotics results in higher accuracy, quicker manufacturing times, and reduced labor. Here's a guide to software providers and digital scanner manufacturers that are commonly used in the industry. Steps to Create Custom Orthotic Insoles Foot Scanning Othorics manufacturers use a digital scanner to capture a detailed 3D image of the patient's foot. This image will serve as the basis for the custom insole design. Modeling and Design Once you have a scanned image of the patient's foot, import the scanned data into orthotics design software. Use the software to create a custom orthotic design that meets the patient's specific needs, including arch support, cushioning, and corrective features. 3D Printing Once the design is finalized, send the model to a 3D printer. Choose the appropriate material for the insole, such as flexible polymers for comfort and support. Common materials include Nylon 12 and Nylon 11 for stiffer orthotics, and TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) for greater rebound and flexibility. Post-Processing After printing, some insoles may require post-processing, such as vapor smoothing to enhance material properties or adding top covers for additional comfort. Fitting and Adjustment Fit the 3D printed insoles to the patient and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and functionality. By combining accurate scanning technology with advanced design software, the creation of custom orthotic insoles becomes a precise and personalized process, with a quicker turnaround time and a more precise fit for the patient. Digital Scanners for 3D Printed Orthotic Manufacturing There are a variety of companies that specialize in creating digital scanning technology to produce 3-dimensional images of the foot. These range from small scanners that attach to your mobile device to stand-on scanners capable of diagnosing specific foot conditions. The companies listed below are some of the more popular options on the market, listed in no particular order. Ellinvision Overview : Elinvision specializes in high-precision 3D scanning technologies applicable to healthcare and orthotics. They provide advanced scanning solutions known for their accuracy in capturing detailed anatomical data, essential for designing customized orthotic solutions that meet individual patient needs. Top Products : iQube , iQube S , S3DT Website : Elinvision LutraCAD Overview : LutraCAD scanners are advanced tools designed for capturing precise 3D images of the foot, essential for creating custom orthotic insoles. These scanners provide detailed measurements and accurate contours, ensuring a perfect fit for orthotics. Compatible with LutraCAD software, they streamline the workflow from scanning to design and production. The user-friendly interface and high-resolution scanning capabilities make LutraCAD scanners ideal for professionals seeking efficient and reliable solutions for orthotic manufacturing. Top Products : LX500 Compact , LX800 Plus , LXL1800 Website : LutraCAD pedCAT Overview : The PedCAT 3D scanner, developed by CurveBeam, is a specialized imaging device designed for foot and ankle diagnostics. It uses cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to produce high-resolution, 3D images of the foot, providing detailed views of bone structure and joint alignment. The PedCAT scans the foot while the patient is in a natural standing position, which enhances diagnostic accuracy. Top Product : pedCAT Website : Curvebeam AI Scanpod 3D Overview : Scanpod 3D specializes in developing high-resolution 3D scanning solutions tailored for orthotics and medical applications. The Scanpod 3D Scanner is known for its accuracy in capturing detailed foot anatomy, facilitating the creation of custom-fit orthotic insoles with precise measurements. Some of the scanners also have auto-landmarking, measuring, and diagnostic capabilities. Top Product s: XSOL and XPOD  product lines Website : Scanpod 3D Volumental Overview : Volumental specializes in creating 3D scanning solutions for footwear and orthotics, focusing on enhancing customer fitting experiences. Their 3D Foot Scanner uses computer vision and machine learning to create accurate 3D models of feet, facilitating the design and production of custom orthotic insoles. Top Product : Volumental 3D Foot Scanner , Volumental online mobile foot scanning Website : Volumental Artec 3D Overview : Artec 3D offers high-precision 3D scanning solutions renowned for their accuracy and versatility in capturing detailed foot anatomy. The Artec Eva is a handheld scanner ideal for capturing medium to large objects, while the Artec Space Spider excels in capturing intricate details with high resolution, making them suitable for orthotics design and production. Top Products : Artec Eva , Artec Space Spider Website : Artec 3D Revopoint Overview : Revopoint offers cost-effective and portable 3D scanning solutions suitable for medical applications, including orthotics. The Revopoint POP 3 Plus is designed for ease of use and affordability, making it accessible for professionals seeking accurate 3D scans of foot anatomy for orthotics design and manufacturing. Top Product : POP 3 Plus Website : Revopoint Occipital Structure Sensor Overview: Structure Sensor specializes in producing scanning technology which converts your mobile device to a 3D scanner.   These scanners offer a cost-effe ctive solution for capturing precise foot data, facilitating the creation of custom 3D-printed insoles. The Structure Sensor is widely adopted in the orthotics and prosthetics field. Top Products:   Structure Sensor 3 , Structure SDK 3.0 Website : Structure.io Apple iPhones and Orthotics Apps Overview: The LIDAR cameras in newer iPhones and iPads create precise 3D scans of objects, including feet. For orthotics manufacturing, the LIDAR sensor emits light pulses that bounce off the foot, capturing detailed measurements and contours. This data is processed by specialized apps, transforming it into an accurate 3D model. One example is the Comb app, which converts the scans into orthotics models. Comb also provides a scanning fixture which helps create accurate 3D scans of the foot. Website: Combscan Design Software for 3D Printed Orthotic Manufacturing There are various software options available that convert digital scans into designs for orthotic footwear suitable for 3D printing. Here are just a few of the many choices. Fit360 Overview: Fit360 is a cutting-edge 3D scanning solution designed for creating custom orthotic insoles. Using advanced scanning technology, it captures precise foot measurements and contours, ensuring a perfect fit. Fit360's portable and user-friendly device quickly generates detailed 3D models of the foot, which are then used to design and manufacture personalized orthotic insoles with 3D printing technology. This technology enhances the comfort and effectiveness of orthotics by providing accurate data on foot structure and pressure distribution, leading to better support and alignment for users. Website:   https://fit360ltd.com/ Gespodo Overview: Gespodo is a leading provider of 3D scanning and printing solutions for custom orthotic insoles. Utilizing advanced scanning technology, Gespodo captures accurate and detailed foot measurements, which are essential for designing tailored orthotics. Their system ensures a precise fit by analyzing foot structure and pressure points, resulting in insoles that offer superior support and comfort. Gespodo offers the Footscan 3D mobile scanning app with the FootCAD3D design software that designs custom footbeds based on teh scan. Website: https://podo.gespodo.com/en/ Leopoly Overview: Leopoly's LeoShape is a versatile 3D modeling and design software tailored for creating custom products, including orthotic insoles. It offers an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of designing personalized 3D models, making it accessible for users with varying levels of expertise. LeoShape's powerful customization tools allow for precise adjustments based on detailed foot scans, ensuring a perfect fit and enhanced comfort for orthotic insoles. The software supports integration with various 3D scanners and printers, streamlining the workflow from design to production. Website: https://leopoly.com/leoshape/ LutraCAD Overview: LutraCAD software is designed for creating custom orthotic insoles with precision and efficiency. It features advanced modeling tools that allow for detailed customization based on individual foot scans, ensuring a perfect fit. The software integrates seamlessly with various 3D scanners and printers, including their own line of scanners. LutraCAD's intuitive interface makes it accessible to both professionals and newcomers in the orthotics field. Service Providers for 3D Printed Orthotic Manufacturing Most orthotics companies outsource the manufacturing of their 3D-printed insoles to guarantee precision and the use of top-quality materials. By partnering with 3D printing service providers, these companies can access a broad selection of industrial-grade materials with superior material properties, without needing to invest in their own 3D printers. Additionally, 3D printing service providers are capable of mass production, delivering dozens or even hundreds of orthotics within days of ordering. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of orthotic solutions but also accelerates the delivery of customized products to patients, ultimately improving their comfort and mobility. 3D Print your Orthotics Insoles with Tempus 3D Partner with Tempus 3D for your orthotics digital manufacturing services. Tempus 3D has experience in manufacturing custom orthotics for the Canadian market, using industry-leading HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology. Offering experience, precision, and guaranteed quality, Tempus ensures your orthotics are manufactured on-time and on-spec. Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

Introduction The two main 3D printing processes for creating commercial-grade nylon parts are HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and Stereolithography (SLS). Each process produces parts with a high level of detail and structural integrity, but how do they compare? HP completed an experiment to examine the impact of accelerated weathering on HP Nylon PA12 W to two main SLS competitor materials. The experiment tracked changes in colour, mechanical properties, and dimensional properties. This article summarizes the main findings of the study. Test Description For this study, HP simulated long-term weathering conditions on 3D printed parts using a combination of fluorescent UV light, temperature, and condensation. The purpose was to compare Nylon PA 12 W produced with HP Multi Jet Fusion, and two comparable Nylon PA 12 materials produced with SLS 3D printing technology. Results Overall, HP Nylon PA 12 W performed better than the Nylon PA12 materials produced with SLS technology. The HP Nylon PA 12 W retained 80 – 90% of its initial mechanical properties, and it didn't show any visible aesthetic changes after extensive exposure to the test conditions. The results are summarized in the table below. Summary of the data after 1,000 hours of exposure for the different materials (Courtesy of HP) Colour The colour of the HP Nylon PA12 compared to the SLS materials was compared at 200 hours, and again at 1,000 hours. After only 200 hours (approx. 8 days) of accelerated weathering, the SLS materials show a clearly visible colour change compared to the HP Nylon PA 12 W material. After 1,000 hours of accelerated testing (around 41 days), the SLS materials have an ∆Ecmc that’s at least 3 times higher than HP Nylon PA 12 W material. Change in color as shown by the increase in ∆Ecmc (Courtesy of HP) Mechanical Properties The graphs below show how the accelerated weathering testing affected the mechanical properties of HP Nylon PA 12 W and the SLS materials. The testing parameters can be defined as follows: Elongation at break (%) shows ductility and how much the material can stretch before breaking. Young’s modulus (MPa), also known as modulus of elasticity, measures the stiffness of the material. Tensile strength at break (MPa) measures the maximum stress a material can withstand before breaking. Charpy impact strength measures the amount of energy absorbed by a material during fracture . During the testing process, all of the materials exhibited relatively stable stiffness over time. However, the HP material exhibited stable ductility and strength properties over time, while SLS materials showed significant degradation after the testing was complete. Top, change in elongation at break as a function of time. Bottom, change in tensile strength at break as a function of time Top, change in Young’s modulus as a function of time. Bottom, change in Charpy impact strength as a function of time. Dimensional Changes The dimensional change of each of the materials was measured through the weathering study, using the charpy impact bars as a reference. All materials show very little change in their dimensions over time. The variations ranged mostly between +0.5% and -0.5%. Change in linear thickness as a function of time and change in linear length as a function of time. Conclusion The results of the accelerated weathering study showed that the HP Nylon PA12 material showed superior colour retention and ductility when compared to the Nylon PA12 3D printed with SLS technology. The HP Nylon 12 showed great colour stability and retained 80-90% of ductility at the end of the test period. The results of the study combined with customer feedback suggests that HP Nylon PA12 W material will be suitable for applications such as medical devices or cosmetic parts where white colour consistency is important, and also suitable for parts which require an extended use or shelf life. Learn more about HP Nylon PA12 W and HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing processes. Click on the link below to read the full accelerated weathering study. Data and images courtesy of HP. Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

The Benefits of Keeping Manufacturing Local: A Client Spotlight on Rainman   In product development, being able to work closely with a manufacturer can make a huge difference. Charlie O-Shea, founder of Rainman, has seen this firsthand. By partnering with Tempus 3D, a Canadian additive manufacturing company, he’s been able to take a more hands-on approach, ensuring his products are made efficiently and with minimal error.  "The benefits and purpose of working with Tempus 3D, a local manufacturing company, is the ability that you can work closely, with a hands-on approach.... and make changes if needed. No second guessing through emails and less time wasted with mailing and deliveries. This can end up being a substantial savings." – Charlie O-Shea, Rainman  Why Work with a Canadian Manufacturer?  Faster Turnaround & Cost Savings  Working with an overseas manufacturer often means long lead times, unexpected shipping costs, and delays. Keeping production local eliminates a lot of that hassle. As Charlie points out, fewer emails, reduced shipping time, and the ability to make changes in person add up to serious time and cost savings.  Hands-On Collaboration & Quality Control   Having direct access to a manufacturing partner allows for quicker decision-making and fewer mistakes. Rather than going back and forth over emails, businesses can meet in person, see the production process firsthand, and make necessary adjustments right away. That kind of direct involvement ensures a higher level of quality and precision.  Supporting Local Innovation & Sustainability   Choosing a Canadian manufacturer doesn’t just benefit individual businesses—it supports the local economy and helps drive innovation at home. It also reduces the environmental impact of international shipping, making the entire process more sustainable.  How Rainman Benefits from Local Manufacturing   By working with Tempus 3D, Charlie has been able to streamline production, minimize errors, and get products to market faster. It’s a great example of how local partnerships can make manufacturing more efficient and reliable, and much less stressful!  For companies looking to improve their production process, working with a Canadian digital manufacturer like Tempus 3D (link) offers real advantages—clear communication, lower costs, and a stronger connection between design and production. Be sure to check Charlie's Instagram!: https://www.instagram.com/rainman_raincovers/?hl=en

At Tempus 3D, we’re always looking for ways to improve the quality, consistency, and performance of the parts we produce. That’s why we’ve made the decision to switch all of our in-house Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) production from PA-12 to PA-12S.  While PA-12S may sound like a small variation, it introduces a number of subtle improvements that benefit both the printing process and the final part quality.   What Is PA-12S?  PA-12S is HP’s next-generation nylon 12 material for MJF 3D printing. Like the standard PA-12 you may already be familiar with, PA-12S is a strong, durable thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance.  It keeps everything that made PA-12 a reliable material and introduces a few refinements that make it better suited for high-quality, high-consistency manufacturing.  Key Benefits of PA-12S   1. Smoother Surface Finish   Thanks to a more refined particle structure, PA-12S produces parts with a PA 12 S is ideal for producing premium surface aesthetics noticeably smoother surface straight out of the printer. This improves part quality and can reduce the amount of time needed for post-processing, sanding, or finishing.  2. Greater Consistency in Builds   One of the biggest benefits of PA-12S is improved print consistency across different part geometries, sizes, and orientations. This makes it easier for us to maintain tight tolerances and deliver predictable results, even in complex or high-detail projects.  3. Improved Flow and Packing Efficiency   PA-12S has better flow characteristics during the powder spreading process, which helps reduce variability from build to build. This also enables more efficient packing of parts in each print job, which helps us reduce lead times and increase throughput.  4. Strong and Functional Parts   Like standard PA-12, PA-12S offers excellent mechanical strength and durability. It remains a great choice for both prototypes and production parts that need to handle wear, load, and repeated use. The material is still well suited for functional applications across industries like automotive, medical, robotics, and consumer products.  5. Great Material Refresh Rate   PA-12S retains a similar material refresh rate as PA-12, this keeps our production just as efficient and sustainable as before, while offering improvements in print quality.  Applications That Benefit Most from PA-12S  While PA-12S is a strong all-around material, but it especially shines in the following applications:  Mechanical parts  that require tight tolerances  Snap fits and enclosures  that need dimensional stability  Production components  with repetitive geometries or large print volumes  Prototypes  that need a good balance of strength, accuracy, and speed  Parts with fine features  where surface smoothness adds value  If your application previously used PA-12, the transition to PA-12S will feel seamless, but the results may be more consistent and visually cleaner.  No Need to Change Your Files   The best part is that this upgrade requires no changes on your end! We will be transitioning to PA-12S for all MJF prints, so every new part you order will soon benefit from these improvements automatically.  If you’ve ordered parts from us before using PA-12, you can expect the same great performance, with a few improvements that may reduce finishing time and improve overall part consistency.

From prosthetic limbs to personalized implants, 3D printing technology is rapidly transforming the medical field. This innovative process offers a unique opportunity to create customized solutions for patients, pushing the boundaries of traditional healthcare practices. The Impact of 3D Printing in Medicine 3D printing allows for the creation of patient-specific models of organs, bones, and other anatomical structures. These models are invaluable for surgeons, enabling them to: Plan complex surgeries with greater precision. By studying a 3D-printed replica of a patient's organ, surgeons can identify potential problems and refine their surgical approach, leading to better outcomes and reduced complications. Practice and rehearse procedures beforehand. Surgeons can use 3D-printed models to practice complex surgeries beforehand, improving their skills and confidence, ultimately leading to shorter surgery times and improved patient experiences. Educate patients and their families. 3D-printed models can be used to show patients and their families what to expect during a surgery, leading to better understanding and informed decisions. Beyond Surgical Planning 3D printing is also being used to create a range of innovative medical devices and implants, including: Prosthetics: 3D-printed prosthetics are now available for patients of all ages, offering a more comfortable and functional solution than traditional prosthetics. Implants: 3D printing allows for the creation of custom-made implants, such as hip and knee replacements, which can be perfectly matched to a patient's individual anatomy. Medical devices: 3D-printed medical devices, such as splints and casts, can be quickly and easily created at the point of care, providing patients with customized solutions without the need for long waiting lists.   The Future of 3D Printing in Medicine The potential of 3D printing in medicine is vast. Researchers are currently exploring the use of 3D printing for: Bioprinting organs and tissues for transplantation: This technology could revolutionize organ transplantation, addressing the critical shortage of donor organs. Creating personalized drug delivery systems: 3D-printed drugs could be designed to release medication at specific times and dosages, improving the efficacy of treatment. Developing new medical devices and surgical techniques: 3D printing will continue to drive innovation in the medical field, leading to new and improved ways to diagnose and treat diseases. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, its impact on the medical sector is sure to become even more profound. This transformative technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and ultimately make healthcare more accessible and personalized. Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

Whether you are building prototypes or end-use parts, your material choice will depend on the characteristics you want your finished object to have. Learn about the materials available for HP Multi Jet Fusion, the advantages of each, and how they compare*. One of the most important questions to answer with 3D printing is what material is best fit for your specific end-use application. 3D printing allows for a wide range of materials to be used, each of with a variety of characteristics and capabilities. With HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), you have a variety of plastic polymers to choose from. The Multi Jet Fusion priinting process produces consistently precise, robust results, but each material choce has specific advantages including stiffness, elongation at break, water resistance, chemical resistance and biocompatibility. These can be sub-categorized as rigid polymers, which have a low-to-medium stiffness, elongation, and rigidity; and elastomeric polymers, which have a high elastic elongation and high flexibility to minimize breaking or cracking. Rigid 3D Printing Polymers HP Nylon PA12 HP Nylon PA12 is an all-purpose 3D printing material ideal for producing strong, low-cost, quality parts and functional prototypes. Robust thermoplastic produces high-density parts with balanced property profiles and strong structures. Provides good chemical resistance to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alkalies. Ideal for complex assemblies, housings, enclosures, and watertight applications. Biocompatibility certification - meets USP Class I-VI and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices. Designed for production of functional parts across a variety of industries. Achieves watertight properties without any additional post-processing. Reliably produce final parts and functional prototypes with fine detail and dimensional accuracy. Learn more about Nylon PA12 Case Study - Dustram Chipping Hammer Case Study - Air Force Velocity Snowmobile Parts HP Nylon 12 Glass Bead Nylon 12 Glass Bead is ideal for producing stiff, dimensionally stable, quality parts. Filled with 40% glass bead to provide dimensional stability. Ideal for applications requiring high stiffness like enclosures and housings, fixtures and tooling. Designed for production of functional parts across a variety of industries. Engineered to produce common glass bead applications with detail and dimensional accuracy. Learn more about Nylon PA12 Glass Bead HP Polypropylene (PP) HP Polypropylene is ideal for functional parts with low moisture absorption and chemical resistance. Versatile material ideal for a wide range of automotive, industrial, consumer goods, and medical applications. Excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption makes this material ideal for piping or fluid systems and containers. Outstanding welding capabilities with other polypropylene parts produced with traditional methods like injection molding. Biocompatibility—meets ISO 10993 and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices Statements. Learn more about HP Polypropylene HP Nylon PA 11 Nylon PA11 is ideal for producing ductile, quality parts. Provides excellent chemical resistance and high elongation-at-break. Impact resistance and ductility for prostheses, insoles, sports goods, snap fits, living hinges, and more. Bio-compatibility: meets USP Class I-VI and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices. Renewable raw material from vegetable castor oil (reduced environmental impact). produce final parts and functional prototypes with fine detail, and dimensional accuracy. Flexible 3D Printing Polymer Elastomeric polymers have a high elastic elongation and high flexibility to minimize breaking or cracking. BASF Ultrasint TPU Ideal for producing flexible, functional parts. Excellent rebound resilience and elongation-at-break. Optimal mechanical resistance at low temperatures. Ideal for applications like winter sports equipment, car interiors, robotics and grippers, and fluid systems. High level of detail. Robust parts withstand abusive environments. Learn more about Ultrasint TPU01 Explore TPU use cases HP 3D Printing Materials Comparison Chart The following chart provides a quick comparison of materials produced with the HP Multi Jet Fusion 5200 3D printer. HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing with Tempus 3D When you are ready to put your idea into reality, please reach out to the team at Tempus 3D. As one of only a handful of HP Certified Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing Professional s in Canada , Tempus 3D has the technology, skills and service to provide you with consistently high-quality parts, quickly and affordably. You can access online quotes through Tempus 3D's instant quote page, or learn more about our materials , services , and access case studies and customer success stories through our website at www.tempus3d.com . *All information and images courtesy of HP. Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.