====== 3D Printing ======

===== About =====

==== FDM ====

FDM parts are created by extruding a thermo-plastic in layers. FDM printing creates parts that are between 60% and 80% the tensile strength of the selected polymer. The limitation of FDM printing is that it leaves layer lines on parts that have to be accepted as part of the part or post-processed to remove them. 

FDM printing is excellent for prototyping parts quickly. A printed version of your project can be created much more quickly and cheaply than machining to give you mechanically similar parts to test before moving to metal. Printing can also be used to produce plastic parts for sale if the cost of making injection molds is too high.

I can print in PLA, PETG, ABS, Nylon and glass fiber or carbon fiber filled variations of these plastics. It is important to keep in mind that the fiber fill does not add to the ultimate strength of the print, but does make the prints stiffer. This makes carbon or glass fill good for parts that need high rigidity.

I also have 2 printers with heated chambers for printing ABS and Nylon parts without warping. 

==== SLA ====

SLA parts are created by curing layers of UV resins. SLA printing creates high resolution resin prints that are great for high detail models. Resin parts are usually more brittle and weaker than thermo-plastic parts. A wide variety of resins are available based on the needs of the project. 

SLA printing is excellent for display parts, visual models, and molds or mold plugs.

===== Tools =====

  * Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra: SLA
  * 2x Prusa i3 MK3S+ : FDM
  * Modified Prusa i3 MK3S+ : FDM Heated Enclosure
  * Qidi X-MAX 3 : FDM Heated Enclosure

===== Relevant Projects =====

  * [[projects:bush:joystick_repair|Joystick Repair]]
  * [[projects:stintzi:paddle_tail_swim_bait|Paddle Tail Swim Bait]]