CNC machined polyoxymethylene (POM), Delrin, by Protolabs. In this case, the surface is "as machined", which means no further surface treatments have been used, which helps to keep costs to a minimum. It is possible to improve the finish with bead blasting as well as painting. Image Protolabs Network.
CNC machined polyoxymethylene (POM), Delrin, by Protolabs. Incorporating large radiuses on corners helps to keep costs low by minimising machine time. Image Protolabs Network.
3D printed glasses in in Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) by Weerg. This looks like Ultem 9085, which is a high performance material suitable for complex applications in the automotive, aerospace, and transportation parts. It is certified to UL94-V0 (flame retardant), EN45545 (railway), FAR25.853 and OSU55/55 (aerospace). Ultem 1010 is certified for use in applications that require direct skin contact, meeting strict biocompatibility standards. Image Weerg.
Biowert Terrace Flooring. Extruded plastic wood composite (PWC) decking produced with AgriPlast by Biowert. This material is made up of polypropylene (PP) mixed with up to 75% cellulose fibres obtained from meadow grass.
Large-format 3D printed bio-composite structure using AgriPlast by Biowert. This material is made up of polypropylene (PP) mixed with up to 75% cellulose fibres obtained from meadow grass.
Nuatan bio-based plastic are based on biodegradable polyester. They are formed by 3D printing, injection moulding, extrusion and CNC machining. At the end of their useful life, they are suitable for industrial composting. Image Crafting Plastics.
The Lotus x Hope HB.T 2020 Team GB Tokyo Olympic carbon fibre composite track bike. A range of carbon fibres are used, from standard to ultra high modulus, depending on the requirements of each specific part of the frame and assembly. Epoxy provides the strongest matrix. The headset and handlebars, as well as other components, are 3D printed titanium (Ti-6Al-4V). In collaboration with Lotus Engineering, Renishaw 3D printed the parts throughout the development process using aluminium alloy (AlSi10Mg), enabling the quick turnaround of design changes. Using carbon fibre for these parts is significantly slower and more restricted, because new moulds are required each time a change is made. With 3D printing, the components can be outputted directly from the updated CAD file.
A chair prototype demonstrator, made by Thermwood on a large format 3D printer - the print layers are visible. The material is 30% glass fibre reinforced polybutadiene terephthalate (PBT-GF30), polyester. The polyester is made by Sabic using 25% chemically recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).
Direct-to-textile 3D printing by Stratasys. VeroEco Flex is a family of acrylic-based photopolymers, which are built up layer-by-layer on the surface of the textile. A strong physical bond is formed between the first layers and the fabric. These semi-flexible materials come in a huge range of colours and are available with a matte and gloss finish.
Direct-to-textile 3D printing by Stratasys. VeroEco Flex is a family of acrylic-based photopolymers, which are built up layer-by-layer on the surface of the textile. A strong physical bond is formed between the first layers and the fabric. These semi-flexible materials come in a huge range of colours and are available with a matte and gloss finish.
A shoe prototype design by Gruppo Meccaniche Luciani, 2015. The monolithic prototype was 3D printed using Stratasys PolyJet multi-material technology. Drops of photopolymer are jetted onto the build platform, then cured with UV lamps to bond layers. Support materials are dissolved or manually removed for the finished PolyJet model. Multiple different types of material can be printed simultaneously, ranging from rigid to flexible and transparent to opaque.
Cosmetic packaging prototypes using Stratasys 3D printed photopolymer based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic. With Stratasys PolyJet 3D printing technology it is possible to print Pantone colours and simulate materials like glass, wood and marble. Drops of photopolymer are jetted onto the build platform, then cured with UV lamps to bond layers. Support materials are dissolved or manually removed for the finished PolyJet model. Multiple different types of material can be printed simultaneously, ranging from rigid to flexible and transparent to opaque.
Prototyping in Tokyo exhibition, Japan House London, 2019, featuring bio-inspired work of Professor Yamanaka Shunji and his lab at the University of Tokyo, made with selective laser sintered (SLS) nylon powder
A prototype mould, for low volume production, made by Thermwood on a large format 3D printer, utilising their angled layer print system (ALP). The material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene with 20% short carbon fibre (ABS-CF20). It is printed by extrusion (the print lines are visible) and then machined to the desired dimensions. The surface is polished and painted.
Spot Material is a database of materials for sustainable design, curated by Rob Thompson. Compare properties, carbon and end of life, find better alternatives and discover new material innovations. Browse all materials
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