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3D-Printed Plastic Parts Are As Strong As Aluminum 145793D-Printed Plastic Parts Are As Strong As Aluminum

Ann R. Thryft

June 17, 2016

2 Min Read
3D-Printed Plastic Parts Are As Strong As Aluminum

Global 3D printing production network 3D Hubs is now offering new engineering-grade fiber-reinforced nylon composite materials that can rival aluminum in strength. Printed on industrial machines, these materials are made possible at selected hubs in its network with Markforged's continuous fiber 3D printing process.

The new composite materials include nylon reinforced with carbon, Kevlar, or fiberglass, so engineers can optimize their parts for strength, stiffness, weight, and temperature resistance. Strength-to-weight ratios higher than those of 6061-T6 aluminum are possible with the carbon fiber-reinforced nylon. So are parts up to 24 times stronger and 27 times stiffer than ABS.

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About the Author(s)

Ann R. Thryft

Ann R. Thryft has written about manufacturing- and electronics-related technologies for Design News, EE Times, Test & Measurement World, EDN, RTC Magazine, COTS Journal, Nikkei Electronics Asia, Computer Design, and Electronic Buyers' News (EBN). She's introduced readers to several emerging trends: industrial cybersecurity for operational technology, industrial-strength metals 3D printing, RFID, software-defined radio, early mobile phone architectures, open network server and switch/router architectures, and set-top box system design. At EBN Ann won two independently judged Editorial Excellence awards for Best Technology Feature. She holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Stanford University and a Certified Business Communicator certificate from the Business Marketing Association (formerly B/PAA).

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