Getting Started With MakerBot by Bre Pettis Anna Kaziunas France & Jay Shergill

Author:Bre Pettis, Anna Kaziunas France & Jay Shergill [Pettis, Bre, France, Anna, and Shergill, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781449338657
Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
Published: 2013-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

Material Strength

Although the model material is quite strong, since it is built up in layers, a printed part will not be as strong as a cast or machined part. Most significantly, the parts have different properties based on part orientation: the parts are weaker between the layers than in the X and Y axis. Under extreme loads, the layers have been known to delaminate. This is something to keep in mind when designing parts for strength.

Throughout this chapter, we have discussed the strengths and weaknesses of ABS and PLA as materials. Throughout the 3D printing community, this has been a subject of much debate and has few definitive answers. For example, PLA will shrink less than ABS, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a superior material. For many models, ABS' shrinking properties mean better performance for overhangs and bridges.

One thing that is definitive is that ABS is a more ductile material. This means it deforms and flows more readily. This has implications in your models. Features like living hinges and snap fits rely on material deformation, which lends itself to ABS. Another implication is failure mode. ABS parts will flex and stretch while PLA parts tend to crack or shatter. ABS is better at accepting inserts or being tapped. But even this is generalization, as plastics of either type from different vendors (or even different colors) may have slightly different properties. To best understand the limits of the materials, you simply have to experiment, and print a lot! It’s part of the fun of owning a MakerBot.

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