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How do you make a 3D-printed part stronger?

Four levers. Material: PA802CF (89 MPa) or Carbon LW (56 MPa, stiffer) instead of PA12 (45 MPa). Wall thickness up to 2 mm in load zones. Ribs instead of solid material (3-5 mm high, 1.5 mm wide) for stiffness. Orientation: design critical load direction along the build direction.

89 MPa PA802CF max
56 MPa Carbon LW
2 mm Wall in load zones
3-5 mm Recommended rib height
±5% Print-to-print variation

Stronger via material choice

Simplest: switch material.

If your design in PA12 is not strong enough: PA11 (54 MPa + 31% elongation, stronger and tougher) or Carbon LW (56 MPa but 2x stiffer). Absolute maximum: PA802CF at 89 MPa.

Do not just look at tensile. For parts that must flex without breaking, elongation counts more (PA11). For no deflection, stiffness counts (Carbon LW). For absolute tensile in weight-critical parts, PA802CF.

Stronger via design

Two low-hanging fruit.

Wall thickness. Raise from 1 mm to 2 mm in load zones and per-part tensile roughly doubles.

Ribs. Instead of building up solid material (warpage and cost), add ribs 3-5 mm high and 1.5 mm wide. Ribs stiffen structures without the downsides of solid.

For topology-optimised structures: CAD tools (nTop, Fusion 360 Generative Design) create organic structures that are maximally material-efficient.

Stronger via post-processing

Extra strength needed? Cyanoacrylate infiltration seals micro-porosities and boosts surface strength a few percent.

Extra stiffness? Epoxy coating (2K lacquer) acts as a second skin.

Intense abrasion? Vibratory tumbling followed by polish coating gives a smoother, tougher surface.

Thread joints? Heat-set inserts (metal in polymer) instead of tapped holes. Handles far more flex and re-screwing. Our engineers gladly advise on which post-processing suits your case.