While one of the easiest materials to 3D print, PLA is not known for its high temperature resistance.

The most popular 3D printing filament, PLA is known for many things, like its good printability and ability to withstand warping. When it comes to temperature resistance, however, the material has its limitations. In this article, we're diving into PLA's thermal properties and comparing them to other common filaments.

How PLA Temperature Resistance Compares to Other 3D Printing Materials

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><span style="background-color: transparent;">3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, revolutionizes the way we create objects. This technology allows us to fabricate complex shapes and structures that would be difficult or impossible with traditional manufacturing methods.</span></p><p dir="ltr">However, like any technology, it comes with its unique challenges. Among them is a phenomenon called &quot;elephant foot.&quot; The 3D printing elephant foot issue, common especially among beginners, can significantly impact the quality of the final print. By understanding the 3D printing elephant foot phenomenon and the strategies to mitigate it, you can greatly enhance the precision and aesthetics of your 3D printed parts.</p><p dir="ltr">This guide explains how to recognize 3D printing elephant foot, lists&nbsp;the main causes of it, and explains how to fix it.</p><h1 dir="ltr">The Elephant Foot Phenomenon in 3D Printing</h1><p dir="ltr">The term &quot;elephant foot&quot; refers to a specific type of distortion commonly observed in 3D printed objects. This phenomenon typically manifests as an outward flaring or bulging at the base of a printed part, which visually resembles the foot of an elephant, hence the name. This distortion can be as small as a few hundred microns, but in severe cases, it can extend several millimeters beyond the intended dimensions of the part.</p><p dir="ltr">The occurrence of elephant foot is closely linked to the physics of the 3D printing process itself. During printing, each layer of material is heated and then rapidly cooled to solidify it. The first few layers, being closest to the heated print bed, remain warm for longer periods, leading to an extended period of plasticity. This extended plasticity, combined with the weight of the subsequent layers, results in the base layers spreading outwards, creating the characteristic bulge of elephant foot.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Recommended reading: <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/3d-print-ghosting-causes-and-potential-solutions" target="_blank"><em>3D print ghosting causes and potential solutions</em></a></strong></p><h1 dir="ltr">Causes of Elephant Foot</h1><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1686229982818-3d_printing.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="elephant foot"><span class="fr-inner">Elephant foot is usually easy to spot</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">A number of factors can contribute to elephant foot. One is the elevated temperature of the print bed, which is often necessary to keep the initial layers of the print adhered to the build platform.[1] High bed temperatures, typically in the range of 60 to 110 &deg;C depending on the material, keep the bottom layers in a semi-melted state for an extended period. As more layers are added, they exert pressure on the base layers, causing them to spread out, resulting in elephant foot. Inadequate cooling from the printer&rsquo;s fan can worsen the effect.</p><p dir="ltr">Bed leveling inaccuracies can also exacerbate the 3D printing elephant foot issue. If the distance between the nozzle and the bed is too small, the first layer of the print is squished onto the bed more than intended. This excessive squishing can cause the material to spread outward beyond the intended footprint, contributing to elephant foot. The issue can be more pronounced in printers with manual bed leveling due to the potential for human error.</p><p dir="ltr">Other potential factors that can contribute to elephant foot include environmental factors, the design of the object being printed, and high infill densities. High infill can produce more internal stress in a part as it cools and shrinks, which can push the bottom layers outwards. This is especially true if the infill cools at a different rate than the outer walls, creating a thermal gradient that leads to uneven shrinkage.</p><h1 dir="ltr">Implications of Elephant Foot</h1><p dir="ltr">The elephant foot phenomenon has several critical implications for 3D printing, affecting both aesthetics and functionality. In terms of aesthetics, the outward spread at the base disrupts the intended design, leading to a distorted profile. This distortion can be particularly problematic for prints intended to be visually accurate models or prototypes, where precision is of utmost importance.</p><p dir="ltr">Functional implications arise when the 3D printed object is meant to fit into an existing assembly or when multiple parts of a model need to fit together. The outward bulge at the base of the printed object can affect tolerance, causing the part to be larger than intended and preventing it from fitting properly. For example, in the case of a socket and plug design, the plug might not fit into the socket if the base of the plug has an elephant foot. Similarly, a part designed to slot into a specific space may not fit if the base is larger than anticipated.</p><p dir="ltr">The structural integrity of the printed object can also be compromised. The bottom layers in a print with an elephant foot are generally more stressed due to the spreading, which can lead to weaknesses. The print may be more likely to crack or break along these lines of stress, especially under load or impact.</p><h1 dir="ltr">Troubleshooting Elephant Foot</h1><p dir="ltr">Given the implications of the elephant foot phenomenon, it is crucial to know how to mitigate or entirely fix elephant foot in 3D printing projects. Here we will explore several troubleshooting techniques, including calibration, design choices, and slicer settings.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Calibration</h2><p dir="ltr">Proper calibration of the 3D printer is a vital step in preventing the elephant foot phenomenon, with bed leveling and nozzle height the most important elements to consider.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Bed Leveling</h3><p dir="ltr">The build plate&#39;s alignment and levelness are fundamental to the quality of the first layer and, by extension, the entire print. A build plate that is too close to the nozzle during the first layer&#39;s printing can cause the extruded filament to spread out more than intended, leading to the elephant foot effect.</p><p dir="ltr">To calibrate the build plate, start by heating it to the usual printing temperature to account for thermal expansion, a factor that can slightly alter the plate&#39;s levelness. Use a piece of paper or a feeler gauge to adjust the distance between the build plate and the nozzle. The paper or gauge should slide between the two with a small amount of resistance. Repeat this process at several points across the build plate to ensure uniform levelness.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Recommended reading: <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/ender-3-pro-bed-leveling-a-comprehensive-guide" target="_blank"><em>Ender 3 Pro Bed Leveling: A Comprehensive Guide</em></a></strong></p><h3 dir="ltr">Z-axis Adjustment</h3><p dir="ltr">Another hardware issue that can cause elephant foot is the Z-axis. Users of Creality Ender 3 printers in particular have found that the issue is sometimes caused by excessive tightness of the eccentric nuts for the wheels of the Z-axis. Loosening these nuts can help reduce elephant foot.</p><p dir="ltr">Additionally, loosening the two screws holding the large Z-axis screw to the X-axis carriage can help with the issue.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Design Adjustments</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Chamfers</h3><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjg2MTU2NDk3ODgyLWNoYW1mZXItbWl0ZXIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="chamfers"><span class="fr-inner">Chamfers can be added using applications like Fusion 360 (credit: Autodesk)</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">Adding a chamfer &mdash; a sloping edge &mdash; to your CAD 3D model is one way to combat 3D printing elephant foot. Most design software applications allow for easy implementation of chamfers to existing surfaces.</p><p dir="ltr">A chamfer can mitigate the effect of elephant foot because it makes each of the first few layers slightly smaller than the next, effectively offsetting the spread of elephant foot. The size of the chamfer can also be precisely adjusted, allowing users to incorporate small chamfers for minor instances of elephant foot and wider chamfers for more severe cases.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Slicer Settings</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Bed Temperature</h3><p dir="ltr">The temperature of the heated bed can play an important role in preventing elephant foot. Although a heated bed helps with first-layer adhesion, it can also result in insufficient cooling, causing the first layers of the print to remain soft for too long and allowing them to spread out under the weight of subsequent layers. Reducing the print bed temperature can therefore reduce the effect of elephant foot.</p><p dir="ltr">Consider the recommended temperature range for the given filament and use a temperature at the lower end of this range. If this causes adhesion issues, try to address those issues via other means, such as adding an adhesive substance like glue to the bed surface.&nbsp;</p><h3 dir="ltr">First Layer Settings</h3><p dir="ltr">The various slicer settings for the first layer are crucial when combating elephant foot. The first layer height should be set to approximately 100% of the nozzle diameter. A lower value can cause the filament to spread out and form an elephant foot.</p><p dir="ltr">The first layer speed should be slower than the rest of the print. A speed of about 50% of the normal print speed is recommended.[2] Printing the first layer slowly allows the filament more time to adhere correctly to the build plate and cool down, reducing the chances of it spreading out.</p><p dir="ltr">The first layer extrusion rate, which controls how much filament is extruded, can also impact the elephant foot phenomenon. If too much filament is extruded, it may spread out and cause an elephant foot. An extrusion rate of about 95% to 100% of the standard rate is typically sufficient for the first layer.</p><p dir="ltr">The first layer fan speed can also help prevent elephant foot, as cooling helps the first layers solidify faster. However, as with lowering the bed temperature, this can have the negative effect of reducing bed adhesion, so consider implementing other techniques like build surface preparation to maintain good adhesion.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Expansion Compensation</h3><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjg2MTU2NTU5Mjc0LWN1cmEuanBlZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="expansion compensation"><span class="fr-inner">Expansion compensation is a feature of Cura (credit: Ultimaker)</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">Most slicers offer a printer setting that is specifically designed to offset the effect of elephant&rsquo;s foot. In Cura, this setting is called &ldquo;initial layer horizontal expansion&rdquo; and is found under wall settings. The setting has different names in different slicers:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Cura: Initial Layer Horizontal Expansion</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Slic3r: Elephant Foot Compensation</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">PrusaSlicer: Elephant Foot Compensation</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Simplify3D: Horizontal Side Compensation (must be tuned to first layer only)</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">The function of this setting is to compensate for the deformation of printed plastic in the first layer. To reduce elephant&rsquo;s foot, a negative value should be input, as this will effectively decrease the XY dimensions of the first layer. Measure the distance of your existing elephant foot. If it is 0.1 mm, use a value of -0.1 mm for the expansion compensation parameter.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Rafts</h3><p dir="ltr">A raft is an extra layer of material that is printed underneath the object, effectively serving as a platform, that is later removed from the print and discarded. Using a raft means the negative effects of elephant foot are applied to the raft, rather than the print itself. However, rafts require extra material and therefore increase the cost of the print.</p><p dir="ltr">When setting up a raft, users should be mindful of the air gap between the raft and the model, which is typically between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. This gap allows the raft to be easily removed after printing while still providing the necessary support. For the raft layers, a 0.3 mm layer height is often used, as it provides a good balance between print time and quality.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Environment</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Ambient Temperature</h3><p dir="ltr">The ambient temperature around the printer can affect the cooling rate of the extruded filament. A higher ambient temperature might slow down the cooling rate, causing the base layers to remain soft for longer. This softened state allows the weight of the upper layers to push down on the base layers, leading to the elephant foot effect.</p><p dir="ltr">Ideally, the ambient temperature should be stable and within a range that allows the filament to cool sufficiently without solidifying too quickly. For example, PLA prints well at an ambient temperature of 20-25&deg;C, whereas ABS might require a slightly higher temperature due to its higher melting point. This range varies with the type of filament material used.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Airflow</h3><p dir="ltr">Airflow around the 3D printer can also influence the cooling rate of the filament. It is therefore important to maintain a controlled and steady airflow around the printer. This can be achieved through careful placement of the 3D printer and the use of enclosures for printers that do not have built-in covers.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Post-Processing Techniques</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Sanding</h3><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1686230110460-abrasive_sandpaper.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="sanding"><span class="fr-inner">Sanding can be used to manually remove elephant foot</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">One of the most common post-processing techniques is sanding, which can effectively reduce the prominence of elephant foot on a printed object. Sanding involves the use of sandpaper or other abrasive materials to smooth out the uneven bottom layers of the print. For best results, start with a lower grit (rougher) sandpaper, such as 100 grit, to remove the bulk of the elephant foot. Then, progressively move to higher grit (finer) sandpapers, such as 400 and then 800, to refine the surface and achieve a smooth finish.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Filing</h3><p dir="ltr">A file can be used for a more aggressive removal of the elephant foot, especially for larger prints or those made from tougher materials. When filing, it&#39;s essential to maintain a consistent angle and pressure to avoid creating new deformities. Files come in various sizes and coarseness levels, so choosing the right one for your specific needs can impact the final result.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Chemical Smoothing</h3><p dir="ltr">Chemical smoothing is a more advanced technique that can remove elephant foot and improve the overall finish of a print. In this process, a solvent is used to slightly dissolve the surface of the print, effectively smoothing out any imperfections. For example, acetone can be used for ABS prints, while a mixture of 91% isopropyl alcohol and salt can be used for PLA prints.[3]</p><p dir="ltr">Although it results in a smooth finish, chemical smoothing is not the most accurate technique for removing elephant foot. The solvent must be applied manually to the protruding areas with a rag; vapor smoothing will not work as this will also remove material from the intact areas.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Heat Treatment</h3><p dir="ltr">Heat treatment is another technique that can help in reducing elephant foot. By gently heating the affected area with a heat gun, the plastic becomes soft and can be carefully reshaped. This method is particularly effective for materials with a lower glass transition temperature, such as PLA. However, it requires a steady hand and careful control of the heat gun to avoid overheating and potentially warping the print.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Recommended reading: <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/3d-print-post-processing-steps-supports-sanding-smoothing-more" target="_blank"><em>3D print post-processing steps: supports, sanding, smoothing, more</em></a></strong></p><h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1><p dir="ltr">3D printing, despite its many advantages, is not without its challenges, and the elephant foot phenomenon is one of them. This common defect can significantly affect the accuracy and aesthetics of a print. However, it is not an insurmountable problem. Through careful calibration and adjustment of slicer settings, it is possible to minimize and even eliminate the occurrence of elephant foot. Post-processing methods can also be employed to improve the quality of prints affected by this phenomenon. Understanding these strategies is crucial to achieving optimal results.</p><h1 dir="ltr">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h1><p dir="ltr"><strong>1. What causes elephant foot in 3D printing?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">The elephant foot effect in 3D printing typically results from excessive pressure exerted on the first few layers of a print. This pressure can be a result of incorrect bed leveling, excessive bed temperature, or a combination of factors.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>2. How can I prevent elephant foot in 3D printing?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Preventing 3D printing elephant foot primarily involves proper calibration of the printer, including bed leveling, z-axis calibration, and setting the correct bed temperature, as well as adjustment of slicer settings, particularly those pertaining to the first layer.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>3. Can elephant foot be fixed after a print is complete?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Yes, elephant foot can be addressed post-print through various post-processing techniques such as sanding, filing, chemical smoothing, or heat treatment. However, these methods should be performed carefully to avoid damaging the print.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>4. How does the environment affect 3D printing and elephant foot?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Environmental conditions, such as ambient temperature and humidity, can influence the behavior of the material during printing. An ambient temperature that&#39;s too high or too low can also affect the cooling rate of the printed layers, potentially causing elephant foot.</p><h1 dir="ltr">References</h1><p dir="ltr">[1] Skrzypczak NG, Tanikella NG, Pearce JM. Open source high-temperature RepRap for 3-D printing heat-sterilizable PPE and other applications. HardwareX. 2020 Oct 1;8:e00130.</p><p dir="ltr">[2] &Scaron;antak I, Duspara M, Cumin J, Kovačević B, Maglić L, Stoić A. Simulation of First Layer Adhesion Errors in 3D printing. TEAM2022. 2022 Sep 21:307.</p><p dir="ltr">[3] Gao H, Kaweesa DV, Moore J, Meisel NA. Investigating the impact of acetone vapor smoothing on the strength and elongation of printed ABS parts. Jom. 2017 Mar;69:580-5.</p>

Elephant foot is a common 3D printing issue

3D printing elephant foot is a common issue that most 3D printer users will have experienced. Typically caused by excessive heat or poor nozzle calibration, the issue can be solved in several ways.

Troubleshooting the 3D Printing Elephant Foot Phenomenon

Safety precautions like 3D printer enclosures can enhance the efficiency of air filters.

In this article, we look at the importance of using a 3D printer air filter to remove potentially harmful fumes from the print environment, as well as the different kinds of filter available and how to ensure proper maintenance.

Your Guide to Using and Maintaining 3D Printer Air Filters

<p id="isPasted">With the growing world population and the rising temperatures, droughts or floods resulting from climate change, water resources are becoming scarcer, while pollution is on the rise. At the same time, with the relevance of water and hydrogen as energy carriers, our need for ultra-pure water is increasing. &nbsp;</p><p>There are other problems besides water scarcity: &nbsp; Water forms the habitat of countless organisms in seas, rivers and lakes. The flourishing global trade via sea routes increases the risk of the introduction of foreign organisms that displace native species and can cause economic and health problems.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>No matter what industry: An important key in dealing with water is the process of water&nbsp;</strong><strong>treatment</strong><strong>.</strong></p><h3 id="isPasted"><u>Are you also striving for sustainable water filtration solutions?&nbsp;</u></h3><p>Then join us: With the production of water filters made of metal wire mesh, our focus is on efficient mechanical water filtration and, thus, the preservation of one of the most valuable resources for people and nature across all industries.&nbsp;</p><p>Because what many people do not know: Filter elements made of wire mesh in the smallest and largest dimensions provide answers to many questions. We will explain to you the added value of our metal mesh for various areas and how you can benefit from it for your specific requirements.</p><h3><u id="isPasted">Filtration with wire mesh - your solution for clean water&nbsp;</u></h3><p>In numerous applications in the water industry, the optimum combination of <strong id="isPasted">throughput</strong> and <strong>filtration fineness</strong> is crucial: for the retention of microplastics, for the treatment of wastewater and sewage or for the prevention of the introduction of foreign organisms by shipping.</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1685550376820-Drahtgewebe-Musterkarten-1366x768.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Metal wire mesh enables the filtration of even the finest particles &gt; 5 &micro;m and is also convincing from a sustainable point of view due to its regenerability and recyclability.&nbsp;</span></p><p>Corrosion resistance, suitability for welding and stability are further examples of concrete requirements for the development of water filters that we have already been able to successfully meet with the use of metal wire mesh. This is because the mechanical, chemical and physical properties can be optimally adapted to the respective installation situation by selecting the type of weave, the material and the processing of the mesh.</p><p id="isPasted"><u>We invite you</u></p><p>On our website, in addition to an overview of clever solutions in water management, you will find comprehensive technical articles on selected areas of application:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Microplastic filtration</li><li>Wastewater filtration</li><li>Ballast water treatment</li></ul><p><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-a0hRXJOERI?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-9="true" id="953323101" title="Words on Water - Tim Gerdes" data-gtm-yt-inspected-8="true"></iframe></span></p><p><strong id="isPasted">Tim Gerdes</strong>, project manager for water filtration at Haver &amp; Boecker, also discusses in the podcast &quot;Words on Water&quot; with the Water Environment Federation the possibilities of using wire cloth and screens for the filtration of water and especially for the retention of microplastics.&nbsp;</p><p>Click <a href="https://www.haverboecker.com/en/industries/energy-and-the-environment/?lso=wevolver-wasserfiltration-beitrag&utm_campaign=wasserfiltration&utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=beitrag&utm_content=_kw19" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> to visit our website.</p><p>We look forward to your visit and invite you to contact us directly if you have any questions about our product solutions or your specific requirements - even beyond the areas mentioned.</p>

Water is one of the most valuable resources on our planet. As process water, it is indispensable in our households and almost every industry. And above all, in the form of drinking water, it is probably the most precious commodity for us humans. 

The Future of Water - It's Time to Rethink

Used for medical, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics applications, here's what you need to know about MIM

Everything you need to know about metal injection molding (MIM), covering everything from the first step in the process, to materials, applications, and more.

An Advanced Guide to Metal Injection Molding

<p id="isPasted">Water-resistance is essential for parts that will be exposed to rain and other moist weather conditions including constant contact with water such as water bottles. For <a href="https://xometry.eu/en/3d-printing/" target="_blank">3D printing technologies</a>, there are several factors to consider in order to get water-resistant parts: the material, the 3D printing process and the post-processing options.</p><h2>3D printing water-resistant materials</h2><p>Most 3D printing materials such as PLA can degrade when exposed to water over extended periods, while metals generally develop rust due to oxidation by water. Materials with good water resistance are classified as IP 67 and/or IP 68 according to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_Code" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Ingress Protection Code</a>.</p><p>The <a href="https://xometry.eu/en/3d-printing-materials-selection-guide/" target="_blank">3D printing materials</a> listed below can be used to make water-resistant 3D models without too many surface treatments.</p><h3>Polypropylene (PP)</h3><p>This material is popular among food packaging bottles and containers. It is lightweight and repels water (hydrophobic) unlike other materials that absorb water over time.</p><p>Polypropylene is very flexible and has good interlayer adhesion with little gaps in between layers during printing. In addition to being water-resistant, it is also resistant to aggressive chemicals like acid and organic solvents. It has good heat resistance as well.</p><p><strong>Suitable 3D printing technologies:</strong> MJF &amp; SLS</p><h3>Nylon PA 12</h3><p>This material has good elasticity and high resistance to impact. Its resistance to chemicals, alcohols, fuels, oils and detergents are excellent. It has good stability to weather, and Ultraviolet light. PA12 offers some water-tight properties and a good price-quality ratio overall. However, it is not suitable for long-term contact with water and it needs some specific surface treatments such as epoxy coating to ensure better water-resistance.</p><p><strong>Suitable 3D printing technologies:</strong> SLS &amp; FDM</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1684861838028-Standard-HP-MJF-3D-printing-300x300.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner"><em id="isPasted">MJF Nylon PA 12 3D printed part</em>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted">ABS</h3><p>This material is excellent for water-resistant printing. ABS is a high impact resistant and tough material and has a glass transition temperature of about 105&deg;C. It is highly resistant to aqueous, phosphorus and hydrochloric acids. However, it can be damaged by sunlight. It is commonly used in sprinkler lines and drain pipes.</p><p><strong>Suitable 3D printing technology:</strong> FDM</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1684861853711-FDM-ABS-part-480x320.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner"><em id="isPasted">FDM 3D printed tile with ABS</em>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted">Polycarbonate</h3><p>Polycarbonate is a clear material with good impact resistance. It is an ideal material for baby bottles, refillable water bottles.</p><p>Polycarbonate is a tough and amorphous material with high impact strength, stability and good electrical properties. It has a wider temperature range of usage with a heat deflection temperature of 140&deg;C.</p><p><strong>Suitable 3D printing technology:&nbsp;</strong>FDM</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1684861869011-fdm-polycarbonate-480x480.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner"><em id="isPasted">Polycarbonate 3D printed part</em>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted">PETG</h3><p>PETG has significant chemical resistance, durability and good formability. It has strong water and moisture barrier as well as good impact resistance and is slightly flexible. This material has low forming temperatures making it popular in consumer applications.</p><p>PETG is commonly used for food containers and bottles for liquid beverages.</p><p><strong>Suitable 3D printing technology:&nbsp;</strong>FDM</p><h3>ASA (Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)</h3><p>This is an amorphous thermoplastic with improved weather resistance. It is widely used in prototyping in 3D printing due to its UV resistance and excellent mechanical properties. ASA has good resistance to chemicals and heat, with a glass transition temperature of 108 degrees.</p><p><strong>Suitable 3D printing technology:</strong> FDM</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1684861884220-fdm-asa-light-gray-480x480.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner"><em id="isPasted">ASA 3D printed part</em>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted">Stainless Steel 316L / 1.4404</h3><p>The relatively insignificant percentage of chrome in stainless steel makes it water-resistant. It is quite resistant to oxidation (rust). However, it can be damaged by chlorine-based water. It is typically used in food processing and laboratory equipment, heat exchangers, nuts and bolts.</p><p><strong>Suitable 3D printing technology:</strong> DMLS</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1684861897852-DMLS-Part-Steel-1-480x320.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner"><em id="isPasted">DMLS 3D printed part with stainless steel 316L</em>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted">Comparing costs of parts productions using water-resistant materials</h3><p>Let&rsquo;s have a cost comparison of the production of parts using different water-resistant 3D printing materials from Xometry&rsquo;s Instant Quote Engine:</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1684861916038-Xometry-model-768x555.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><br></p><table id="isPasted"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Material</strong></td><td><strong>3D Printing Technology</strong></td><td><strong>Cost per one unit</strong></td><td><strong>Unit cost per 10 pieces</strong></td><td><strong>Unit cost per 100 pieces</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Polypropylene</td><td>MJF</td><td>&euro; 51.00</td><td>&euro; 11.72</td><td>&euro; 8.89</td></tr><tr><td>Polypropylene</td><td>SLS</td><td>&euro; 51.00</td><td>&euro; 31.57</td><td>&euro; 30.69</td></tr><tr><td>Nylon PA 12</td><td>SLS</td><td>&euro; 20.96</td><td>&euro; 15.03</td><td>&euro; 12.73</td></tr><tr><td>Nylon PA 12</td><td>FDM</td><td>&euro; 18.70</td><td>&euro; 10.35</td><td>&euro; 5.63</td></tr><tr><td>ABS</td><td>FDM</td><td>&euro; 9.13</td><td>&euro; 6.34</td><td>&euro; 2.57</td></tr><tr><td>Polycarbonate</td><td>FDM</td><td>&euro; 34.45</td><td>&euro; 25.89</td><td>&euro; 25.03</td></tr><tr><td>PETG</td><td>FDM</td><td>&euro; 10.84</td><td>&euro; 4.28</td><td>&euro; 3.32</td></tr><tr><td>ASA</td><td>FDM</td><td>&euro; 18.75</td><td>&euro; 6.60</td><td>&euro; 3.99</td></tr><tr><td>Stainless Steel 316L / 1.4404</td><td>DMLS</td><td>&euro; 387.12</td><td>&euro; 294.83</td><td>Price on demand</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 id="isPasted">3D printing water-resistant technologies</h2><p><a href="https://xometry.eu/en/fdm-3d-printing/" target="_blank">Fused deposition modeling</a> (FDM), <a href="https://xometry.eu/en/sla-3d-printing/" target="_blank">stereolithography</a> (SLA) and <a href="https://xometry.eu/en/sls-3d-printing/" target="_blank">selective laser sintering</a> (SLS) are the best 3D printing technologies when it comes to the production of water-resistant parts. The following techniques can mostly be applied during the FDM printing process to achieve better water-resistant properties for the printed parts.</p><h3>Wall thickness</h3><p>Printing with a layer thickness of 0.15mm gives good print quality and good water-resistant parts. Increasing the thickness of the wall is one way to reduce porosity to water. The thickness of the wall may be increased by using a low layer height, solid infill and high temperature.</p><h3>Increase shells</h3><p>As a rule of thumb, the more perimeters added, the higher the chances of producing a water-resistant part. Indeed, the combination of 4 to 6 perimeters with a wall thickness of about 3mm works well for watertight parts. However, different materials have different perimeter limits hence the importance of considering the perimeter limit for the chosen material.</p><h3>Higher printing temperature</h3><p>Higher temperatures may give better layer adhesion between every layer. This improved bonding reduces the inter-layer gaps that may cause leakage of water.</p><h2>Post-processing options to get water-resistant parts</h2><p>Post-production processes are sure ways to ensure that your parts have the necessary water resistance for service.</p><h3>Vapor smoothing</h3><p>This process involves the blending of layers, removal of layer gaps and the tightening of the seal around the part. It is accomplished mainly by applying a solvent to a soluble print. It is worthy to note chemical solvents are somewhat peculiar to the materials.</p><p>This surface treatment is available for MJF and SLS technologies.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1684861939825-ebce03b1-9898-49e2-8ae2-1370575bf49c_Vapor-smoothed-TPU-rubber-3D-print-768x432.jpeg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner"><em id="isPasted">Vapour smoothing 3D printed parts</em>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted">Epoxy Coating</h3><p>Before the application of epoxy, it is vital to sand and polish the surface of the 3D part to make it as smooth as possible. This will ensure that it is properly primed for the application of the epoxy. Two-part epoxies are ideal finishing to obtain water-resistant 3D parts. The fluidity is just enough to sip into the cracks, voids, or gaps in the 3D print. The epoxy then hardens to produce a rigid layer that is water-tight.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Xometry Europe offers not only the materials and&nbsp;<a href="https://xometry.eu/en/3d-printing/" target="_blank">3D printing processes</a> but also the post-processing operations required to produce high-quality and functional water-resistant parts. Head over to our Instant Quoting Engine to explore our various materials, technologies, and finishing options and to&nbsp;<a href="https://my.xometry.eu/quote?locale=en" target="_blank">upload your 3D model</a>.</p>

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