3D Printing No Longer Offered.
TechBytes is no longer offering 3D printing services for London and area.
Please check out our other active services on the navigation menu!
IF YOU HAVE NO FILE
So you are interested in getting a print done, or need something replicated and you are unsure where to start? There are thousands of free files online in databases such as Thingiverse.com. If you find a model you would like printed from Thingiverse or similar websites, send us a link to it and we will give you a quote ASAP.
If you are looking for something more custom or cannot find the file, a 3D artist will be required to create that file for you. We can facilitate a meeting with a designer and get you on the right path to finish your project!
3D FILAMENTS
PLA vs PETG
Both PETG and PLA filament belong to the polyester group of plastics. Like most FDM 3D printing filaments, both are also thermoplastics. That means they soften above a specific temperature, and become solid again once cooled down. In theory, this process can be repeated over and over again without degrading the material quality. Most PLA and many PETG filaments are available in both 1.75 mm diameter and 2.85 mm diameter.
So how do the two types of filament differ?
In short, if physical properties of the filament are a high priority for your 3D printing application, PETG would be the first to explore!
PETG gained a lot of recognition during the coronavirus pandemic because it can be easily sanitized and therefore is useful for medical applications such as face shields.
If, on the other hand, an exact and very good aesthetic is required for your project to hit the bullseye, you should probably go for PLA.
TPU and FLEX
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a high strength flexible filament. TPU is essentially polyurethane, it belongs to the TPE class of thermoplastics. Compared to traditional materials such as PLA and ABS, TPU is an elastic and flexible material that is almost odorless when printing. TPU feels similar to a tough rubber.
Choose TPU when you want the part to be very tough, durable and yet flexible. Choose TPE when you want the part to be softer and have a more rubbery feel to it.
In the DRONE and RC area, TPU can be used for tires or shock absorbers and is even occasionally utilized to make O-rings and seals. In the world of DIY, TPU is fantastic for flexible parts or casings as well as parts that need to have resistance to sudden impacts and movement!
MORE Information About 3D Printing
Even though there are similarities between the properties of an object 3D printed in PETG and PLA, each have their own unique properties.
Physical strength is generally higher with PETG compared to PLA.
Temperature tolerance is typically much higher with PETG. However, a more common tolerance for PETG is around 75-85ºC. With PLA, on the other hand, you generally have to keep 3D printed parts below 55-65ºC to keep them solid.
Outdoor use goes to PETG, as it handles weather and sun far better than PLA. On the other hand, PLA can be made much more durable when painted, protecting it from the elements. Transparency is easiest to achieve with a PETG filament.
Post processing works better with PLA. If you need to paint your 3D print, acrylic paint can work well. But as always with paint, do some tests to verify good adhesion, durability and other properties important to your project. PLA is not easy to glue, but a good starting point would be to look for glue that handles polystyrene.
Biodegradable and recycling puts PLA in first place. PLA will eventually return to its natural components if left outside for a long, long time. It can also be recycled and made to new filament, without any loss of quality! PETG doesn’t break down quite so easily, but it is totally recyclable.