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Introduction The rapid evolution of 3D printing technology has ushered in a new era of manufacturing possibilities, enabling the creation of complex and customized objects with unprecedented ease. As this technology continues to advance, the selection of suitable materials becomes crucial in determining the success of 3D printing applications. Two popular contenders in the realm of 3D printing materials are Nylon PA-12 and Polypropylene. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two materials, exploring their characteristics, advantages, limitations, and real-world applications to help you make informed decisions when choosing the right material for your 3D printing projects. Nylon PA-12: Properties and Applications Nylon PA-12, also known as polyamide 12, is a versatile and widely used material in 3D printing. It belongs to the nylon family of polymers, known for their excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. Nylon PA-12 exhibits the following key properties: Strength and Durability Nylon PA-12 is renowned for its exceptional tensile strength and impact resistance. Its high mechanical properties make it suitable for producing functional prototypes, end-use parts, and components subjected to stress or mechanical loads. Flexibility The material's inherent flexibility and elongation at break make it suitable for parts requiring some degree of elasticity. This attribute is particularly advantageous for applications involving snap fits, living hinges, and wear-resistant components. Chemical Resistance Nylon PA-12 exhibits resistance to various chemicals, including oils, greases, and most solvents. This property makes it suitable for applications in industries such as automotive, chemical processing, and oil and gas. Thermal Stability Nylon PA-12 boasts a relatively high glass transition temperature (Tg), which ensures stability at elevated temperatures. This characteristic is beneficial for applications requiring heat resistance, such as under-the-hood automotive parts and industrial equipment. Surface Finish While Nylon PA-12 can produce smooth surfaces, achieving a high-quality finish may require post-processing steps like vapour smoothing or ceramic coating. However, advancements in 3D printing technology and techniques are continually improving surface finish straight out of the printer. Polypropylene: Properties and Applications Polypropylene (PP) is another widely used thermoplastic polymer with a variety of applications in traditional manufacturing. Its unique combination of properties makes it an attractive choice for 3D printing applications. Key properties of polypropylene include: Low Density Polypropylene is a lightweight material with a low density, making it suitable for applications where weight reduction is crucial. This property is particularly advantageous in the aerospace and automotive industries. Chemical Resistance Similar to Nylon PA-12, polypropylene exhibits excellent resistance to chemicals and solvents, making it suitable for applications involving contact with corrosive substances. Fatigue Resistance Polypropylene demonstrates high fatigue resistance, allowing it to withstand repetitive loads and mechanical stresses without undergoing significant degradation. This property is advantageous for parts subjected to cyclic loading, such as hinges and springs. Semi-Flexible to Flexible Polypropylene offers a range of flexibility, from semi-flexible to fully flexible, depending on the specific formulation used. This flexibility makes it suitable for applications requiring living hinges, snap fits, and ergonomic designs. Surface Finish Polypropylene's surface finish is generally smoother compared to some other 3D printing materials, which can reduce the need for extensive post-processing. However, achieving a high-quality surface finish may still require additional steps. Comparing Nylon PA-12 and Polypropylene Mechanical Properties Both Nylon PA-12 and Polypropylene offer excellent mechanical properties, but Nylon PA-12 typically has higher tensile strength and impact resistance. This makes Nylon PA-12 a preferred choice for parts subjected to heavy loads and mechanical stresses. Flexibility Polypropylene has a similar level of flexibility compared to Nylon PA12. Chemical Resistance Both materials exhibit excellent chemical resistance, with slight variations depending on the specific chemicals involved. Engineers and designers should consider the exact chemical exposure the part will face to determine the most suitable material. Thermal Properties Nylon PA-12 generally has a higher glass transition temperature than most formulations of polypropylene, making it more suitable for applications requiring heat resistance. Weight Polypropylene's low density gives it an advantage in weight-sensitive applications, such as those in the aerospace and automotive industries. Post-Processing and Surface Finish Polypropylene often requires less post-processing to achieve a smooth surface finish compared to Nylon PA-12. However, advancements in 3D printing technology and post-processing options are improving the surface finish of both materials. Printability and Compatibility Nylon PA-12 is compatible with a wider range of 3D printers due to its popularity and established use. Polypropylene may require specific printer modifications or formulations to ensure successful prints. Real-World Applications Nylon PA-12 Applications Functional Prototypes: Nylon PA-12's strength and durability make it ideal for creating prototypes that closely resemble the final product in terms of mechanical performance. Automotive Components: Nylon PA-12's chemical resistance and thermal stability make it suitable for manufacturing under-the-hood components, brackets, and connectors. Industrial Machinery: The material's toughness and resistance to wear and tear are advantageous for producing components used in heavy machinery and industrial equipment. Polypropylene Applications: Lightweight Parts: Polypropylene's low density makes it an excellent choice for manufacturing lightweight components in industries such as aerospace and automotive. Living Hinges: Polypropylene's fatigue resistance and flexibility make it well-suited for producing living hinges in products like packaging, containers, and enclosures. Medical Devices: Polypropylene's biocompatibility and chemical resistance render it suitable for producing certain medical devices and equipment. Conclusion When it comes to 3D printing applications, choosing the right material is essential for achieving desired mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. Nylon PA-12 and Polypropylene both offer unique advantages and are suitable for a variety of applications. Nylon PA-12 excels in its mechanical strength and durability, while Polypropylene stands out for its lightweight nature and flexibility. The choice between these materials depends on the specific requirements of your project, including load-bearing capacity, chemical exposure, flexibility, and surface finish. As technology advances, both materials will likely continue to improve, providing even more options for successful 3D printing applications. As you embark on your 3D printing journey, carefully consider the attributes of Nylon PA-12 and Polypropylene to select the material that best aligns with your project's objectives and specifications.

Introduction In the realm of thermoplastic elastomers, two prominent contenders have emerged as leading options for various industrial applications: TPU BASF 95A and TPU Lubrizol 88A. These materials belong to the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) family, which is highly regarded for its exceptional combination of flexibility, durability, and processing ease. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key characteristics, performance attributes, and application areas of TPU BASF 95A and TPU Lubrizol 88A. By the end of this analysis, you will have a clear understanding of how these materials stack up against each other and which one might be better suited for your specific project. TPU BASF 95A: Unraveling the Versatility TPU BASF 95A, manufactured by BASF Corporation, is a popular member of the thermoplastic polyurethane family. Its '95A' designation signifies its hardness on the Shore A scale, indicating a material that is moderately soft yet exhibits sufficient rigidity for many applications. This material is celebrated for its exceptional mechanical properties, offering an appealing balance of tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance. Strengths of TPU BASF 95A Mechanical Properties TPU BASF 95A boasts impressive mechanical properties, making it suitable for applications requiring both flexibility and strength. Its high tensile strength ensures it can withstand considerable stretching and pulling forces without succumbing to deformation or breakage. Abrasion Resistance The material's remarkable resistance to abrasion makes it ideal for applications that involve constant friction and wear, such as industrial belts, gaskets, and seals. Chemical Compatibility TPU BASF 95A exhibits good chemical resistance, enabling it to withstand exposure to a wide range of chemicals and solvents without undergoing significant degradation. Processing Ease This TPU grade can be easily processed using various conventional thermoplastic processing techniques, including injection molding, extrusion, and multi jet fusion with the HP 5200 line of 3D printers. Versatile Applications TPU BASF 95A finds its use across an array of industries, including automotive, consumer goods, footwear, and industrial manufacturing. Its adaptability to different environments and requirements makes it a versatile choice. TPU Lubrizol 88A: Unleashing Performance TPU Lubrizol 88A, developed by The Lubrizol Corporation, is another formidable player in the TPU landscape. With a Shore A hardness of 88A, this material leans slightly towards the harder end of the TPU spectrum, offering unique advantages in specific applications. Its distinct combination of properties makes it a preferred choice for applications that demand resilience, stability, and processing efficiency. Strengths of TPU Lubrizol 88A Stability and Resilience TPU Lubrizol 88A's hardness lends it greater stability and resilience, making it suitable for applications where dimensional stability and consistent performance over time are critical. Clarity and Aesthetics This TPU grade often exhibits excellent clarity and can be tinted to achieve specific colors. This feature is highly advantageous for applications requiring an appealing visual appearance, such as transparent parts or products with vibrant colors. Improved Heat Resistance TPU Lubrizol 88A tends to have better resistance to elevated temperatures compared to softer TPUs, expanding its usability in applications involving exposure to heat or sunlight. Ease of Processing Similar to TPU BASF 95A, TPU Lubrizol 88A is easily processable using standard thermoplastic processing techniques, including multi jet fusion 3D printing with the HP 5200 line of 3D printers. Specific Applications TPU Lubrizol 88A is often chosen for applications like clear tubing, consumer goods, medical devices, and industrial components that require a balance of mechanical performance and aesthetics. Comparative Analysis: TPU BASF 95A vs. TPU Lubrizol 88A Mechanical Performance TPU BASF 95A offers excellent tensile strength and elongation at break, making it suitable for applications demanding dynamic loads and stretching. TPU Lubrizol 88A, with its hardness and stability, excels in applications requiring resilience and consistent mechanical properties over time. Abrasion Resistance Both TPUs exhibit commendable abrasion resistance, but TPU BASF 95A might have a slight edge due to its slightly softer nature. Chemical Compatibility Both materials display good chemical resistance, making them reliable choices for various industrial environments. Processing Ease TPU BASF 95A and TPU Lubrizol 88A offer similar processing ease, simplifying manufacturing and design processes. Temperature Resistance TPU Lubrizol 88A's enhanced heat resistance makes it a preferred option for applications that involve exposure to elevated temperatures. Applications TPU BASF 95A's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from automotive parts to consumer goods. TPU Lubrizol 88A's clarity and aesthetic appeal make it well-suited for transparent components, medical devices, and products where appearance matters. Conclusion In the world of thermoplastic polyurethanes, the choice between TPU BASF 95A and TPU Lubrizol 88A depends on the specific requirements of the application at hand. TPU BASF 95A offers a balanced combination of mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, and versatility, while TPU Lubrizol 88A excels in applications requiring stability, resilience, and aesthetics. Both materials have proven their worth across various industries, contributing to the advancement of manufacturing, design, and innovation. As technology evolves and new challenges arise, these TPUs will likely continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of materials engineering. Learn More BASF TPU products: https://www.basf.com/global/en/products/plastics-rubber/thermoplastic-polyurethanes.html Lubrizol TPU products: https://www.lubrizol.com/Engineered-Polymers/Products/TPU Try TPU today Interested in trying TPU flexible polymer? Order BASF TPU 01 through Tempus 3D's free online quote and ordering system, or send a custom request for TPU BASF 95A or TPU Lubrizol 88A through Tempus 3D's Contact page.

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.

Cerakote Ceramic coating is a world-leading thin-film coating that is applied to plastic, metal and other materials to enhance their physical performance and appearance including scratch resistance, wear resistance, waterproofing, chemical resistance, and UV protection. Industrial Applications of Cerakote The performance-enhancing properties of Cerakote make it a logical choice for a wide variety of industries and manufacturing processes. For example, Cerakote is used for corrosion protection in the oil and gas industry, heat resistance in the aerospace sector, performance coatings in the automotive industry, extending the life of sporting and hunting equipment, and increasing the useful life of jigs and fixtures. Recommended applications include tools, consumer goods, eyeglasses, sporting equipment, robotics, electronics, fresh and saltwater applications and other applications where a durable performance coating is required. A wide variety of manufacturers and suppliers rely on Cerakote coatings including Boeing, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed-Martin, US Department of Defence, Zipline, Ford, and Lamborghini. Benefits of Cerakote Destructive testing has shown the superiority of Cerakote to other standard finishes. For example, a Taber abrasion wear test was performed by NIC Industries to compare the durability of Cerakote to 6 other popular coatings. In this test, Cerakote lasted nearly twice as long as the nearest competitive finish and 24 times as long as the furthest competitive finish. Another study tested the impact resistance of Cerakote. In this test, a 1 oz slug was fired from a 12-gauge shotgun at a piece of metal plate treated with Cerakote. The area behind and surrounding the impact site showed no cracking or loss of adhesion, even in the areas of greatest deformity. Cerakote in Additive Manufacturing of Plastic Parts Cerakote is an increasingly popular finish used in additive manufacturing because it’s ability to enhance the performance and aesthetics of 3D printed plastic parts. This diversifies the potential end-use applications of the parts; for example, Cerakoted plastics are emerging as faster, less expensive alternatives to metal parts, especially for small-to-medium volume manufacturing. An example is provided in this case study, where HP and Aerosport re-designed 2 different metal assemblies to be 3D printed with Nylon 12. Each was able to reduce assembly time, weight, cost of manufacturing and overall production times by a significant amount. To validate the performance of Cerakote when applied to 3D-printed plastic parts, the Cerakote Technical Training Team completed ASTM testing on Nylon PA12 plastic coated with 2 different types of Cerakote finishes. The tests showed excellent results, including no chipping or cracking in cross-hatch adhesion tests, and minimal effect after 24 hour immersion in water, acetone or diesel. Get Started With Cerakote Coating for 3D Printed Parts Tempus 3D is a qualified Cerakote applicator located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers Cerakote finishing for clients across Canada and the US, both as an extension of it’s additive manufacturing business and as an independent service. If you are interested in learning more about Cerakote,and it's use in manufacturing you can visit our guide to Cerakote at www.tempus3d.com/cerakote-finish-for-3d-printed-parts. To request a quote, please contact our team at info@tempus3d.com or through our contact us page.

With every 3D printing technology there are strategies to get the best result with your print. When designing parts for HP Multi Jet Fusion, it is possible to achieve very fine dimensional accuracy, with Cpk values comparable to injection molding. HP has provided a set of guidelines to help maximize the accuracy of your design. Minimum Specifications The recommended minimum dimensions for printed features are between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm Minimum hole diameter 0.5 mm Minimum shaft diameter 0.5 mm Minimum printable font size 6 pt Minimum printable features or details (width) 0.1 mm Minimum clearance 0.5 mm Minimum slit between walls/embossed details 0.5 mm Embossed and Engraved Details Text, numbers or drawings should be at least 1 mm deep. Additional Considerations When designing for detail, there are several other considerations to keep in mind. When possible, place small features with critical dimensions—such as pins, holes, and raised texts—in the same plane. Design parts with a smooth cross-section transition. When possible, lighten parts and minimize the chance of warpage by hollowing them or adding internal lattices. Avoid long, thin, flat parts with a ratio of length to width greater than 10:1. Avoid predominantly long and thin curved segments in your part design. Avoid ridges and ribs on large, flat areas. Learn more about Designing for Additive Manufacturing To learn more about how to design for additive manufacturing, visit Tempus 3D's design guide where you can find more best practices tips plus how to design for aesthetics, interlocking parts, and hinge design. Additive Manufacturing 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 Professionals 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.

Each 3D printing technology has a unique set of design recommendations to ensure the best result. We would like to share the design specifications provided by HP for their HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology to help you achieve the best results possible. These design guidelines apply to all Multi Jet Fusion materials, including Nylon PA12, Nylon PA12 Glass Bead, Polypropylene, and TPU Flexible Polymer. What is HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)? Before starting, it helps to understand what HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is and how it differs from other 3D printing technologies. According to HP, The MJF printing process is a combination of Powder Bed Fusion and binder jetting technologies. Unlike SLS or FDM, which use a point-by-point printing approach, HP MJF technology can print a complete layer at the same time. A layer of powder material is spread on the print bed, then fusing and detailing agents are deposited at voxel-level on top of the powder. These define the regions of the layer that need to be fused or protected from fusion respectively. The bed is heated and the areas where the fusing agent was deposited are fused together.. Once these fused layers cool down, they solidify to form the designed 3D-printed part. Wall thickness When you’re creating a 3D design for Multi Jet Fusion, the minimum recommended wall thickness is 0.3mm for short walls oriented in the XY plane, and 0.5mm for short walls oriented on the Z plane. If you design your part to be optimized for a specific orientation, make sure you make this clear to the person or company printing your part. Cantilevers When printing a cantilever, the minimum wall thickness depends on the aspect ratio, which is the length divided by the width. For a cantilever with a width of less than 1mm, the aspect ratio should be less than 1. There are no specific recommendations for widths of 1mm or larger, but for parts with a high aspect ratio, it is recommended to increase the wall thickness or to add ribs or fillets to reinforce the part. Connecting Parts Sometimes a pair of printed parts need to fit together to form the final application. To ensure correct assembly, a good starting point would be to leave a gap between the interface areas of these parts of 0.4 mm (+/- 0.2 mm for each part). Moving Parts As a general rule, spacing and clearance between faces of parts printed as assemblies should be a minimum of 0.7mm. Parts with walls which are 30mm or thicker should have a larger gap between each side to ensure proper performance. Parts with walls that are thinner than 3mm thatcan have a clearance as low as 0.3mm, but this depends on the design. Testing may be necessary to ensure quality performance. Thin or Long Parts Thin and long parts are susceptible to non-uniform cooling, which may cause uneven shrinkage along the printed part. This can warp the part from it's original shape. The potential for warpage can be minimized with good design practices. A general guideline is that any part with an aspect ratio higher than 10:1, an abrupt change in its cross-section, or a predominantly long and thin curved segment is susceptible to warpage. These include thin and long parts; parts with abrupt changes in cross-sections; and thin and curved surfaces. To minimize the possibility of deformation, there are several guidelines to follow when designing the part. These include: Increase the thickness of long walls to reduce their aspect ratios. Avoid ridges and ribs on large, flat areas. Re-design parts with high potential stress and smoothen their cross-section transitions. Lighten the parts by hollowing them or by adding internal lattices. Hollow Parts For large or thick parts, it is recommended to minimize the risk of warping by hollowing the part or adding an internal lattice structure. The minimum recommended wall thickness is 2mm, but better mechanical properties are achieved with thicker walls. The optimum choice is dependent upon the application. Hollowing can be easily achieved with professional software such as SolidWorks, Materialise Magics, Autodesk and Netfabb. Depending on the end-use application, the part can be left solid, or drain holes can be added to remove the powder in the post-processing process. Ensure the drain holes are at least 4 mm wide if there is a single drain hole, or 2+ mm wide for multiple escape holes. When placing the holes ensure they are placed in a way that forced air can be used to effectively clean out trapped powder. If no escape holes are provided and powder remains within the part, the part will be heavier and stronger than with the fully hollow option. Leaving the powder trapped within a part also saves post-processing time since powder extraction is not required. Lattice structures Lattice structures are used in thick or large parts to minimize the chance of warping or for producing lighter parts. Replacing solid materials with a lattice also reduces the cost to 3D print the part. This design optimization strategy involves hollowing a part and replacing the internal solid mass with a lattice structure that provides mechanical integrity. This re-design can be automated with professional software such as Materialise Magics or nTopology. Additional Considerations Material Choice Each type of material that is 3D printed with HP Multi Jet Fusion has different properties. Select your material based on the properties you desire such as strength, flexibility, biocompatibility, weather resistance, or chemical resistance. File Resolution The resolution of your file is an important factor to consider when 3D printing your part. If your file is too low resolution it may lack quality, and if the resolution is too high then the file size may be too large for the printer to read. Keep your file size under 100MB if you can. HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing with Tempus 3D For additional advice on how to design for HP Multi Jet Fusion, you can take a look at the guidelines provided by Tempus 3D on our design guidelines page. Here you will find details regarding dimensional tolerances for different design features, guidelines to optimize your print accuracy and aesthetics, and details such as how to design for interlocking parts and hinges. As an HP Certified Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing Professional, Tempus 3D has the technology, skills and service to provide you with consistently high-quality parts, quickly and affordably. When you are ready to put your idea into reality, 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. note: all photos and design guidelines are provided by HP.

Montreal-based medical services innovator uses 3D printing technology to develop custom form-fitted and breathable back braces to improve patient comfort and outcomes. A medical services innovator based in Montreal, Quebec approached Tempus 3D with a back brace design that they wanted to have manufactured. After comparing 3D printing service providers, they approached Tempus 3D for a solution. Challenge The biggest challenge with this project was the large size of the brace. Not many industrial 3D printers are capable of manufacturing such a large piece, and when a part has large, flat areas there is a risk of the piece warping during the manufacturing process. A second consideration was to choose a medical-grade material with the strength, durability and flexibility to provide comfortable support. Solution The team at Tempus 3D was able to leverage HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology, which provides the class-leading build volume and part quality required to successfully manufacture this design. With this printer all of the parts for the brace could all be fit into one print run, which saved manufacturing time and cost. ​ The greatest risk in the production of the brace was the potential for the pieces to warp, because the difference in temperatures across large, flat pieces can bend them as they cool. The team at Tempus 3D collaborated with experts at HP and Hawkridge Systems to ensure the part orientation and print settings were optimized for the best result. The other consideration in building the brace was to select a material that was suitable for a medical device used on or near the skin. Nylon 12 was the material of choice because it has high tensile strength, is waterproof, and is certified biocompatible. It also has enough flexibility to accommodate the patient's movement without losing its support. Result In collaboration with their manufacturing network, the team at Tempus 3D was able to produce a brace that exceeded the client's expectations in terms of finish, color, accuracy, and cost. We at Tempus are excited to help local businesses meet their manufacturing goals as a part of the industry 4.0 network which allows innovators across sectors to bring products to market quicker and in a more environmentally friendly way. Learn more about designing for 3D printing with HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology Explore industrial plastics available through Tempus 3D Learn more about the advantages of industrial 3D printing with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology Explore more case studies and articles

Good day fellow entrepreneurs, The team at Tempus 3D wanted to share an opportunity that may be of interest to companies involved in technological innovation. Tech-Access Canada is a non-profit organization that supports the pan-Canadian network of 60 Technology Access Centres (TACs). They are currently offering an Interactive Visit Initiative (iVisit) that offers small businesses the opportunity to work with one of Canada’s 60 Technology Access Centres (TACs) to solve an innovation challenge. The areas they focus on include: Evaluating technical/economic feasibility of new products, processes, or services. Short-term R&D assistance and prototype development. Providing access to cutting-edge technology a company doesn’t have in-house. Providing objective scientific, technical, and business advice. Canada's TAC's are applied research and development centers affiliated with publicly-funded colleges. These centers are designed to help small businesses get more innovative and productive. Tempus 3D works in collaboration with the Selkirk Technology Access Center on a variety of projects, but depending on your location you may want to connect with a TAC closer to home. If you think that this opportunity would be of value to your company you can visit Tech Access Canada to learn more about the Interactive Visit program or submit an application form. We have provided links below. Hope this helps some of you with your research and development projects, and if not feel free to pass this on if you know someone this program may be of value to. Keep innovating, From the team at Tempus 3D Overview of the TAC Interactive Visit Program: https://tech-access.ca/resources/overview-interactive-visits-with-tacs/ Interactive Visit Request Form https://interactivevisits.ca/iVisit/Create

Multi Jet Fusion is a 3D printing process that is designed to build functional prototypes and manufacture low-to-mid volume production runs of end-use parts. This technology has become one of the leading additive manufacturing technologies for industrial applications because it can quickly and consistently manufacture parts with high tensile strength, fine detail, and overall excellent material properties. This article explains how Multi Jet Fusion works and it's unique advantages. How does HP Multi Jet Fusion technology work? HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) uses a powder-bed fusion 3D printing process, in which small powder particles (with a size of 30 nm) are fused together with heat. To build the parts, a fine layer of powder is deposited in the build chamber. A fusing agent is applied in select areas, creating a 2-dimensional profile of the part. Next, the fusion agent is heated with infrared light, which fuses the particles together and to the layers below. An additional agent is used to define the edges of the part and ensure dimensional accuracy. When a layer is finished, another layer of powder is deposited and the process is repeated. When the part is finished, the excess powder is removed and the parts are cleaned with a bead blaster. At this point the parts are ready for use or may receive further treatment to enhance their looks or material properties. Parts may also be machined for higher precision on features like mating surfaces, holes or internal threads. Advantages of Multi Jet Fusion Multi Jet Fusion is ideal for building prototypes that can be used in their end-use application and for small-to-medium volume production of final parts. The materials used in Multi Jet Fusion have characteristics that make them valuable for a wide variety of applications, including biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and resistance to water and UV degradation. They are used in a wide variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, education, electrical, and robotics. How does HP Multi Jet Fusion compare to other 3D printing technologies? HP MJF is most commonly compared to Select Laser Sintering, also known as SLS. Both 3D printing technologies use heat to fuse layers of fine powder layer-by-layer in a build chamber, but they differ in the way heat is applied. With SLS, a laser heats the shape of the part being manufactured, point-by-point. With MJF, infrared lights heat the whole surface in one pass. The method of manufacturing directly affects the mechanical properties of the parts being printed and the speed of manufacturing. With SLS, the printing speed depends on how many parts are being built. A laser has to draw the surface of each model separately. This is an advantage when just only one part is printed, but with larger print volumes SLS takes longer than MJF. This also results in a higher cost for larger print volumes. With Multi Jet Fusion, the printing speed is the same no matter how many parts are being printed because the time needed to make each layer is the same. This provides a cost and speed advantage when many parts are printed at once and the whole build volume is filled. Usually, low-volume production is more cost-effective on HP printers. Multi Jet Fusion Materials One major advantage of Multi Jet Fusion is the ability to print a variety of materials, each with unique advantages. Nylon Polyamide 12 (Nylon 12) Nylon 12 is an excellent all-purpose material with properties that make it useful for a variety of applications. These include chemical resistance, water and UV resistance, and biocompatibility. Nylon 12 is the most commonly used material produced with HP Multi Jet Fusion. Nylon 12 with glass beads (Nylon GB) Nylon GB material is filled with 40% glass microspheres. It has all of the great material properties of Nylon 12, but the glass beads increase stiffness adn improve dimensional accuracy and reduce the possibility of warping with flat parts. Nylon GB is commonly used for thin, rigid parts such as casings and housings, fixtures and tools. Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) TPU creates durable, strong,flexible parts. It is commonly used for applications where shock absorption capacity, flexibility or energy return is required.It has many applications including car interior components, industrial tools, pipes, grippers, footwear, orthopedics and sports protection equipment. Nylon Polyamide 11 (Nylon 11) Nylon 11 is a strong and flexible, producing high-density parts with fine detail and high accuracy. It is biocompatible and resistant to oils and greases. It is also stable to UV light and weather, and has good elasticity and impact resistance. Polypropylene (PP) Polypropylene is chemical resistant and weldable, with low moisture absorption and great mechanical properties. Polypropylene is an excellent choice for anything that needs to be light, water-tight, and durable. It is one of the most common polymers you find around the house, often used for plastic containers. What is the Digital Manufacturing Network? HP has established a digital manufacturing network with service providers certified as HP Multi Jet Fusion Production Professionals. The Digital Manufacturing Network (DMN) is a very select group of production-capable suppliers of Multi Jet Fusion parts, as certified by HP. HP set a standard of very high quality in printed parts that DMN members must meet for solutions engineering, production capacity, consistency, quality and repeatability of prints. Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing with Tempus 3D If you are looking for a local manufacturer, Tempus is one of a select few based in Canada that has been evaluated and qualified based on our end-to-end 3D printing capabilities for production at scale, as well as our manufacturing and quality processes. At Tempus 3D, our production team is fully certified in part quality optimization, and ready to support you through the prototype-through-production process quickly and cost-effectively. Visit us at tempus3d.com to learn more, or get a free quote with our online quote and ordering system. We look forward to supporting you in your innovation goals.

Tempus 3D is proud to be fully qualified by HP as a Digital Manufacturing Network partner. Tempus is one of only a few manufacturers in Canada to have achieved this exclusive certification. As a partner, HP has recognized Tempus 3D’s ability to manufacture high-quality parts at scale. Customers can now work directly with Tempus to quickly scale up part production using HP’s industrial-grade Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing technology. This technology is designed to manufacture parts that are extremely strong, highly accurate, and with a surface finish that makes them ideal for mechanical testing and production manufacturing. With MJF technology Tempus can help customers speed time to market and mass-produce produce 3D printed parts with complete confidence in quality, while remaining cost-competitive compared to other 3D printing technologies and traditional manufacturing methods. We look forward to working with new customers as part of the HP digital manufacturing network, and providing the tools for Canadians to join the manufacturing revolution with next-generation technology. You can learn more about Tempus 3D's products and services on our website at www.tempus3d.com, or use our online quote and ordering system to compare prices, get a custom quote or order online. Learn more about Tempus 3D's additive manufacturing and 3D printing services Learn more about HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology Hp Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing materials

Kalesnikoff Lumber is a mass timber manufacturer located in southern BC which manufactures specialty timber products for the international market. Kalesnikoff was experiencing unnecessary downtime due to the need to replace lumber guides (also called lugs) which were experiencing high wear-and-tear and would need to be replaced on a regular basis. The lugs, made of machined aluminum, were expensive to repalce and were hard to source due to supply chain issues. In addition, as the lugs wore out they would become loose and get struck by saw blades, which would cause catastrophic failure of the part and could also result in damage to other elements on the production line. This damage can result in costly downtime while the parts are repaired or replaced. Kalesnikoff approached the team at the Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) located in Trail, BC to develop a solution. The team at STAC reverse engineered and re-designed the lugs to improve performance, and recommended they manufacture the part with 3D printed industrial-grade plastic. This material and manufacturing method is far more affordable than machined aluminum, has similar resistance to wear-and-tear, and also produces far less waste in the manufacturing process. STAC had the final part manufactured by Tempus 3D, a local company that specializes in industrial 3D printing. Tempus printed the part in Nylon PA-12 using HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology, which is specifically designed to produce strong, durable end-use parts for commercial use. An added benefit of using a local manufacturer was low shipping costs and the ability to print replacement parts as needed, eliminating the need to maintain a large inventory of replacement parts. In collaboration with STAC and Tempus 3D, Kalesnikoff Lumber was able to reduce their downtime with an improved product, save manufacturing costs with industrial 3D printing technology, and reduce their supply chain risk by using a local manufacturer. Their collaborative approach to the problem also fosters innovation in the region and supports local business, resulting in more sustainable long-term business practices. Check out Kalesnikoff Lumber Co. and their manufacturing facilities Visit Selkirk Technology Access Center to discover their design and manufacturing capabilities Learn more about Tempus 3D and their available 3D printing materials Learn more about HP Multi Jet Fusion industrial 3D printing technology and 3D printed industrial plastics

3D printing is a game-changing technology that has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing; however, the environmental impacts of this innovative technology are often not considered – many of which also help when there are supply chain shortages. Here are five ways 3D printing can have a positive impact on the environment – and on your business. Reduced material waste One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing is its ability to reduce material waste. Traditional manufacturing processes often involve cutting and shaping materials into the desired product, which results in a large volume of scraps and affects your bottom line. With 3D printing, however, only the exact amount of material needed to create the final product is used, reducing waste significantly. This is especially important when access to materials may be limited. Reduced energy consumption 3D printing requires less energy than traditional manufacturing processes. This is because 3D printers use a process called additive manufacturing, which builds products from the ground up by depositing layers of material one at a time. This contrasts with traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, which involve shaping materials through cutting and milling processes and require a significant amount of energy. Fewer harmful emissions Traditional manufacturing processes often rely heavily on fossil fuels like oil and gas, releasing harmful pollutants into the air. 3D printers typically use electric power, which produces fewer emissions. Local production 3D-printed products can be made locally, eliminating the need to transport goods long distances. This can result in shorter lead times, increased flexibility and reliability, and decreased inventory levels and costs. Not only is local production helpful with respect to supply chain issues, but it is also helpful in reducing transportation emissions. Due to the fact that traditional manufacturing often requires products to be shipped around the world, a significant number of transportation-related emissions can be incurred. Increased recyclability 3D-printed products are often made from recycled materials, and they can also be easily disassembled and recycled themselves when they reach the end of their lifespan. Conversely, traditional manufacturing methods often result in products that are difficult or impossible to recycle, making them a less sustainable option. Ultimately, 3D printing is a technology that can transform production, which is good news for both the environment and the economy. We would love to work with you on your next 3D printing project. Contact us today for a custom quote!