What Is Copolymer 3D Filament and Why Should You Use It

Summary

Just like a good marriage or partnership, a copolymer is greater than the sum of its parts. It takes on some of the qualities of each of its components, and this can make for some unique properties for diverse applications. But why you should use them? Read on to learn more about copolymer 3D filaments and examine the differences between this filament and other materials. What Are Copolymers? A class of polymers, copolymers are made from two or more different monomers in repeating groups, sometimes called blocks. Each of these monomers has certain characteristics that may be desirable to end-users. Manufacturers combine the monomers to create a hybrid material that can be more durable, flexible, and stronger than the base monomers. But the combination is not a mechanical one, but a chemical one, so the resulting product is more like a marriage of materials where each one shines. What Is Copolymer 3D Filament? You guessed it! It’s a 3D printing filament made from – here it comes – a copolymer. Injection molding companies shouldn’t get to have all the fun, so manufacturers like Filamatrix take some of the same materials and extrude them into useful 3D filament for your printing pleasure. The Differences Between Copolymer and Other 3D Printing Materials 3D printing materials such as PLA are comprised of one singular repeating monomer which has been polymerized to create a homopolymer. A copolymer, however, uses two or more different monomers in its polymerization. While homopolymer filaments are very useful, their use is often limited by their properties. For example, homopolymers may be less impact resistant and less heat stable. The Benefits of Using Copolymers As I mentioned, a copolymer is a versatile chemical team. It can be tailored to the specific needs of a project. For example, you can choose a copolymer filament that makes a strong and waterproof product, not one or the other. But wait, there’s more! A Balanced Property Profile Since copolymers are chemical c...