Download Our Technical Data Sheet for Cu-29

The process of AM is colloquially

referred to as 3D printing, utilizing

techniques that build up a structure.

Material Extrusion which is the most

common form of AM is further broken down

into two main methods FFF and

stereolithography (SLA). Each method has

its advantages with FFF having a wider

range of materials and SLA permitting a

higher resolution detail. FFF style printing

typically uses filaments that are melted

through an extruder head to be laid down

onto a surface. Typical printer heads are

able to generate a maximum temperature of

about 260°C to 300°C. This process

heavily favors the use of thermoplastics to

create their structures. Electrically

conductive filaments have been generated

and are available in the market but require

post processing (which can easily ruin a

print); to reach viable resistivity.

The plastic acts as a scaffold and carrier for

the desired conductive material, but

consequently introduces high resistivity.

The post processing method involves curing

the print in a vacuum oven to remove the

carriers and additives but can inadvertently

degrade the metal it is trying to precipitate

thus ruining the print.

The Kupros all metal filament avoids all of these problems.