At Quickparts, our enthusiasm for additive manufacturing drives us to explore its dynamic and diverse landscape, where innovation is constant. In this blog, we illuminate the rich variety of materials shaping additive manufacturing, revolutionizing our approach to low-volume production.
Advanced Materials – Redefining Possibilities
Additive manufacturing has indeed ushered in a new era of prototype manufacturing possibilities. Each service bureau competing in the additive manufacturing space showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of advanced materials that redefine the boundaries of 3D printing. Quickparts is no exception. Our range spans from high-performance polymers to specialized metals, offering ingenious solutions for diverse manufacturing needs.
Customization Through Material Diversity
The proliferation of 3D printing materials is transforming customization, and Quickparts has been a trailblazer in this arena. With in-house capabilities in SLA, SLS, DLP, and DMP, our diverse material portfolio provides you with a plethora of options. Whether you require enhanced strength, flexibility, or specific thermal properties, we offer a wide array of choices tailored to your unique requirements. For instance, if you need a robust, lightweight part for a drone, we have composite materials suited for that purpose. Similarly, for designing biocompatible prosthetic limbs, our range includes 3D printable medical-grade plastics. This material diversity empowers creators to realize their projects exactly as they envision them.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all technologies are created equal. While most of our materials are suitable for real-world applications and low-volume manufacturing, some are primarily suitable for prototyping, particularly SLA materials.
Metals Beyond the Conventional
Metal 3D printing liberates design from the constraints of traditional methods like machining. It enables the creation of intricate, complex designs directly from digital files, facilitating the production of bespoke components with features unattainable through traditional means. Additionally, the utilization of various metal powders, such as titanium for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio or inconel for high-temperature applications, allows for parts tailored to precise performance requirements. This design freedom empowers engineers and designers to push boundaries and create truly unique and functional metal objects.
Step into the Realm of Metal Additive Manufacturing
Quickparts offers DMP – direct metal printing or metal sintering – enabling you to enhance your low-volume production with strength, durability, and precision. Through our Instant Quote facility, you can assess prices and order parts in Stainless Steel, Titanium, and Inconel (Europe and the UK only). However, our capabilities extend beyond these three materials to include Aluminum, Miraging Steel, and various Nickel alloys.
High-Performance Polymers for Precision
Quickparts’ selection of high-performance polymers combines precision with versatility. From SLS nylons to flexible elastomers and engineered, flame-retardant polyurethanes for DLP, our range of performance 3D printing materials offers exceptional strength and resilience for diverse applications in low-volume manufacturing.
Biocompatible Materials for Medical Innovations
Quickparts bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and healthcare with a range of biocompatible 3D printing materials. These materials empower the medical field to create intricate and personalized components designed to seamlessly integrate into the human body. From custom orthotics and prosthetics to intricate medical devices, our materials contribute significantly to healthcare innovation and improved patient outcomes.
Sustainability Through Innovative Materials
Quickparts embraces sustainability through innovative materials in additive manufacturing. Our eco-friendly options reduce waste and environmental impact without compromising on quality or performance, ushering in a new era of responsible manufacturing.
The Future? Material Combinations for Enhanced Properties
The future of 3D printing with multiple materials holds exciting possibilities. With advancements in printing technology, we anticipate finer control over material deposition, enabling the creation of intricate objects with unique and customized properties. Multi-material printing also has the potential to integrate various functionalities directly within printed objects, revolutionizing various fields from medical implants to consumer electronics and promoting sustainability through optimized material usage.