Imagine having the power to create complex shapes and structures with the touch of a button. The world of 3D printing has revolutionized the way we manufacture and produce materials. From rapid prototyping to on-demand production, there’s no doubt that 3D printing is a game-changer for various industries, including aerospace and robotics.
One of the most exciting aspects of 3D printing is its versatility in the materials it can print. It’s pretty remarkable how 3D printers can work with a wide array of substrates to create various structures or parts. Today, we’ll explore the world of 3D printing and magnets and see how this innovation can help shape the future of 3D printing.
Magnets and 3D Printing
The idea of 3D printing with thermoplastics has been around since the 1980s; the general concept, even longer! Only recently have we been able to apply the idea of magnet encapsulation using additive manufacturing. Magnets are objects that produce a magnetic field, making them useful in various applications, such as medical, robotics, aerospace, and automation. In 3D printing, magnets play an essential role in creating assemblies that were once impossible to produce.
Types of 3D Printing Technologies
The technology behind magnets and additive manufacturing is connected to Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing services, which involves building parts layer by layer using thermoplastic filaments. This printing service has the advantage of being able to print with high precision, creating intricate designs that would be difficult to produce with any other method.
Large Format FDM printers allow printing up to 1 meter³ without splitting or bonding parts. These massive printers already find use in the automotive and aerospace industries for printing large parts and prototypes.
What are the Benefits of 3D Printing Around Magnets?
The most significant advantage is that 3D printing around magnets allows the creation of complex and intricate geometries that would be impossible with traditional manufacturing techniques. You can create shapes that are impossible to mold using techniques such as die-casting, casting, or forging. This level of customization gives the 3D-printed parts a significant advantage over the traditionally manufactured parts.
Another essential aspect of 3D printing around magnets is that it offers flexibility for production orders and quick turnarounds. It doesn’t take long to design and print the required components using this technology, reducing the production lead time significantly. Furthermore, since parts can be produced in-house through 3D printing, there’s no need to go to external suppliers for these parts. This decreases the amount of time that it takes to manufacture something.
Finally, the range of materials that can be used when 3D printing around magnets is
vast. It includes flame-retardant and high-temperature thermoplastics and electrostatic discharge filaments, glass-filled nylon thermoplastics, carbon fiber PA and ABS materials, polyurethane thermoplastics, and much more.
3D printing around magnets has shown immense promise in the manufacturing industry. It’s not only environmentally friendly due to the minimal waste produced, but it’s quick and flexible, reducing the manufacturing lead time. It’s exciting to contemplate where this technology leads us in the future of manufacturing products and components. The possibilities are endless, and the scope of 3D-printed magnetic assemblies will continue to expand for years to come.
Looking for the right 3D-printed magnetic assembly for your next application? Contact BJA Magnetics today to get started!
