Your Copper Questions, Answered

A few weeks ago, we added a brand new material to our material portfolio: Copper. This was an exciting new addition for us, adding more depth to our line-up of metals. We’ve seen a lot of positive feedback from our community, as well as a lot of questions. So, here’s a quick FAQ that covers all the basics you need to know about Copper!

How big an object can I order in Copper?

The maximum bounding box is 89 x 89 x 100 mm

How accurate will the physical object be to my 3D model?

Geometry may vary between 3D models and printed parts by ±0.125mm in any dimension

How do you 3D print copper?

3D models are transformed into copper objects through lost wax casting. First, the 3D model is printed in a high resolution wax material.  Plaster is poured over the 3D printed wax which creates a mold when the wax melts out of the plaster.  The mold is then filled with molten copper and left to cool and solidify. Breaking the plaster mold reveals a solid copper part which is cleaned and polished to remove any sharp scraps leaving a natural buffed shiny finish.  Additional hand polishing is also available to give parts a mirror like shine.

What properties make copper unique? 

Copper has good thermal and electrical conductivity.  It heats quickly and evenly, making it good for applications in heat exchangers and it’s one of the most efficient metals in conducting electricity.  The surface of any copper object will begin to oxidize once it comes in contact with air or other chemicals. This oxidation will alter the surface appearance as a brown, green, and/or blue patina develops on the surface of the part. However, this oxidation will stop at the surface, creating a boundary layer which prevents corrosion from penetrating the surface of the part. The oxidation process cannot be prevented but it can be accelerated by exposing the part to various chemicals depending on the desired patina color.  Some people may not want to decorative items to oxidize, while others prefer the look of the patina.

Is this material infused with other metals?

No, this material is 100% copper.

Will a design that’s printable in copper, be printable in other Shapeways cast metals? 

Yes, Gold, Silver, Brass, Bronze, Platinum, Gold Plated Brass, and Rhodium Plated Brass all have the same design guidelines. Interlocking parts are the only exception which are currently only printable in Silver, Brass, and Bronze.

What finishes are available?

Copper is available in a Natural finish, as well as a Polished finish if you’re looking for a smoother, shinier surface.

Want to learn more? Head over to our materials page for all the details, or upload your model today and try printing in Copper for yourself!

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FAQ: Smooth Multi Jet Fusion Plastic Black PA12

We recently released a brand new smooth finish for our Multi Jet Fusion Black PA12. This latest addition to our material portfolio is perfect for a variety of applications that require a surface that is smooth to the touch. In order to show you more of what this new finish is capable of, we’ve put together a handy FAQ to answer any lingering questions you might have about it. 

Does this post-processing cause dimensional variation? 

The smoothing process results in no more than a 0.4% dimensional change.

Is it skin safe?

Yes! Parts post processed using the PostPro3D® technology do not show a cytotoxic effect in accordance with ISO 10993-5, ISO 10993-1 and ISO 10993-12. 

Is it UV stable?

The smoothing process does not alter a product’s UV stability and since MJF PA12 is UV stable, so is Black Smooth PA12. 

Is it heatproof?

The smoothing process does not alter a product’s thermal properties. 

Heat deflection temperature:

XY: 95°C/203°F 

Z: 95°C/203°F

(@ 1.82 MPa, 264 psi, ASTM D648 Test Method A)

What’s the difference between PA12 and Smooth PA12? 

Color: PA12 is available in Gray and Black. Smooth PA12 is only available in Black.

Finish: PA12 has a matte and grainy finish. Smooth PA12 has a smooth, slightly glossy finish. 

Price: Smooth is ~2x the price of Gray and Black PA12. Minimum price is $15/part.

Size: 

Max Bounding Box:

284 x 380 x 380 mm (Gray Natural and Black Smooth)

210 x 210 x 360 mm (Black Natural)

Min Bounding Box:

7.0 x 7.0 x 7.0 mm & X + Y + Z ≥ 9 mm (Natural)

10 x 10 x 10 mm (Smooth)

Now that you know a little more about Smooth Multi Jet Fusion Black PA12’s capabilities, how about seeing it in action? Order your parts in this new finish today and feel the difference!

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