Plastics and metals are typically the first materials that come to mind when discussing additive manufacturing and the materials that can be used. However, the current list of products that can be printed using 3D technology has expanded significantly over the past few years. As a result, we are now able to manufacture components using a wide range of raw materials, including ceramics, food, and hydrogels containing stem cells. Wood is included in the category of these expanded material systems in its own right.

Wood materials can now be used in 3D printing Stainless Steel CNC Machining processes such as filament extrusion and even powder bed methods. As a result, the use of wood in 3D printing is gaining popularity. Even if a user does not have experience working with wood, the 3D printing technology available for wood can still assist them in realizing their dream of owning a Luban.

A study that was published in the journal Nature found that human activity has resulted in the loss of 54% of the planet's total tree population. The rate at which we consume wood needs to be rethought urgently because deforestation is a real threat in the modern world. Because it is a production method that utilizes only the materials that are necessary and allows items to be 3D printed parts designed from recycled materials, additive manufacturing could be the answer to using wood in a more environmentally responsible manner. Therefore, we are able to print components using 3D printing technology, and if those components become obsolete, they can be recycled into raw materials and used to kickstart a new production cycle.

Process of 3D printing using extruded wood

Process of 3D printing using extruded wood.

Extruding filaments is one method that can be used to print wood using a 3D printer. It is essential to keep in mind that these materials do not consist entirely of wood in their construction. In reality, they are composed of thirty to forty percent wood fiber and sixty to seventy percent polymer (which acts as a binder). The manufacturing process of wood 3D printing is also interesting in and of itself. For instance, you can experiment with changing the temperatures of these filaments to produce a variety of colors and finishes. In other words, if the temperature of the extruder gets high enough, the wood fibers will catch fire, which will result in the chips having a darker color. Bear in mind, however, that this material has a high risk of catching fire. If the nozzle is operating at too high of a temperature and the filament is not being extruded at a fast enough rate, the print may become ruined or even catch fire.

The fact that it appears, behaves, and smells exactly like real wood is the primary benefit offered by wood wool. In addition, prints can have a more realistic finish achieved by painting, cutting, and sanding them with relative ease. However, in comparison to other types of thermoplastics, this material is significantly more brittle, which is one of its most obvious drawbacks. Because of this, they are much simpler to fracture.

In most cases, this material will not be utilized in a commercial or manufacturing environment; rather, it will be directed toward the maker community, where it will be utilized as a hobby or as an ornamental item. The companies Polymaker, Filamentum, Colorfabb, and FormFutura, amongst others, are among the most prominent producers of wood wool. Wood fiber filaments are considerably more delicate than your average thermoplastics.

Implementing the use of wood in the powder bed process

Implementing the use of wood in the powder bed process.

Powder bed technology is another option that can be used for the manufacturing of wooden components. In these kinds of situations, a very fine brown powder that is made up of wood chips and has a sandy surface is utilized. Binder jetting is one of the most important technologies in this sector, and the business Desktop Metal (DM) is the most well-known for using this technique. Following its collaboration with Forust, DM was able to break new ground in the field of additive manufacturing. With the collaborative development of the Shop System Forust Edition printing system, 3D printing in wood using Binder Jetting is now accessible to a wider audience.

This printing system is able to produce functional end-use wood parts made from recycled wood through the process of 3D printing. Sawdust granules and binders are utilized in the actual manufacturing technique, which is under the control of a computer. It is possible to create waste-free wood components by Plastic Machining Services utilizing a manufacturing system that works on a layer-by-layer basis. This is something that is difficult to accomplish by utilizing traditional subtractive methods. Compared to the method of filament extrusion, the cost of utilizing this technology will, without a doubt, be significantly higher. However, given that the final product will have a higher surface quality than FFF printed parts, it is something that should be taken into consideration.

In addition to being regarded as a more environmentally friendly method of manufacturing with wood, three-dimensional printing with wood can offer solutions to a wide range of issues. This encompasses everything from the renovation of historic buildings to the production of luxuries and even brand-new products that have not even been conceived of yet that make use of natural materials. The fact that it is a digital process means that users who are not skilled in woodworking can still take advantage of the benefits of wood 3D printing.