SLS Nylon 11 Parameters
SLS technology uses a laser to sinter (heat and fuse) powdered material, layer by layer, to create solid 3D objects. The Fuse 1 printer is compatible with Nylon 11 material for SLS printing.
Nylon 11 Properties:
Chemical Resistance: Nylon 11 is known for its resistance to chemicals, including oils and fuels.
Impact Resistance: It offers good impact resistance, making it suitable for functional parts.
Flexibility: Nylon 11 has a degree of flexibility, which can be beneficial for certain applications.
Low Water Absorption: Compared to some other nylons, Nylon 11 has relatively low water absorption.
Applications:
Prototyping: Functional prototypes can be created to test form, fit, and function.
End-Use Parts: SLS Nylon 11 parts can be used directly in final products.
Automotive and Aerospace: Many components in these industries benefit from the properties of Nylon 11.
Medical: Some medical devices can be 3D printed using SLS Nylon 11.
Jigs and Fixtures: Custom tools, jigs, and fixtures for manufacturing processes.
| Technology | SLS |
| Material | Nylon 11 |
| Original Color | Gray/Dye Black |
| Thermal Deformation | 160-180°C |
| Hardness | 83D |
| Surface Situation | Rough Granular |
| Printing Platform Size | 300*159*159mm |
| Flexural modulus | 1.4 Gpa (ASTM D790) |
| Flexural strength | 55 Mpa (ASTM D790) |
| Tensile modulus | 1.6 Gpa (ASTM D638) |
| Tensile strength | 49 MPa(ASTM D638) |
| Elongation at break | 40 % (ASTM D638) |
| Impact strength notched Izod | 71 j/m (ASTM D256) |
| Tolerance | The local accuracy of the product is between 0.25-0.35mm~3.5 ‰, while overall accuracy is hard to control |
| Post Process | Assembly, Inset copper nuts, Tap thread, Physical polishing, vapor smoothing, Painting, Electroplating, Silkscreen, Water transfer printing, Coating |
| Wall thickness required | 1 mm above, big parts according to 3D drawings |
The advantages of SLS Nylon 11 are:
1, Tensile Strength: Nylon 11 exhibits good tensile strength, making it suitable for parts that need to withstand high loads or stresses.
2, Impact Resistance: It has excellent impact resistance, which is beneficial for parts that may experience sudden forces or impacts.
3, Abrasion Resistance: Nylon 11 is resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for parts that will be subject to wear over time.
4, Resistance to Chemicals: Nylon 11 is resistant to a variety of chemicals, including oils, greases, and fuels. This makes it ideal for applications where exposure to chemicals is a concern.
5, Moderate Flexibility: Nylon 11 has a degree of flexibility, which can be advantageous for parts that need to bend or flex without breaking. This property allows for the creation of functional, flexible parts.
6, Hydrophobic Nature: Nylon 11 has relatively low water absorption compared to some other nylon materials. This means it retains its mechanical properties even when exposed to moisture, making it suitable for applications where water resistance is important.
7, Moderate Heat Resistance: Nylon 11 can withstand moderate temperatures without deforming or losing its mechanical properties. This makes it suitable for applications where parts may be exposed to heat.
8, Wide Range of Applications: SLS Nylon 11 is versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications across various industries. These include automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer goods, and more.
9, Complex Geometries: SLS technology allows for the creation of complex geometries without the need for support structures. This means designers can create intricate, lightweight, and optimized parts.
10, Batch Production: SLS allows for the simultaneous printing of multiple parts within the build volume, making it efficient for batch production.
11, Custom Parts: SLS Nylon 11 enables the production of custom parts with specific properties tailored to the application's requirements.
12, Direct Use: SLS Nylon 11 parts can often be used directly as end-use parts without the need for additional processing, painting, or finishing.
These advantages make SLS Nylon 11 a popular choice for a wide range of industrial applications, from prototyping to end-use production. However, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your project to ensure that SLS Nylon 11 aligns with your needs in terms of mechanical properties, chemical resistance, flexibility, and other factors.
The disadvantages of SLS Nylon 11 are:
1, Material Cost: Nylon 11 powder can be more expensive compared to other 3D printing materials.
2, Powder Removal: After printing, parts need to be carefully removed from the unsintered powder. This process can be time-consuming and may require additional equipment.
3, Surface Finish: SLS Nylon 11 parts may have a slightly rough surface finish out of the printer. Depending on the application, post-processing such as sanding or bead blasting may be necessary for a smoother finish.
4, Color Variability: Nylon 11 typically comes in a limited range of colors, often natural. If color customization is important for your application, additional steps such as painting may be required.
5, Shrinkage: Nylon 11 can experience some degree of shrinkage during the printing process, affecting the dimensional accuracy of the final part. Design considerations need to account for this shrinkage.
6, Warping: Like other thermoplastics, Nylon 11 can warp or distort during printing if proper cooling measures are not in place.
7, Visible Layer Lines: SLS prints may exhibit visible layer lines, especially on surfaces that are not oriented optimally. This may require additional post-processing to achieve a smoother appearance.
8, Fine Detail: While SLS is capable of producing intricate designs, extremely fine details may not be as sharp compared to other 3D printing methods like SLA (Stereolithography).
9, Build Volume Limitations: The size of the parts that can be produced on an SLS printer like the Formlabs Fuse 1 is limited by the build volume. Large parts may need to be printed in sections and assembled later.
10, Limited Material Selection: While Nylon 11 has many advantages, it may not be the ideal choice for all applications. Other materials might offer better properties for specific requirements, such as flexibility.
These disadvantages highlight the importance of considering the specific requirements of your project when choosing a 3D printing material and technology. Despite these drawbacks, SLS Nylon 11 remains a valuable option for a wide range of industrial applications due to its strength, durability, chemical resistance, and versatility.