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Certain new 3D printing machines need a supply of nitrogen for their innovative printing process. This method of 3D printing improves the structural integrity of the printing materials and reduces waste.
If oxygen is allowed to enter the 3D printing process it can lead to oxidation and discolouration, which will have a detrimental effect on your final product.
The nitrogen displaces the oxygen, which helps avoid undesirable chemical reactions and thermal deformations. Some of the dust that is created by metal 3D printing is combustible. Removing most of the oxygen also ensures a safe manufacturing environment.
3D printing with products such as nylon powder can be expensive, sometimes upwards of £600 per kg. When using nitrogen in the printing chamber, you are able to maintain an inert environment and reduce the rate of oxygen when nitrogen is added in the blanketing phase.
This prevents oxidisation of the powder, meaning the excess unsintered powder can be blown off and recycled as it hasn’t been exposed to the atmosphere (where it would be spoilt by oxygen).
Printing in an inert gas atmosphere allows users to recycle powder with a refresh rate of 30%, compared to 50% when printing in an uncontrolled environment (depending on the model of the printer). Less wastage of raw materials saves costs for the business, as well as reduces plastic waste.
The innovative method of 3D printing using nitrogen improves the structural integrity of the end products. Better quality products can be produced at a lower production cost, making 3D printing accessible to more businesses.