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Introduction In recent years, the world of manufacturing has witnessed a revolutionary transformation with the advent of metal 3D printing technology. Also known as additive manufacturing, metal 3D printing is a cutting-edge technique that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer using metal powder. This technology has brought about a paradigm shift in the manufacturing landscape, offering a myriad of advantages that are reshaping industries and fostering innovation. Complex Geometries Made Possible Traditional manufacturing methods often struggle with the production of intricate and complex designs. Metal 3D printing, however, excels in creating components with intricate geometries that were once deemed impossible. This capability enables engineers and designers to push the boundaries of what can be achieved, leading to more efficient and optimized structures in industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive. Material Efficiency and Waste Reduction One of the key advantages of metal 3D printing lies in its ability to utilize materials with high precision, minimizing waste. Traditional subtractive manufacturing methods often result in significant material loss as parts are machined from larger blocks. Metal 3D printing builds objects layer by layer, only using the material required for the final product. This not only reduces material costs but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Rapid Prototyping and Time-to-Market Acceleration The speed at which metal 3D printing can produce prototypes is a game-changer for product development cycles. Design iterations that would traditionally take weeks or months can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time. This accelerated prototyping process allows companies to bring products to market faster, giving them a competitive edge in today's dynamic business environment. Customization and Personalization Metal 3D printing enables the production of highly customized and personalized components. Whether it's a unique medical implant tailored to an individual's anatomy or specialized aerospace parts, this technology empowers manufacturers to create products that meet specific requirements. The ability to tailor designs on a case-by-case basis opens up new possibilities in fields like healthcare, where patient-specific solutions are increasingly in demand. Weight Reduction and Enhanced Performance In industries where weight is a critical factor, such as aerospace and automotive, metal 3D printing offers a unique advantage. The technology allows for the creation of lightweight structures with optimized geometries, maintaining structural integrity while reducing overall weight. This not only improves fuel efficiency but also enhances the overall performance and durability of the final product. Cost-Effective Low-Volume Production While traditional manufacturing processes may struggle with cost-effectiveness in low-volume production runs, metal 3D printing excels in this area. The flexibility of additive manufacturing allows for efficient production of small batches without the need for expensive tooling and molds. This is particularly beneficial for niche markets, prototypes, and custom components where economies of scale are not a primary concern. Conclusion Metal 3D printing has emerged as a transformative force in the manufacturing industry, unlocking new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved. From complex geometries to sustainable practices, the advantages of metal 3D printing are reshaping the way products are designed, prototyped, and manufactured. As the technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of further innovations, propelling industries into a future defined by efficiency, customization, and unparalleled design freedom. Explore the Posssibilities of Metal 3D Printing with Tempus 3D Additive Manufacturing Tempus 3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!

Biotec is an Italian company that develops and manufactures equipment for the medical and aesthetics industries. Biotec was looking for way to improve the quality of manufactured parts while reducing the time of production and overall cost. Traditionally, Biotech used injection molding, but they started investigating alternative production options including 3D printing with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology. Biotec completed a head-to-head comparison of HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing with injection molding and measured the results. The part they tested was the handpiece shell of a Biotec product called Lipo-Ice. The results of the test were impressive: the surface and material quality of the end part were nearly identical the cost of production was reduced by 50+% the overall productivity in the part manufacturing process was improved. As a result of the study, Biotec invested in HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology, and now use it for prototyping and manufacturing for many of their devices. “Our HP Jet Fusion 3D 4200 Printing Solution has allowed us to significantly reduce the production time of our parts ... We can now make them in 24 to 48 hours, instead of taking an entire week. The cost has also been reduced by about 66%, without any compromise in quality. 3D printing is now fully integrated into our production cycle.” (Matteo Pretto, Biotec) The HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology provides a competitive advantage for Biotec, allowing them to produce higher quality parts more quickly and affordably than with their previous manufacturing processes. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible! The information and images provided in this article are courtesy of HP. A link to the full article is provided below.

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 based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!

Introduction The field of orthotics and prosthetics has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, thanks to the rapid advancement of 3D printing technology. Traditional methods of creating orthotic and prosthetic devices often involved laborious and time-consuming processes, resulting in products that were less customized and often uncomfortable for patients. However, the integration of 3D printing has revolutionized these industries, enabling the creation of highly personalized, efficient, and cost-effective solutions that significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals in need of orthotic and prosthetic devices. Personalized Solutions for Enhanced Comfort One of the most significant benefits of 3D printing in orthotics and prosthetics is the ability to create personalized solutions tailored to each individual's unique needs. Traditional manufacturing methods often relied on manual adjustments and one-size-fits-all designs, which could lead to discomfort and decreased functionality for the patients. With 3D printing, clinicians can now use precise digital scans and models of a patient's body to create customized devices that perfectly fit their anatomy. The use of 3D printing allows for intricate designs that are otherwise challenging or impossible to achieve with traditional methods. Patients can benefit from orthotic insoles, braces, and prosthetic limbs that not only fit snugly but also distribute pressure evenly and provide better support. This level of customization not only enhances comfort but also improves the overall effectiveness of the devices in addressing the patient's specific condition. Faster Prototyping and Production 3D printing has drastically shortened the timeline for prototyping and production of orthotic and prosthetic devices. In the past, creating a new design or making adjustments to an existing one could take weeks or even months. With 3D printing, designers and clinicians can rapidly iterate through various designs and make real-time adjustments based on patient feedback. This iterative process leads to faster development and delivery of devices, allowing patients to receive their orthotics or prosthetics in a more timely manner. Moreover, the digital nature of 3D printing enables easy storage and retrieval of patient-specific designs. This is particularly valuable for patients who may need replacement devices due to wear and tear or changes in their condition. Instead of starting from scratch, clinicians can access the original digital model and make necessary modifications, streamlining the re-fitting process and minimizing disruptions for the patient. Improved Material Selection and Functionality 3D printing has expanded the possibilities for material selection in orthotic and prosthetic devices. Traditional materials, while effective, often limited the design and functionality of these devices. With 3D printing, a wide range of materials can be used, including lightweight yet durable plastics, flexible elastomers, and even biocompatible materials suitable for direct contact with the skin. This versatility in material selection allows for the creation of more functional and aesthetically pleasing devices. For example, 3D-printed prosthetic limbs can incorporate intricate joint mechanisms and advanced articulation, closely mimicking natural movement. Additionally, the lightweight nature of 3D-printed materials reduces the strain on the wearer and contributes to a more comfortable experience. Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility Traditionally, the process of designing, manufacturing, and fitting orthotic and prosthetic devices could be costly, making them inaccessible to many individuals in need. 3D printing has the potential to significantly reduce costs associated with production, as it eliminates many labor-intensive steps and reduces material waste. This cost-effectiveness not only benefits patients directly but also contributes to greater accessibility and affordability of these vital devices. Furthermore, the global reach of 3D printing technology means that even underserved communities can benefit from orthotic and prosthetic solutions. Remote or economically disadvantaged areas can now have access to these devices without the need for extensive infrastructure or transportation. Conclusion The integration of 3D printing technology into the orthotics and prosthetics industries has ushered in a new era of innovation, customization, and accessibility. Patients now have the opportunity to receive devices that are not only tailored to their individual needs but also more functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. As 3D printing continues to advance, we can expect even more groundbreaking developments that will further enhance the quality of life for individuals in need of orthotic and prosthetic solutions. The future holds the promise of greater accessibility, improved functionality, and an overall higher standard of care for those who rely on these transformative technologies. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!

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. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. As one of Canada's most capable additive manufacturing service bureaus, we specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!

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 __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!

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 3D printing is best for... Injection moulding is best for... Quick delivery ​Relatively simple designs Complex designs Greater variety of surface finishes Frequent design changes Parts with isometric strength Low-volume manfuacturing High-volume manufacturing 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. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!

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 an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!

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 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. *All information and images courtesy of HP. Tempus 3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!

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. Minimum wall thickness 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. Designing for cantilevers 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). Minimum Gap between Connecting Parts 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. Minimum gap between moving parts 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. Minimizing Warpage with HP Multi Jet Fusion 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. Tempus 3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible! note: all photos and design guidelines are provided by HP.

With the HP Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D Printing Solution, Dundon Motorsports has been able to accelerate production, experiment with new designs, grow their product portfolio, and expand to new markets. Dundon Motorsports provides high-performance parts to the motorsports world. One of Dundon's projects was to upgrade the performance and horsepower of Porsche GT racecars. According to Dundon Motorsports’ Jamie Bopp, “The nature of the car has been about freedom, about emotional release, about joy, so Dundon is in the business of taking joyful cars and making them more joyful.” Challenge The challenge in this project was to ensure the upgraded parts fit under the hood and within the confines of air conditioner, the power steering pump, and other parts. The other challenge was to ensure the design and manufacturing of the parts was time- and cost-effective. “Finding an innovative way to make all of these parts fit is one thing,” said Bopp. “The second thing is the business side of the situation. If we were able to injection mold or CNC machine these parts, the costs would be stratospheric.” Dundon looked into various manufacturing methods to produce an intake manifold, including injection molding and CNC machining. Injection molding would cost nearly $65,000 to produce a mold, which was prohibitively expensive, especially for low-volume manufacturing. CNC machining was not ideal because the tooling is difficult to control in the long, hollow parts due to the long reach of the tool and the vibration on the tool bit. also, aluminum was not ideal to manufacture the part because it transfers heat too easily to the intake air. as an alternative, they looked into 3D printing as a manufacturing option. Solution Dundon chose to work with 3D printing as a manufacturing option because the same technology could be used for both prototyping and final production of the parts. After researching the various options, they chose HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology for its capacity and repeatability. Their material of choice for building the parts is HP Nylon 12, for it's all-purpose robustness and ability to provide an air-tight seal. According to Bopp, “With [HP] MJF, we’re able to not just make a single-printed usable part, but we’re also able to make assemblies that we bolt together to adapt to what we would want to make in the end”. Result Dundon now produces many different parts with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology including intake plenums, intake runners, and air filter boxes. With this manufacturing method they are also able to easily alter the designs to improve functionality. Bopp sees HP 3D Printing as a disruptive technology in the industry. “We can draw a part and, within a few days to a week, have that part in our hands and be testing it on a car, when previously it’s taken development cycles that were quarters, months, at best cases, weeks. If we need to make a change, we can now make that change in days... [HP Multi Jet Fusion] has become an enabler for us. It has enabled us to operate and ‘punch above our weight class’ quite effectively.” Additive Manufacturing with Tempus 3D Tempus 3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible! Note: Case study and photos courtesy of HP and Biesse Motorsports. Read the full HP case study Learn more about HP Multi Jet Fusion and Nylon PA12

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. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP certified 3D printing service bureau based in British Columbia, Canada, offering advanced additive manufacturing solutions tailored to your production needs. We specialize in HP MJF, Sinterit SLS, and Formlabs SLA technologies. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com to learn how we can support your next build. Let’s make it possible!