Improve Part Integrity A 3D printed part is not as dense - and thus not as strong - as a part made from traditional manufacturing processes. Related: Watch How Vacuum Impregnation Seals Porosity Vacuum impregnation seals the porosity within the part, allowing it to be pressure tight. If the porosity in 3D printed parts is not sealed, then fluids or gasses will leak. In order for parts to be pressure tight, the porosity needs to be sealed. This porosity is an almost unavoidable effect of the 3D printing process.Ĭertain applications require the part to be pressure tight, with 100 percent density.
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While a finished part is 98 – 99 percent dense, the process can leave a small number of micro-cavities within the part. The laser, or nozzle, of the 3D printing machine creates a part by melting or fusing material, layer by layer. The two common reasons why vacuum impregnation is used in 3D printing is to seal leak paths, and improve part integrity. The material is also used for complex designs that cannot be machined by traditional machining methods.Ĭommon Applications for Sealing 3D Printed Materials Sintered metals are ideal for functional prototypes, and end-use parts. Nylon is ideal for functional parts, complex models with intricate design, and assemblies. ABS is ideal for low-cost prototyping, developing mechanical parts. The two primary materials that vacuum impregnation seals are plastic and sintered metal.Īcrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and Nylon are the most commonly used plastic materials. This blog will discuss common materials, applications, and misconceptions related to impregnating 3D printed parts.Ĭommon 3D Materials Vacuum Impregnation Seals And, although it may not be fully eliminated within the 3D print process itself, it can be effectively sealed through vacuum impregnation. The porosity is inherent to the properties of the material and technology. However, parts created through the process are susceptible to the same porosity that plagues those created through more traditional processes.
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The rapid developments in 3D printing technology and materials has accelerated areas like product development, offer customized product, and eliminate design restrictions.ģD printing has streamlined the product development cycle. The past decade has seen a surge in 3D printing use. The limits of the technology and material did not allow one to use the process for field testing, or production. When 3D printing was first developed in the 1980’s, it was primarily used for a product’s proof of concept or initial prototypes.