Extrusion Projects for Non-Polymer Parts: How the Launch of this Initiative Will Shape the Future of Manufacturing

Cements: The Basics

Cements are one of the most common non-polymer materials used for 3D printing, with their most common application being in the construction industry. Cement is a fine-grained soil consisting of mineral aggregates that have been mixed with water and hardened over time. Cements are typically made from a combination of calcium carbonate, silica, and other mineral oxides. They are usually white or grey in colour and are known for their high strength and low water requirements when compared to concrete—an example of a cement-based product. Cements often also contain materials like fibre, sand, and gravel to improve their strength, water resistance, and other properties.

Building a foundation for the future of manufacturing

The construction and aerospace industries are just two examples of industries that are already taking advantage of the benefits of cement and metal 3D printing. Cement 3D printing is already widely used to create everything from building construction to components for power plants, while metals 3D printing has been used in the aerospace industry to produce precise, lightweight, and high-quality components for decades. Even if you don’t work in one of these sectors, the fact that cement and metals have been used for so long in the manufacturing industry is a testament to their reliability and effectiveness. These materials have been proven to produce components of high quality, precision, and consistency, which is a must for many industries and applications. Given their long-term effectiveness, long-time manufacturers are likely to continue using cement and metal 3D printing well into the future.

Why now is the right time to experiment with non-polymers?

Non-polymer manufacturing has been around for decades, and while it used to be the standard, it has now been largely subsumed by polymer technologies like 3D printing. However, we are now experiencing a resurgence in the popularity of non-polymers due to the innovations in the technology used to produce them. This has made them significantly more accessible and affordable, making them an exciting new option for manufacturers who want to make their products more durable and resilient without breaking the bank. This renewed interest in non-polymers has been sparked by the innovators who are collaborating and experimenting with state-of-the-art technologies to create new, more efficient ways to produce non-polymers. These new ways of producing non-polymers are changing the game for manufacturers and making non-polymers more cost-effective.

Limitations of Non-Polymer Materials

Although non-polymers are more cost-effective, durable, and easy to produce than plastics, they do have some limitations that you should be aware of before implementing them in your production process. Cost - As mentioned, the main advantage of non-polymers is that they are more cost-effective than plastics. However, this varies from material to material, and it is important to do thorough research on the specific materials you plan to use before making any decisions. Degradation - The weather conditions in which non-polymers can be used vary depending on the material. For example, cement requires low humidity levels to be used without degrading or breaking down, which makes it difficult to use in tropical or coastal areas. Uniqueness - Non-polymers are often used in mass production applications where consistency is key. This means that the final products will be very similar. If you prefer to offer your customers something unique and personalized, this is not the way to go.

Conclusion

New technologies and ideas are always emerging, and it is important to keep an eye out for new trends and opportunities within the manufacturing industry. As we have explored in this article, there are many advantages to using non-polymer materials in 3D printing,