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Author Archives: Terrafilum

  1. Complete Guide to Engineered Materials — Filament and Cable Coating

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    Material selection becomes crucial in the modern marketplace, where product performance and safety are paramount. Automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, and power transmission industries recognize the importance of optimized filament and cable coating in achieving superior results. These engineered materials can revolutionize product design, boost performance, and ensure the highest level of safety.

    At Terrafilum, we specialize in delivering special filaments to our valued customers! We take pride in upholding stringent quality control measures, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of excellence. We also have a dedicated customer service team to provide support, ensuring a seamless partnership with our customers.

    Engineered Filaments: Definition and Characteristics

    Engineered filaments, or synthetic or engineered fibers, refer to materials specifically designed and manufactured to possess desired properties. These filaments comprise polymers or other synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, carbon fiber, and aramid. They are also created through various manufacturing processes such as melt, dry, or wet spinning.

    One of the key characteristics of engineered filaments is their tailored physical and chemical properties. Manufacturers can customize the material’s properties, such as strength, flexibility, thermal resistance, electrical conductivity, and chemical stability. This makes them highly versatile in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare industries.

    Engineered filaments also often exhibit superior performance compared to natural fibers. They can possess higher tensile strength, better resistance to wear and tear, improved moisture management, and enhanced durability. Additionally, they can be designed to be lightweight, making them suitable for applications where weight reduction is crucial.

    Types of Engineered Filaments

    There are various categories of engineered filaments used in different industries and applications. Each of the following types has unique properties for specific industrial needs:

    Aramid Fibers

    Aramid fibers are a category of high-performance synthetic fibers distinguished by their exceptional strength, heat resistance, and flammability. They comprise long chains of repeating aromatic units linked by amide bonds. Their use in critical protective gear and reinforcement of materials has improved safety standards and performance in various industries.

    Biodegradable Filaments

    When exposed to environmental conditions, biodegradable filaments are designed to degrade and break down into natural components. Some are derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugar cane, or other plant-based materials. Using these renewable resources as raw materials helps decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduces the carbon footprint associated with filament production.

    Carbon Fibers

    Carbon fibers are composed of carbon atoms bonded together in a crystal-like structure. They offer exceptional strength, stiffness, and lightweight properties. They are also widely used in aerospace, automotive, sporting goods, and construction industries, requiring high-performance and light materials.

    Conductive Filaments

    Conductive filaments are designed to possess electrical conductivity. They typically incorporate a base polymer blended with conductive additives or infused with metallic materials. As they can be used in 3D printers with extruders, they also allow for the incorporation of electrical functionality into 3D-printed objects.

    Optical Fibers

    Optical fibers are thin, flexible, transparent filaments made of high-quality glass or plastic. They transmit light signals over extended distances with minimal signal loss and distortion. They also have a much larger bandwidth than traditional copper cables, enabling them to carry vast data. This makes them popular in telecommunications, medical imaging, and sensing applications.

    Engineered Cable Coatings: Definition and Characteristics

    Engineered cable coatings refer to specialized protective coatings applied to cables to enhance their performance, durability, and reliability. They are designed to provide a range of characteristics and properties that suit the specific requirements of different cable applications. In addition, they are often composed of polymers or other synthetic materials and are applied through various coating processes.

    These specialized coatings possess a significant attribute of offering electrical insulation, achieved through their formulation with high dielectric strength. This property enables them to efficiently obstruct the movement of electric current within the cable’s conductive components. The insulation offered is also critical for maintaining good electrical performance and preventing short circuits.

    Furthermore, engineered cable coatings resist environmental influences like moisture, chemicals, abrasion, and UV radiation. They act as a barrier, protecting the cable’s internal components from potentially damaging factors. Cable coatings can also improve mechanical attributes, including flexibility, tensile strength, and impact resistance.

    Types of Engineered Cable Coatings

    Various engineered cable coatings are available, each designed to provide specific characteristics. Manufacturers select the appropriate layer based on the desired properties and the cable’s intended use. Discussed below are examples of the most common types of engineered cable coatings:

    Polyethylene (PE) Coatings

    PE coatings exhibit good flexibility, allowing the coated cables to bend and withstand mechanical stresses without cracking. This makes PE-coated lines easier to handle and install, especially in applications requiring cable routing around obstacles or tight spaces. They also have a relatively low dielectric constant, which is beneficial for high-frequency signal transmission.

    Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) Coatings

    XLPE coatings have excellent thermal stability, allowing them to withstand high temperatures without degradation. They can operate at elevated temperatures for extended periods without compromising their electrical and mechanical properties. They also resist various chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents.

    Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Coatings

    PVC coatings are highly versatile and can be applied to various cable types and sizes. They are suitable for low-voltage and medium-voltage cables used in multiple industries such as construction, power distribution, telecommunications, and automotive. PVC is also a low-cost material than other cable coating options.

    Fluoropolymer Coatings

    Fluoropolymer coatings have a low coefficient of friction, resulting in reduced surface friction and enhanced lubricity. This property allows cables coated with fluoropolymers to move smoothly and reduce wear and tear. Moreover, they are lightweight and can be applied as thin layers while maintaining their performance properties.

    Silicone Coatings

    Silicone coatings exhibit good resistance to UV radiation and weathering. They can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without significant degradation or loss of performance. This UV resistance suits them for outdoor and solar applications, where cables are exposed to direct sunlight. They can also maintain their integrity in both hot and cold conditions.

    Selection Criteria for Engineered Filaments and Cable Coatings

    When choosing filaments and cable coatings, several key criteria should be considered to ensure the best fit for the application. Gathering information from material suppliers, conducting testing or trials when necessary, and consulting with experts are also important. This will help make informed decisions that result in successful and reliable cable solutions.

    Here are four essential selection criteria:

    Application-Specific Requirements

    It is crucial to determine the application’s specific requirements in terms of electrical, mechanical, and environmental performance. Considerations include required electrical insulation, temperature resistance, flexibility, chemical resistance, UV stability, and moisture resistance. This will help match the material qualities to the application, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

    Longevity and Durability

    Assessing the material’s expected lifespan and durability can provide valuable insights into its performance and suitability for the application. This includes evaluating the filament’s resistance to wear, environmental degradation, and mechanical stresses. It will also be easier to choose materials that can provide long-lasting performance, ultimately helping to minimize maintenance.

    Manufacturing and Processing Considerations

    Evaluating the feasibility and compatibility of the filament and coating with the manufacturing and processing methods can facilitate efficient production. It is crucial to consider factors such as compatibility with extrusion processes and ease of handling and installation. It is also beneficial to look at the bonding procedures and any particular post-processing or finishing requirements.

    Terrafilum for Reliable and High-Quality Engineered Filaments

    At Terrafilum, we take pride in our role as a leading provider of top-of-the-line, eco-friendly 3D printing filament solutions! Our extensive range of filaments caters to customers across diverse industries, offering tailored solutions for projects of all sizes and complexities. Furthermore, we are proud to be a US-based manufacturer that follows stringent quality control measures.

    Contact us today to learn more about our products and services! You can also request a quote now.

  2. What To Look For in Flexible Filaments

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    A flexible filament, also called flexible 3D printing material, is a category of thermoplastic polymers specifically formulated to achieve elasticity and resilience. Unlike traditional rigid filaments, their flexible counterparts can bend, twist, and deform without breaking. They can also produce objects with dynamic shapes and intricate geometries.

    However, not all filaments possess equal flexibility and capacity. With a vast selection of options, it is crucial to grasp the key factors to consider when choosing the optimal material for particular applications. Here are some of the essential considerations to look for in a flexible filament:

    1. Shore Hardness

    Shore hardness measures the material’s resistance to indentation or penetration by a rigid object. It is a standard method for assessing the hardness of various materials, including polymers, elastomers, and rubbers. Higher Shore hardness values indicate greater hardness and less flexibility, while lower values entail softer and more flexible materials.

    For instance, a filament with a high abrasion resistance requires a material with a greater Shore hardness. In contrast, a lower Shore hardness may be more appropriate if flexibility or impact resistance is essential. It ultimately depends on the application’s specific requirements and constraints.

    2. Elongation at Break

    Elongation at break is a mechanical property that measures the ability of a material to stretch or deform under tension before it breaks. This property is particularly important for materials that will experience stretching or elongation in their intended applications. For example, materials with high elongation at break values indicate excellent ductility and the capacity to undergo significant elongation.

    3. Tensile Strength

    Tensile strength is a mechanical property measuring the maximum tensile or pulling force a material can withstand before it breaks. High tensile strength indicates that a material can withstand greater forces without breaking.

    Remember that composition, microstructure, manufacturing process, and environmental conditions affect tensile strength. Different materials also have distinct inherent tensile strength capacities, and the desired value should be determined based on engineering specifications and safety factors.

    4. Printability

    Printability is the suitability and ease of 3D printing a specific material on a particular 3D printer. It encompasses several factors influencing a material’s successful and reliable printing, including filament properties and printer settings. It also includes the interaction between the material and the printer’s hardware.

    5. Diameter and Consistency

    The filament diameter is the thickness of the filament strand used during the printing process. The typical filament diameters for consumer-grade printers are 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm, while industrial printers may utilize larger filaments. Therefore, selecting a flexible filament with a diameter that aligns with the correct specifications of the printer is essential to ensure optimal performance.

    Consistency refers to the uniformity of the filament diameter along its entire length. When the filament exhibits consistent diameter, it facilitates a smooth and uniform extrusion process, resulting in even material deposition. In contrast, inconsistent filament diameter can cause under-extrusion, over-extrusion, or nozzle clogging.

    6. Cost

    Different types of flexible filaments vary in cost. For example, basic thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethane are typically more affordable than specialty or high-performance flexible materials like thermoplastic copolyester. Filaments are also normally sold in different spool sizes and quantities. Larger spools often offer a better price per unit than smaller spools.

    Upgrade Your 3D Prints With Terrafilum’s Eco-Friendly Filaments!

    At Terrafilum, we are passionate about offering our customers top-notch, eco-friendly 3D printing filament solutions. We maintain rigorous quality control measures to ensure the highest standard of our products. Moreover, our dedicated customer service team is always ready to assist, providing a seamless experience throughout your journey with us.

    Contact us to learn more about our products, or request a quote now!

  3. What To Look For in PLA Filament Options

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    Polylactic acid (PLA) is a popular 3D printing filament made from renewable resources, such as cassava, cornstarch, and sugarcane. It has a biodegradable composition and low melting point, making it ideal for 3D printing beginners. It also comes in a range of colors, finishes, and diameters, providing a wide variety of options for creative projects.

    PLA is a widely available filament that can generate quality prints with minimal warping and shrinkage. It is also odorless and does not require a heated bed, which is why it is popular among 3D printing enthusiasts. However, not all filaments are created equal. The following are some of the most important considerations to look for in PLA filaments to ensure optimal performance and print quality:

    1. Diameter

    The filament’s diameter can affect the thickness of each layer of the print, and inconsistencies in diameter can cause uneven layers or gaps. PLA filaments typically come in two standard sizes: 1.75 mm and 3 mm. Choosing the incorrect diameter can lead to several issues, including under-extrusion or over-extrusion.

    Under-extrusion happens when the diameter is too large for the printer’s extruder, causing the filament to become trapped and inhibit proper extrusion. On the other hand, over-extrusion occurs when the diameter is too small for the extruder. This causes the printer to extrude too much material, resulting in a stringy and messy print.

    It is also crucial to remember that the diameter of PLA filament can vary across manufacturers and even between batches of the same brand. As a result, it is critical to check the diameter frequently. Adjusting the 3D printer’s settings is also recommended to ensure consistent and accurate prints.

    2. Color

    The filament’s color can affect the overall appearance and aesthetic of the 3D print. For example, a 3D model with a natural or translucent filament will look different from a bold, bright color. However, it is essential to consider that the color can affect the printing process and the final quality of the print.

    Filaments with darker colors, such as black, need higher printing temperatures. If they are not printed at the right temperature, it could lead to clogging or under-extrusion. Meanwhile, lighter-colored filaments need low temperatures and can be more tolerant if printed at slightly lower temperatures. In addition, the quality of the pigment utilized in the coloration process can impact its quality.

    3. Compatibility

    Not all filaments are suitable for every printer, and using an incompatible component can cause clogging under-extrusion or even damage to the machine. Compatibility is often determined by the diameter of the PLA filament and the printer’s extruder system. For example, some printers have different extruder systems, such as a direct-drive or Bowden extruder.

    One way to ensure compatibility is to choose PLA filament from the same manufacturer as the printer. This can help ensure it is designed to work well with the printer’s system and will minimize the risk of printing issues.

    4. Price

    PLA filament is generally more affordable than other 3D printing filaments such as ABS or PETG. This makes it an attractive choice for those on a budget or those experimenting with 3D printing. However, it is important to remember that the price can vary depending on its quality, color, and manufacturer. For instance, higher-quality filaments — such as those with tighter tolerances — can be more expensive but produce better results.

    Choose Terrafilum for High-Quality and Eco-Friendly Printing Products and Services

    At Terrafilum, we develop and provide top-of-the-line, eco-friendly 3D printing filament solutions to customers in diverse industries! From custom filaments for large-scale industrial projects to meeting strict engineering design criteria, we’ve got you covered. Our commitment to exceeding all our customers’ printing needs has been achieved, and we manufacture our products right here in the USA.

    Contact us today to learn more about our products and services! You can also request a quote now.

  4. What To Look For in ASA Filaments

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    ASA filaments are thermoplastic polymers that blend the properties of acrylonitrile, styrene, and acrylate. They have a glossy finish and come in a variety of colors. Moreover, they’re similar to ABS filaments but offer superior weather and UV resistance. They also have a high melting point, making them suitable for printing high-temperature parts.

    Choosing the right ASA filament for your 3D printing project can be complex. With an overwhelming number of options available, it can take time to determine which filament best fits your needs. To help you, here are the essential factors to consider:

    1. Print Temperature Range

    ASA filaments have a higher printing temperature range than PLA and ABS filaments, typically 230–260 °C. Therefore, choosing a filament with a suitable temperature range for your 3D printer is essential to ensure that your prints are successful. Additionally, these filaments are temperature-sensitive, meaning they may require a heated bed or enclosure to print correctly.

    2. Print Bed Adhesion

    These filaments tend to shrink and warp, resulting in the print detaching from the bed or distorting during the process. To prevent this, you can use adhesive sprays or specialized bed sheets to improve adhesion. Maintaining a level and clean print bed is crucial to ensure optimal adhesion before initiating printing.

    3. Diameter and Tolerance

    Choosing a filament with an appropriate diameter for your 3D printer’s extruder is essential. If the filament diameter is too small, it may cause under-extrusion and gaps in your print. Conversely, if the diameter is too large, it can cause over-extrusion and lead to clogs in your extruder.

    Furthermore, the tolerance of the filament refers to the deviation from the stated diameter. Therefore, choosing a filament with a low tolerance can ensure consistency in your prints.

    4. Filament Color and Finish

    The color and finish of your ASA filament can impact the final aesthetic appeal of your 3D prints. While color may not be a significant concern for functional parts, it can be essential for decorative items. In addition, certain applications may require specific finishes, such as matte or glossy.

    5. Cost

    When comparing the cost of ASA filament to other filaments, it’s important to consider the price per unit of volume rather than just the overall cost of the spool. Some brands may offer larger spools at a higher cost, but it may not necessarily be more cost-effective than a smaller spool from a different brand.

    It’s also important to consider the overall cost of 3D printing, including the cost of the 3D printer, maintenance, electricity, and other associated costs. ASA filament may cost more, but it’s worth considering if you need its specific properties for your project. In the long run, it could save you time and money.

    Elevate Your 3D Printing Experience With Terrafilum’s Eco-Friendly Filaments

    At Terrafilum, we are dedicated to providing high-quality and eco-friendly 3D printing filament solutions for customers across diverse industries. From custom filaments for large-scale industrial projects to meeting strict engineering design criteria, we have the expertise and experience to meet your specific printing needs.

    Our commitment to exceeding customer expectations is reflected in the fact that we manufacture our products right here in the USA. This allows us to maintain strict quality control measures and ensure our customers receive the highest-quality products. Additionally, we offer competitive pricing and excellent customer service to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for all our customers.

    Contact us to learn more about our products and services, or request a quote to get started on your next project with us!

  5. Want to be GREEN with 3D Printing? Let Terrafilum® help you be GREEN!

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    We collect and reuse ALL types of unbroken 3D printing spools

    There are 3 ways to be green:

    1. If you’re local, please feel free to drop them off at our facility.
    2. If you would like to get them out of your maker space, please collect 6 or more spools, box them, note the box
      dimensions and weight, then email us. We will send you a shipping label to get them to us.
    3. If you are part of a maker community and can organize a spool drive, then let us help. Get your team and find a
      location to drop off the spools. We will work with you on boxes and transportation needs.

    Have more questions about the program?
    Contact us:

    740 Industrial Drive, Suite D

    Terrafilum® Engineered Filaments

    740 Industrial Drive, Suite D

    Cary, IL 60013


    Ph: 815-526-3248

    Email: support@terrafilum.com

  6. Terrafilum® & Ecologic® Announce Terrafilum Ecologic ABS Filament

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    Terrafilum® Engineered Filaments is proud to announce its new biodegradable Terrafilum® & EcoLogic® ABS Eco-One® filament.

    Terrafilum® Engineered Filaments (https://www.Terrafilum.com) is a US company that provides 3D printer filament solutions that intersect manufacturing, technology, and sustainability priorities of the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Industry. The company was formed in response to its owner’s, Chris Jackson, observations of the common frustrations that manufacturers face when it comes to leveraging 3D printing technologies.

    “We address 3D printing’s sustainability issue by developing industrial-grade filaments that are made of bio-friendly and re-purposed materials. We are thrilled to be partnering with Ecologic® to produce quality ABS filament with enhanced landfill biodegradation,” Jackson stated. The addition of Eco-One® in our products helps reduce overall landfill space amounts required currently for plastic products by reducing the millions of tons of plastic that would otherwise sit for years on end. The organic biodegradation of Terrafilum ABS Eco-One®filaments produces valuable biogas that landfills can recapture to convert to electricity and alleviate our demand on traditional energy sources. You can learn more at the EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (https://www.epa.gov/lmop).

    Through systematic chemical and biological processes in a microbe-enriched, well-controlled landfill, Eco-One® enhances plastic biodegradation into biogas which can be converted into energy, carbon dioxide, and inert humus that enriches the soil. ASTM D5511 tests that represent biologically active landfills on Terrafilum ABS Eco-One®filaments have shown 8.11% biodegradation in the first 60 days.

    Using lean principles, Terrafilum® custom engineers complete solutions — from material to spool design and always striving for zero percent waste — bringing value to their customers with material quality that assures smooth printing operations. Terrafilum®solutions are available in a wide selection of colors, sizes, and materials. Support of custom projects and applications is central to the company’s core philosophy for customer needs.

    ”We are very pleased to have a strong relationship with Ecologic® which is supported by other market leaders in fiber and apparel, footwear, flexible and rigid packaging, foam, sporting goods, and much more. Terrafilum® is constantly researching the development of filaments with the planet as our main concern,” Jackson commented.

    The introduction of Eco-One®’s organic additive enhancing the biodegradability of Terrafilum® ABS filament without compromising on the filament’s integrity during manufacturing, storage, and use, as well as no evidence of adverse effects on printing or other post-processes, is one of the many positive aspects to the additive’s performance.Eco-One®’s addition to our products does not change the manufacturing process. Additionally, the organic additive has no effect on the plastic’s chemical or physical properties, rendering the filament with the same tensile strength and identical performance. With all these wonderful attributions to our filament, we are excited about our partnering with EcoLogic® to provide you with an industrial-grade ABS filament that aligns with Terrafilum®’s values of sustainability.

    “It’s a great time for EcoLogic® as we step into the 3D Printing world! Terrafilum® is a leader in 3DP Innovation and we are excited to see what the Terrafilum® team can achieve with the Eco-One® technology. The Terrafilum® ABS Eco-One®filament represents our passion for technology & science. We hope to inspire others and spark some curiosity about how we can all make a difference,” Michael Zuppa, Business Development Engineer at Ecologic® stated.

    EcoLogic® owns, manufactures, and markets the Eco-One® brand of additives for plastic products worldwide. You can learn more at www.ecologic-llc.com.

  7. Terrafilum® Introduces ASA Filament to its Current Line of Products

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    Terrafilum® Engineered Filaments is proud to announce the inclusion of ASA Filament in its line of products. The filament will currently be available in black, white, and natural colors.

    To build and strengthen their 3D Filament business, Terrafilum® has added ASA resin (acrylic styrene acrylonitrile) to the filament products that they currently offer.

    ASA (acrylic styrene acrylonitrile) is a thermoplastic like ABS, but with improved heat resistance and durability. ASA printed parts are strong and rigid with exceptional UV resistance, incapable of yellowing, making them exceptionally useful in exterior or industrial settings. ASA is also water-resistant, has strong chemical resistance, anti-static, and highly impact resistant. For successful ASA printing, a heated bed is needed due to its high glass transition temperature.

    Terrafilum® Engineered Filaments (www.Terrafilum.com) is a US company that provides 3D printer filament solutions that intersect manufacturing, technology, and sustainability priorities of the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Industry. The company was formed in response to its owner’s, Chris Jackson, observations of the common frustrations that manufacturers face when it comes to leveraging 3D printing technologies.

    Using lean principles, Terrafilum® custom engineers complete solutions — from material to spool design and always striving for zero percent waste — bringing value to their customers with material quality that assures smooth printing operations. With the addition of ASA filament to what Terrafilum currently offers, we hope to continue to expand our customer base with an exceptional filament that maintains the same high standards of quality that we strive to attain.

  8. Why Choose Terrafilum® Engineered Filaments

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    Terrafilum® Engineered Filaments is a US company providing 3D printer filaments, 3D printers, Consultative Print Services, and Specialized Coatings that meet our customers’ priorities using sustainable methods. The company’s innovative solutions are for educational and industrial professionals that demand materials whose quality and value are the best on and for planet Earth. Terrafilum® delivers products that are produced using eco-friendly materials or processes including products that are from 100% rescued, repurposed, or recycled materials. Our printer solutions are designed to work best with our sustainably produced products.

    Why us?

    Our products are developed and manufactured in the USA with Good Manufacturing Practices using sustainable methods. We track filament by lot numbers and have traceability to the components used

    Sustainability is one of our core values. Our products are developed with materials that support environmental stewardship because we find resins that meet the 3 R’s of Sustainability – rescued resins of virgin material but have little use in the old application, repurposed virgin resins that have lot numbers but are too small of quantities for the user, and recycled resins from other production sources (including our own!)

    We have strategic product development arrangements with other companies to engineer our products and create professional and industrial use 3D printing materials (i.e. XG Sciences)

    We partner with our volume customers and create sustainable solutions that enable their business to recycle 100% of spools, unwanted parts, and scrap materials

    Project and Product Design Capabilities for custom products, part/product concept, printing services

    We offer a plethora of color options and custom colors – our current color pallet offers 27 varieties

    Our filament is offered in several spool sizes with capabilities up to 20 lbs. and in 1.75mm/2.85mm

    Inventory Management and Product Warehousing

    Our business is family-owned and recognized as a Small Business by the Small Business Administration which means that we can respond quickly to custom needs and requests

    Emphasis is placed on caring for our customer’s needs with sights on their future prosperity. We care for you, your environment, your success, and your legacy.

  9. About Terrafilum Materials & Discussion

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    From our virtual conference in April, Jeremy Simon (3D Universe), Matt Griffin (Ultimaker), and Chris Jackson (Terrafilum) share which materials are available for use in 3D printing, how they perform, and what they are commonly used for. Learn about what makes the difference between high-quality materials that yield consistently good results and other lower-quality materials available on the market.

  10. Historical Event Lesson Plans Using 3D Printing

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    We have always been interested in Historical Events.  Chris has always been into World War II literature and the facts, battles, and people of the era.  During our formative years, there was very little in the way of interactive tools to learn history.  Today there’s video, interactive museum displays, and now a new method – 3D Printing!

    The Library of Congress is providing a hands-on approach to learning by providing access to downloadable 3D print files from its LC Labs website.  Visitors to the website can manipulate the images from various angles and see what they look like in a variety of materials, backgrounds, and lighting.  The images are capable also of being measured and sliced to smaller proportions.  An example of one of the accessible images is as follows, a cast of Abraham Lincoln’s hand grasping a sawed-off broomstick.

    This opportunity by the Library of Congress provides a great learning tool to teachers nationwide in enhancing their lesson plans on a variety of subjects.  What a great opportunity to enliven our children’s minds about historical items and events.

    The Smithsonian Institution’s Digitization Program Office implemented its open-source viewer, Voyager, so that 3D models of the historical items could be displayed online.

    The idea for this program was developed by library staff sensing a need for educators and school librarians to work with 3D models.  Thirteen of the staff members teamed up in determining what items would be presented on the website. The research was conducted as to which audiences are interested in 3d modeling and how 3d initiatives are accomplished by other cultural environments.

    Images 3D printed for educational purposes provide children not only an understanding of how it applies to their lesson plan but also in how the object is structured and have a working model for their classrooms for future students to observe.  The models present an opportunity for students to pose various questions regarding the model including what it may represent, its societal impact, etc.  This is a great avenue for social learning.

    The Library of Congress’ contribution is just another example of the great opportunities that exist in the 3D printing world.  For more information on this opportunity, take a moment to read this article at https://gcn.com/articles/2020/02/21/loc-3d-printing.aspx.

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