What is PA66-GF30 and why is it used in additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has evolved at an unprecedented speed from just a novel technology to an industry that accelerated the manufacturing process while expanding its capabilities. Additionally, it has made manufacturing more accessible and convenient as with the right tools and sufficient know-how, anyone can start creating any products using the 3D printing tools right away.

3D printing technology uses a variety of synthetic materials to create products with unique qualities. One such polyamide material used in 3D printing is PA66-GF30, which helps in creating robust, chemical-resistant, and attractive products using additive manufacturing technology.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of additive technology and the role of PA66-GF30 in helping you in agile and sturdy manufacturing.

 

What is Additive Manufacturing? 

As the name suggests, Additive Manufacturing is a process of creating three-dimensional products and objects by systematically adding a layer of material until the final product is made, whereas traditional manufacturing creates products by subtracting or eliminating materials. 

The biggest advantage that additive manufacturing has over traditional one is low wastage of materials, flexibility, and fast processes.

Now that we know what additive manufacturing is about, let’s take a look at various materials used in creating prototypes through 3D printing.

 

Common Materials Used for 3D Printing

3D printing is commonly done by melting a tube of materials to create a semi-liquid material to add to the layers. Various types of printing material offer different attributes to the final products.

Some of the most common materials used in 3D printing are as follows:

1: Polylactic Acid (PLA): Being among the least toxic and biodegradable thermoplastics, PLA is an ideal printing material for consumer products. It is derived from natural ingredients like corn-starch and sugarcane.

2: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): Known for its durability and impact resistance, ABS is a thermoplastic commonly used for creating automotive components and electronic housings. However, it requires controlled printing conditions.

3: Polyamide: Also known commonly as Nylon, its versatility and strength make it an ideal material to be used in making gears, bearings, and other engineering tools. PA6 and PA66 are the common polyamide used in 3D printing. PA6-GF30 and PA66-GF30 are two polyamide which is reinforced with 30% glass fiber to increase its mechanical and chemical strength.

 

Role of PA66-GF30 in Additive Manufacturing

Speaking of polyamides, one of the most robust varieties of the same with prominent use across many industries is PA66-GF30. Commonly known as 30% glass fiber-filled polyamide 6, its distinct features make it an ideal prototyping material for engineering projects. Here are some of its key characteristics:

Enhanced Strength and Stiffness: The addition of glass fibers in PA66-GF30 adds more strength to the material compared to the other 3D printing materials. We can use the products made from it to pick heavy loads without losing their structural integrity. 

Excellent Heat Resistance: Another key feature of PA66-GF30 is its excellent heat resistance, thus further improving its structural integrity under extreme conditions. This attribute expands its range of applications for functional parts subjected to elevated temperatures or post-processing treatments such as annealing.

Chemical Resistance: PA66-GF30 is resistant to numerous chemicals like oils, fuels, and solvents. This feature allows the products to be used in harsh chemical conditions with high chances of corrosion, thus adding further versatility. 

Dimensional Stability: The inclusion of glass fiber in PA66-GF30 makes it a more stable material used in 3D printing. It doesn’t shrink, warp, or change shape during the 3D printing process, thus helping you make high-fidelity products.   

 

Conclusion

PA66-GF30 is the robust material used in additive manufacturing to create lasting products. With the industry growing ever so rapidly, we can witness more practical uses of PA66-GF30 in making sturdy, accurate, and functional prototypes for years to come.