May 23, 2012
Instructables user taulman recently uploaded his project - converting a 2D CNC machine into a 3D Printer and back to a CNC machine in less than an hour. For this project he uses NYLON 6/6 to make parts instead of the usual ABS or PLA.
Using Nylon as material requires extra caution because the hot end will run at 600F (320C). Nylon emits toxic chemicals in very low quantities, so make sure you have an exhaust fan and pipe to outside.
taulman discovered there are some interesting differences between 3D printing with nylon and standard ABS or PLA, for example:
- Nylon is extremely slippery so taulman suggests that you could have a "Spiky" extruder
- Nylon absorbs water/liquids at a greater level than ABS, so the color looks a bit translucent depending on thickness of the part. Keep it dry when not in use.
- Nylon has less Viscosity.
- Nylon sticks to nothing when it's cold but stick to everything when it's at the right temp.
- There can be a bit of corner lift at 100% fills on large parts.
- Nylon cools slower that ABS, so the extruder will need to reverse a greater distance.
- Nothing glues to Nylon except other melted Nylon so if you need multi-part assemblies, they should be designed to be held together with hardware.
- Retraction does not work well due to low viscosity.
Nevertheless, taulman has printed some nylon parts with his 3D printer, and they are bendable and flexible, awesome! Watch the videos below(no sound) showing the printer at work and the nice 3D printed nylon parts it made.
Source: Instructables via Hack a day
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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