September 10, 2023
Scientific Instruments
Many parts of scientific instruments require special design for their exclusive and complex shapes, 3D printing technology, with customizable characteristic, could be the first option to meet this demand.
Industry background and pain points
Among all walks of life, scientific instruments vary greatly in size, shape, purpose, complication, and complexity. However, some scientific instruments can be quite significant in complexity, which makes this part of the instrument more difficult to manufacture. The design of these products was limited by the machining process more or less . For example, the complex and exclusive angles and shapes for some products are hardly to be fabricated in steel, which limit the choice of manufacturing materials and methods in large part. The low fault tolerance of this kind of product makes it possible for 3D printing to enter the industry with customization.
3D printing solutions
3D Printing technology can bring smooth product development processes to Scientific Instruments industry，mainly from the following three aspects:
【High-Pressure Materials】Some 3D printing materials have been developed to be resistant to high temperatures and pressures for ensuring that they are not deformed in the instrument.
【Customization】 Given that 3D printing is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model with material being added together, the prototype of scientific instruments can be customized and formed into any shape，based on 3D printing process,. The process can efficiently match the required accuracy and regardless of design constraints.
【Product Optimization】Weight reduction was achieved by redesigning the structure and replacing the original metal with a lower density 3D printing material. At the same time, 3D printing prototyping will greatly shorten lead time by quickly and accurately converting design drawings into physical objects and ultimately control costs.
3D printing solutions by Polymaker
Polymaker is reputational for its proficiency in material-extrusion based 3D printing area with comprehensive solutions.
【PolyMax™】Produced with Nano-reinforcement technology, the family deliver filaments with exceptional mechanical properties and printing quality. In particular. PolyMax™ PC-FR, an outstanding material in the research of flame retardant materials, could achieve V0 performance in the UL94 flame retardancy test and displays excellent toughness, strength and heat resistance. PolyMax™ PC-FR also has the advantages of reliability and ease of use. It is an ideal choice for scientific instruments production.
【PolyMide™】A family of Nylon/polyamide based filaments delivering engineering properties intrinsic to Nylon and ease of printing: PolyMide™ PA6-CF, a carbon fiber reinforced PA6 (Nylon 6) filament, has been the material of choice for the lab. With a heat deflection temperature of 215°C and its rigidity and strength, PolyMide™ PA6-CF proves itself as a very good candidate for many types of custom lab equipment. PolyMide™ PA12-CF, with excellent surface finish and dimension accuracy, featuring outstanding mechanical and thermal properties even after the moisture conditioning process, is also a good candidate material for producing jigs and fixtures in this industry. Besides, PolyMide™ PA612-CF, which has a significantly lower moisture sensitivity than that of nylon 6-based materials and a higher mechanical properties than general nylon 12 materials, also contribute to the industry.
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