5 Reason To Use Glass Fiber Polymers

Do you have doubts on which polymer to use for your project? Here we analize 5 benefits of using Glass fiber polymers for your 3d printed parts:

 

1 – GF infused Polymers vs non-GF infused polymers

 

Glass fiber polymers are stiffer than their respective non-infused polymer.
What does this mean? In some applications, it is required that 3d printed parts do not budge even a little.

For example, a clamp for laser etching. You don’t want the continuous loading-unloading deforming the printed part causing the etching to be inaccurate.

In an automotive application, you don’t want sagging near moving parts (wheels, gears, etc) causing critical damage.

Same goes for a jig for CNC applications: you cannot afford to have a weak part that gives out during operation jeopardizing the spindle and safety of operators.

This is not true for non-glass infused polymers, that tend to sag, warp or deform over time.

 

2 – Higher temperature resistance under load of final parts

 

An added benefit of a glass fiber infused polymer is a slightly higher temperature resistance. Without getting too technical, the fibers with “bear the heat” retaining the part shape longer and at a higher temperature. Most non-infused polymers soften and become "goey" at temperatures near their HDT threshold. 

 

3 – When aesthetics are important

 

There is an Italian saying, notorious in the supercar niche, that states: “anche l’occhio vuole la sua parte”.

It traslantes to “also the eye wants to be pleased”.

What if other than superior mechanical properties you can also have a nice looking part? 

Glass fiber polymers can achieve this for you. 3d printing layer line get mostly blended and “hidden”, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing part.

 

4 – Glass Fiber is different from glass

 

Glass is a non-crystalline solid. given its characteristics, most glass shatter when an impact force is applied. Glass fibers are instead tiny strands (couple of microns), blended in a polymer matrix. The main difference is that the 3d printed part won’t shatter if impacted (dropped on the ground) and can be reused multiple times. 

 

5 – Dimensional accuracy

 

All material shrink. Bridges shrink, concrete shrink, plastics shrinks.

You do not want a part that inflates like a balloon or shrinks like a dehydrated fig, rather a we all desire a prototype or product that is dimensional stable in all applications. 

 Glass fiber infused parts under stress retain their shape over time, especially under heat and cyclical compression, compared to non-infused polymers.

If you need help deciding an optimal geometry to account for expansion and shrinkage, reserve a spot to talk to one of our engineers.