What is the Lightest and Strongest 3D printing material?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the lightest and strongest 3D printing materials suitable for applications such as small wind turbine propellers. Participants explore various material options, their properties, and considerations for mechanical design in 3D printing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest Carbon Fiber PLA as a potential material, but express concerns about its strength, noting that it may only be as strong as standard PLA.
  • Others propose PETG as a strong and lightweight alternative, emphasizing the need for trial and error in adjusting printer settings for different materials.
  • One participant mentions the idea of infusing aerogel with PLA to create a lighter material, but recalls that it was deemed impossible to print with.
  • There are suggestions to consider nylon-based filaments from Taulman, which are noted for their strength and consistency when kept dry.
  • Concerns are raised about the abrasiveness of exotic filaments like Carbon Fiber, which could damage printers, and the importance of checking compatibility with printer manufacturers.
  • A participant highlights the advantages of mechanical design techniques, such as honeycombing, to enhance the strength-to-weight ratio of printed parts.
  • Some participants discuss the potential of fiberglass and other materials for industrial applications, suggesting they may be suitable for the stresses involved in wind turbine applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the best materials, with no clear consensus on a single optimal choice. There are competing views on the effectiveness and suitability of Carbon Fiber PLA, PETG, and nylon-based filaments, as well as differing perspectives on design considerations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the performance of 3D printing materials can vary significantly based on specific printer settings and the quality of the filament, with some emphasizing the need for careful handling and storage of materials to maintain their properties.

Ryan Walsh
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Looking for Something durable yet Very Light 3D printing material.

I googled and Found A product.

http://www.mes3dfilaments.co.uk/product/form-futura-carbonfil

Carbon Fiber PLA..

Any other suggestions? For application for small wind turbine propellers
 
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The vendors may be able to answer this question.
 
Ryan Walsh said:
Looking for Something durable yet Very Light 3D printing material.

I googled and Found A product.

http://www.mes3dfilaments.co.uk/product/form-futura-carbonfil

Carbon Fiber PLA..

Any other suggestions? For application for small wind turbine propellers
Beyond the material choice, what are you doing in your mechanical design of the blades to make them light and strong? That's one of the advantages of 3-D printing -- you can do lots of honeycombing and internal structures/voids to lighten and strengthen...
 
berkeman said:
Beyond the material choice, what are you doing in your mechanical design of the blades to make them light and strong? That's one of the advantages of 3-D printing -- you can do lots of honeycombing and internal structures/voids to lighten and strengthen...
of course! just concerned about material right now.
 
This is completely strange and eerie, but whatever. I don't think I did a Google search on the words in your post looking to help you, but I must have because when I logged on just now, Google popped up this website advertisement:

http://www.shapeways.com/product/ZR...oll&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=fbdynamic

There is a material selection pulldown box on the right side of the page. Dunno if that helps. Google cookies are everywhere... (luckily this time they are benign and maybe helpful)...
 
Ahhh so you saying the advertisements are pointing you in the right direction. Sounds like a conspiracy I will have a Look. Thank you!
 
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Be careful with exotic filaments like Carbon Fiber.
They have an abrasion factor that can permanently foul your Head. Check with your Printer manufacturer to approve filaments, especially if you are still under warranty.
The strongest and lightest I have found is clear (pigments can weaken) PETg. It takes some trial an error to get settings right specific to unique characteristics of a geometry (shape).

s.
 
I was thinking yesterday. About the man who tried to infuse aerogel with pla or something like that. to create a light printable material. I remember him saying that it was impossible to print with.

PETg sounds good I've mostly been just working with the pla and abs.. I do have carbon fiber and a lot of other materials for testing. I am pretty sure petg will work for the Tronxy x3a think i seen many print with it

Thank you for your followup I will see if this is a lighter material than pla
 
Ryan Walsh said:
I was thinking yesterday. About the man who tried to infuse aerogel with pla or something like that. to create a light printable material. I remember him saying that it was impossible to print with.

PETg sounds good I've mostly been just working with the pla and abs.. I do have carbon fiber and a lot of other materials for testing. I am pretty sure petg will work for the Tronxy x3a think i seen many print with it

Thank you for your followup I will see if this is a lighter material than pla
Contact Taulman filaments. They have nylon based and other materials that are super strong without being brittle. There is a range of characteristics in their product line. Many manufacturerers filaments vary in quality from batch to batch which raises havoc trying to find the right settings. If you keep Taulman products reasonably humidity free, they are super consistent.
 
  • #10
Steven Bolgiano said:
Contact Taulman filaments. They have nylon based and other materials that are super strong without being brittle. There is a range of characteristics in their product line. Many manufacturerers filaments vary in quality from batch to batch which raises havoc trying to find the right settings. If you keep Taulman products reasonably humidity free, they are super consistent.

Thanks Steve. I will look into them. At the moment I am not to worried about light material, PLA is pretty light and strong enough. PLA doesn't have much grams to it. Although the lighter the better for my experimental work. (Not for drones and such).
 
  • #11
Carbon fiber PLA isn't very strong since the carbon fiber is just small pieces. It's only as strong as the PLA.
 
  • #12
I sell 3D printers for industrial applications
for follows function and i suspect fiber glass is a good media for stresses you will encounter
you can buy a good carbon fiber printer cheap
other print in fiberglass, kevlar and high temp fiberglass or you may want to spend mucho dollars for metal printers but way over kill for wind turbine
 

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