printing is particularly suited for producing a limited number of parts. Traditional manufacturing processes require expensive molds and other tooling that need large production runs to pay for themselves. In early 2020, jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney introduced its first 3D-printed component for the repair of its engines. Part of the fuel feed line, the component meets all of the safety requirements for use on commercial aircraft. Thanks to 3D printing, Pratt & Whitney does not have to run an expensive production line to keep inventory available. An additional factor related to environmental impact is how the companies have helped during the pandemic. One of the greatest benefits of 3D printing, in general, is the fast turn around for creating complex items.

Sunlu rightfully has a reputation for providing some of the best price-to-performance PLA on the market. Though it’s one of the cheapest out there, it’s a quality filament that prints great with a particular emphasis on clean details, reliable colors, and very little in the way of adhesion or warping issues. These contributors include descriptions of their design process, suggest settings for your 3D printer, and often respond to questions to help you get a great print. You can share your results with the community and share ways you’ve modified the design. Most of the designs are shared under Creative Commons licenses that allow you to reuse and modify them however you want. A 1.75 mm filament puts less burden on the 3D printer which lets the manufacturer use cheaper, less powerful parts in the extruder. Since the ratio of the filament’s outer surface area to its volume is smaller than a 3.00 mm filament, a 1.75 mm filament melts faster. This makes controlling the extrusion rate and retractions easier and lets you print objects with finer details.The rules for setting the fan speed value are practically set in stone for PLA filament as a whole, and, as a result, the fan speed value doesn’t require any particular adjustment when switching between different brands. Another deciding factor for choosing between Hatchbox and eSun polylactic acid filaments is the smell. When you first print something using PLA, the hot filament will have a smell until the printed object cures. Not suitable for outdoor use: Though PLA’s biodegradability is an advantage, it also means the filament doesn’t fare well at all when left out in the elements. For instance, you may find a filament that is within your budget and has the color you need, but if the final product comes out differently with each batch of filament you use, it is not a good option. Both Hatchbox and eSun polylactic acid filaments have pros and cons. Both are excellent for 3D printing. However, depending on which factor–cost, color, consistency, finish, smell, and environmental footprint–matters most to you, one of the two brands will be better suited to your needs.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic material derived from renewable resources such as corn. PLA filament is easy and safe to use which makes it the most popular choice for hobbyists and schools. ... Manufacturers also use PLA materials to make parts for toys, medical devices and many other products. Thanks to its natural origins, PLA plastic can biodegrade into non-toxic materials making it a sustainable choice for 3D printing. The most suitable extruder temperature range for printing with Hatchbox PLA filament, according to the manufacturer, is 180 degrees Celsius to 220 degrees Celsius, with the heated bed inactive. Filaments are specified by their diameters. Most entry-to-mid-range 3D printers are designed for filaments with a 1.75 mm diameter. As you get into more professional-grade machines, you will find more call for 3.00 mm diameter filaments. What’s the difference? Since most entry-level printers are designed for 1.75 mm filaments, it won’t be an issue for beginners. But you may want to keep the option as a future mod for your printer. Alternatively, if you’re looking for perfection right off the bat and don’t mind doing some extra work for it, you can print a temperature tower instead of incrementally fine-tuning the printing temperature across a series of prints, as this method provides a quite reliable way of dialing your printing temperature value in with a single print. If your printer is placed in a low humidity environment and you’re printing from the same spool daily, leaving it on the spool holder is fine for a few days at a time. How to Dry PLA Filament?

Cost

High-Strength Filaments: Beginners won’t use materials like PC (polycarbonate), PEEK (poly ether ether ketone), PEI (polyetherimide), or PP (polypropylene). These advanced materials provide mechanical strength similar to metals at a fraction of the weight. This makes them common choices for commercial 3D printing. Most consumer-grade 3D printers, however, can’t handle the high temperatures needed to work with these materials. PEEK filaments, for example, require nozzle temperatures over 375ºC and bed temperatures over 130ºC.

So, if you are relatively new at 3D printing, do not let the consistency of your filaments be the deciding factor between Hatchbox and eSun filaments. Once you have mastered your craft, then you can use consistency to decide. Users who want a consistent finish with their products tend to go with eSun polylactic acid filaments. So, if a predictable finish is important to you, then eSun PLA filaments are a better option than Hatchbox filaments. Do Not Take the Manufacturer’s Word So your first 3D printer has arrived and you’re ready to get started. But before you jump in, there are a few things you should know so you get the most out of your experience. The term “3D printer” often trips people up. Your 3D printer is not like a home office laser printer. Manufacturers like HP have sold millions of their printers for decades, letting them refine their designs for ease-of-use and reliability. You can print a book report, a resume, or a recipe and not have to worry about the quality of the print job. The only minor downsides I noticed are a dip in quality on overhangs and some minor moisture absorption when left out over time. But let’s be real, these are challenges most PLAs face. A smooth print in spotless white made from Sunlu recycled PLAMany people who print multiple of the same products find the consistency of the filament to be the deciding factor for them.