3D Printing Filament Development Project

3D Printing Filament Development Project

About the Project

The St. Clair College Research and Innovation department collaborated with industry experts to explore the potential of using filled materials for 3D printing filament by incorporating recycled or waste materials. The study compared the mechanical properties of three blends of biodegradable polymers using tensile and impact tests. The results indicated that blended Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) filaments offer sustainable manufacturing solutions, though their effectiveness depends on specific application requirements. The project also emphasized the importance of carefully considering material properties and production processes to achieve high-quality filament blends.

Project Overview

Team Members:

  • 3 Researchers

Areas of Expertise:

  • Material Science
  • 3D Printing Technology
  • Sustainable Manufacturing

Technologies:

  • 3D Printing Technology

Key Innovations

  • Biodegradable Material Blends: Investigated the use of PHB and PLA blends to create sustainable 3D printing filaments.
  • Material Property Analysis: Conducted tensile and impact tests to compare the mechanical properties of different biodegradable polymer blends.
  • Compatibility Enhancement: Explored the use of silane to enhance the compatibility between PHB and PLA materials.

Impact & Benefits

  • Sustainable Manufacturing: Promoted the use of biodegradable materials for 3D printing, contributing to environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
  • Enhanced Filament Properties: Improved the mechanical properties of 3D printing filaments through material blending.
  • Application-Specific Solutions: Provided insights into the feasibility of using blended PHB and PLA filaments for specific applications.

Related Programs

#MaterialScience#3DPrinting#SustainableManufacturing#BiodegradableMaterials

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