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Jun 07, 2022
There are a number of options when it comes to increasing the stiffness of polymer parts. The most common method is to use glass fillers.
These can come in the form of beads, fibres, or a combination of the two. Beads are more cost effective, not directionally dependent, and provide a better surface finish. However, they only provide an increase in stiffness, with little to no change to mechanical strength. Fibre fillers provide large increases in stiffness and strength, but mechanical properties are anisotropic, dependent on the fibre orientation.
There are a number of methods used to produce parts with glass filler.
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The effects on mechanical properties, for the processes we use, due to fibre orientation are covered below:
When injection moulding a part, fibre orientation can be controlled, with the design of the tool, to ensure optimal fibre orientation within a part, and therefore access to the highest mechanical strengths given in datasheets.
When CNC machining a part, it can be assumed that the block of glass filled nylon will contain fibres largely oriented in a single direction; the direction the block was extruded in. Without specialist equipment it is not possible to identify fibre orientation within the raw material when processing it. Therefore, any part that is machined will have fibres orientated in a single, unknown, direction. Thus, fibres contribute to stiffness, but in an uncontrolled manner.
The preferred method to produce glass filled 3d printed parts is by SLS, utilising a glass bead filled nylon. In addition to the glass bead filled nylon, a company called CRP produce a glass fibre filled material: Windform LX 2.0. When compared with glass bead filled SLS, a large increase in stiffness and strength is observed, however this is directionally dependent, based on the process. Therefore any part produced will have fibres oriented in a single, known direction. Windform is of limited availability, however other fibre filled SLS materials are more readily available.
As can be seen in the table above, a part produced using glass bead filled PA12, via SLS, can be considered to have comparable properties to a part produced using 10% glass fibre PA12. This makes glass bead filled SLS a reasonable choice for producing functional prototypes. However, it must be noted that the surface finish is not as good as CNC or injection moulded parts.
Whatever your requirements, pick up the phone or send us an enquiry; we will be happy to discuss the options with you.
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Plunkett Associates worked on the design and production of titanium frames for an artificial heart valve where precision and consistency was paramount. Communications were efficient and productive with concepts readily incorporated into the final design, and suggestions for improvements all highly appropriate. The quality of the end product was ideal and I have no doubt that I will use the advice and expertise of Plunkett Associates again.David Wheatley, Wheatley Research Ltd
Plunkett Associates worked on the design and production of titanium frames for an artificial heart valve where precision and consistency was paramount. Communications were efficient and productive with concepts readily incorporated into the final design, and suggestions for improvements all highly appropriate. The quality of the end product was ideal and I have no doubt that I will use the advice and expertise of Plunkett Associates again.
“Doing business with you has been an absolute pleasure. You have made my goals a reality. You have been patient, helpful and above all, responsive. Best service that I have experienced in ages. I consider Plunkett Associates to be an integral part of my business plan moving forward.”
Thanks for the present that arrived this morning, as promised. Parts look first class, as always.
Plunketts developed a solution that met our precision requirements at a cost significantly lower than alternative manufacturing approaches we had investigated
Interestingly, people who look at it in its own right with little knowledge of what it does, just like it! It’s tactile and it looks good…
To create such a consistent quality finish in chrome was an amazing achievement and the prototypes really gave our stand the wow factor.
I can’t recommend Tim and his team highly enough. We ended up with a design which can be produced and assembled quickly, efficiently and reliably, in volumes that make sense
Kirintec were thrilled with Plunketts. They made a complex process simple and we were just amazed at the lead times achieved. Plus, every single deadline was met without any drama.
Plunkett Associates truly offer a complete turnkey solution with Speed, Effectiveness and Precision.
Plunkett Associates have a fantastic supply chain, work with all sorts of production processes and will always do their utmost to solve a problem.
We always know exactly what we’re getting and we know we won’t be let down on quality, price or lead times.
"With their simple to understand language, willingness to go the extra mile and approachability, Plunkett Associates were a great partner for our company. We couldn’t be happier with the results of our project. (A working prototype that they got right first time, by the way). Thank you!"
“We use Plunkett Associates because we want someone we can trust, that knows what they’re talking about, has all the contacts, will provide reliable advice and feedback and will get the right result for us.”
“Accuracy, finish and delivery all first class.”
"Tim's experience, expertise and supplier base have been fundamental to us getting this project off the ground."
Plunkett associates always find a solution. Whatever we need to prototype, they have a great grasp on the technologies available, costs and lead-times so we get the right solution tailored to the project needs. Have always delivered and never let us down.
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