Which Material Should be Used for Printing e-NABLE Devices

Which Material Should be Used for Printing e-NABLE Devices

There are a wide range of materials to choose from when printing e-NABLE devices. In this article, we'll cover some of the pros and cons of each option. Our top recommendation is PETG, but PLA or Tough PLA are acceptable alternatives as long as the device isn't going to be used in a very hot climate. Read on for more details.

PLA is a popular option, since it's affordable, easy to print, and environmentally friendly. However, PLA has a lower temperature resistance than most 3D printing materials. For example, an e-NABLE device made from PLA will actually start to deform if left in a car on a hot sunny day. For this reason, PLA is not the best option if making a device for someone who lives in a hotter climate. On the other hand, PLA can be easily thermo-formed, which is required for some of the e-NABLE designs. It's also available in a wide range of colors, and it's compatible with almost all 3D printers, with or without a heated bed.

Tough PLA is another material that's becoming more popular. It's significantly stronger than standard PLA, which is helpful when making e-NABLE devices. But keep in mind that Tough PLA does not offer any difference in temperature resistance, so like standard PLA, parts will start to deform when exposed to hotter temperatures.

PETG is one of the best material options available for making e-NABLE devices. It's significantly stronger than PLA and has a higher temperature resistance. But it's still possible to thermoform PETG parts by submerging them in boiling water or using a heat gun. 3D Universe offers PETG materials in a range of skin-tone colors, specifically developed for making e-NABLE devices. A heated bed is recommended for printing PETG, though not required.

Nylon can also be a good choice for printing e-NABLE devices. While not thermo-formable, it is a very strong material with a bit of flexibility. Nylon tends to be more challenging to 3D print, as it has a tendency to warp. Using a wide brim in your print settings is recommended for nylon prints. For a more flexible option, consider Taulman PCTPE, which is made from a mixture of TPE and nylon.

Flexible materials, like TPE or TPU, are used in some e-NABLE designs, such as the Flexy-Hand 2. These materials can be challenging to print on some 3D printers. A 3D printer with a direct-drive extruder (as opposed to a bowden tube mechanism) is recommended for printing flexible materials.