If you could only use one 3D printing technology forever, which would you choose? It’s a tough question, I know. But for Application Engineer, Eric Alexander, it’s not so hard—he’s here to bring us February’s part of the month. And if you read the title of this blog post, you’ve probably already guessed what it is.
When I asked Eric this question, he answered “FDM. The time to part is excellent and there is little-to-no post processing, while producing the strongest part of any 3D printing technology.”
What FDM part did Eric pick to show off his favorite technology? A triangle showing different FDM infill patterns.
About The Part
This FDM infill triangle was printed in black ABS. Out of every FDM material, ABS is one of the classics used by our customers. It’s affordable, looks good, and gets the job done.
Here’s what makes the triangle unique: It is showing how a user can use Stratasys’ Insight software to make custom infill groups in different sections of a single part. There are five different infill patterns on display – from standard cross-sections to more unique honeycomb structures. Some of the infill styles were specifically designed to be filled with resin after printing, to further increase the part’s strength. You’re able to create a lighter, cost-efficient part with a sparse infill, a structurally sound part with double dense, or a heavy and durable part with the solid infill.
(See the figures below showing sparse, double dense, and solid infills.)
Sparse
Double Dense
Solid
Outside of the infill patterns on display, you’ll notice two holes on the top of the triangle. This section shows how Insight can help a user improve the strength of heat-set inserts.
The hole on the left is the default – this is what will print on your FDM system if you are not using Insight. If you look closely, you’ll see the material zig-zags back and forth within the circle. This hole is structurally weaker than the hole on the right. The hole on the right was optimized for a heat-set insert using Insight. If you look closely, you’ll see that the inner structure is concentric rings.
The rings create a stronger structure when compared to the hole on the left with the zig-zag filling, also known as alternating rasters. This part was printed in about five hours.
FDM Advanced Training
As the only Stratasys-Certified FDM Training Center on the West Coast, we offer an advanced course at our headquarters. Designed to guide you through the process of setting up FDM parts, our new, fully equipped classroom provides the ideal environment for hands-on learning.
Course Highlights:
- FDM Technology Overview
– Materials & Applications
– Understanding Layer Thickness & Resolution
– File Types - GrabCAD Print: Essential Software Overview
- Insight: Software Deep Dive
- Machine Overview
– UI Navigation & Internal Components
– Build Chamber
– Purge Ledge
– Brush/Flicker Assembly
– Gantry/Head Area
– Identifying Tips
– Advanced FDM Modes
Meet Eric Alexander
Meet Eric Alexander, Application Engineer. Eric works alongside the sales team, providing engineering design services and enabling customers in finding the right additive solution for their production cycles. What Eric enjoys most about Purple is working with a variety of different companies on a wide range of projects.
Out of the office, Eric enjoys, surfing, playing guitar, and calisthenics. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Eric, make sure to stop by the office to say hi or connect with him on LinkedIn!
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