Can someone who has vast knowledge of 3D printers explain why they don’t use Styrene as filament ?
Wouldn’t that be 100% better modelling wise ? So much easier after printing to sand,file & paint.
Does it have to do with setting the heats or no one has had a thought of using styrene ?
Hi dragonriversteel:
Good question. I’d be curious to know too.
Why not ask Shapeways directly. They have great customer service. I’m sure they could explain:
Dave
Now I’m Really Confused!
Polylactic Acid (PLA,) Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyvinyl Alcohol Plastic (PVA) https://www.polymersolutions.com/blog/plastic-in-3d-printing/
High Inpact Polystyrene (HIPS) https://www.matterhackers.com/store/3d-printer-filament/hips-175mm-1kg
Filiment Comparisions 20 types https://www.matterhackers.com/3d-printer-filament-compare
5 most popular http://3dinsider.com/5-most-popular-3d-printing-thermoplastics/
Health Hazards http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160201-new-study-shows-health-hazards-of-3d-printing-suggests-pla-c
I know raw styrene comes in a pellet form that is then heated and formed to the desired shape. It may be too hard to convert to a filament, which is what 3D printers use.
DSchmitt:
Thanks for the links. Definitely worth a read. I had no idea that there were so many options for materials.
To the OP, apparently ‘styrene’ in various forms is already in extensive use in 3D printing. I lack the technical knowledge to fully understand the differences between the various materials, as I suspect most of us do, but obviously several of the available 3D printing materials are compatible with the sanding/painting/gluing… involved in model building.
Dave
Thank you DSchmitt ! That clearly unfogs my lack of knowledge.
Dave, shapeways is a wonderful site. Thank you for the link.
Azrail, worked in injection modeling for years. All types of different plastics used.Thank you for your insight.