3D Printing Service

Yes, 3D printing metal parts is definitely possible, and it’s widely used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical. The process is done through advanced additive manufacturing technologies such as DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) and SLM (Selective Laser Melting). These technologies use lasers to melt metal powder and fuse it layer by layer to form solid parts.

• DMLS: This process sinters metal powders, creating strong parts suitable for aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. It’s ideal for complex geometries and custom parts but requires post-processing.

• SLM: Unlike DMLS, SLM fully melts the metal powder, resulting in denser and stronger parts. It’s great for high-performance metals and used in critical applications like turbine blades and medical implants.

In summary, metal 3D printing is highly beneficial for producing strong, durable, and precise components, especially for complex designs that traditional methods cannot easily achieve. However, it can be more costly and require additional post-processing steps to achieve the best results.

1. Material Selection and Suitability

Durability begins with material choice. Common materials include:

• Polyethylene (PE): Flexible, low-temperature resistant (-40°C to 90°C), ideal for household storage (e.g., HDPE for clothing bins).
• Polypropylene (PP): Semi-crystalline thermoplastic with high impact resistance and chemical stability (resistant to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents), widely used in industrial applications.
• Other materials: Polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), etc., each requiring tailored testing.

2. Mechanical Performance Testing

(1) Impact Resistance

• ASTM D3029: Falling weight method to test rigid plastic samples, measuring energy absorption.
• ISO 180 Izod Impact Test: Pendulum impact method to break notched or unnotched specimens.
• Drop Testing: Simulates real-world drops during transport. Silicone-treated containers show 50%+ lower breakage rates. Hazardous material packaging requires sub-zero testing (-40°C per GB/T 4857.5).

(2) Compression and Stacking Tests

• GB/T 4857.3: Static load stacking test to evaluate deformation under long-term weight (e.g., 12.5 mm/min compression rate until failure).
• DIN 55440-1: Tests maximum compression strength under controlled conditions (23°C, 50% RH).
• Box Compression Test (BCT): Uses universal testing machines to measure load capacity before deformation.

3. Environmental Durability Testing

(1) Temperature and Humidity Cycling

• ISO 4892: Simulates UV exposure and humidity to assess aging (e.g., brittleness, discoloration).
• Standard Climates: 23°C±2°C, 50% RH±5% (non-tropical) or 27°C±2°C, 65% RH±5% (tropical) per ISO 2233.
• HAST (Highly Accelerated Stress Testing): Accelerates aging under extreme conditions (e.g., 85°C, 85% RH) to evaluate sealing and structural integrity.

(2) Extreme Temperature Resistance

• Low-Temperature Testing: Hazardous material containers undergo impact tests at -40°C.
• High-Temperature Testing: Thermal aging tests in ovens to assess mechanical degradation.

4. Chemical Stability and Safety Testing

• Chemical Corrosion Resistance: Expose containers to acids/alkalis; measure weight loss and deformation (silicone-treated surfaces perform better).
• Food Contact Safety:
  • GB 4806 Series: Tests heavy metal leaching (lead, cadmium) and residue limits.
  • FDA Standards: Ensures non-toxicity and no chemical migration.
• Airtightness Testing: GB/T 17344 requires zero leakage under specified pressures.

5. Specialized Application Tests

(1) Hazardous Material Packaging

• GB 19270 Series: Covers stacking, drop, and airtightness tests aligned with UN Transportation of Dangerous Goods regulations.
• Sub-Zero Drop Tests: Mandatory for non-PE containers at -40°C.

(2) Medical and Laboratory Use

• Sterilization Compatibility: Validate structural integrity after autoclaving (e.g., 121°C steam).
• Chemical Contamination Resistance: Assess surface durability against lab reagents.

6. Recycling and Sustainability Testing

• Recyclability Verification: PP containers must retain performance after component removal.
• ROHS & REACH Compliance: Ensure restricted substances (e.g., phthalates) meet EU limits.

Summary: Testing Workflow

1. Material Selection: Choose PE, PP, etc., based on application.
2. Prototype Testing: Mechanical tests (impact, compression, drop).
3. Environmental Simulation: Temperature/humidity cycling, UV aging.
4. Chemical & Safety Checks: Corrosion resistance, food safety, airtightness.
5. Specialized Testing: Sub-zero drops, sterilization, etc.
6. Certification: Compliance with ISO, ASTM, GB, etc.

Through this multi-dimensional approach, KingStar Mold’s wholesale custom design plastic storage boxes are rigorously validated for durability across household, industrial, and specialized uses.

At KingStar Mold, we offer a comprehensive suite of 3D printing technologies to accommodate everything from visual prototypes to fully functional end-use parts. Our services include:

• FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Ideal for cost-effective prototyping using thermoplastics like ABS, PLA, and PC.

• SLA (Stereolithography): Offers high-resolution parts with smooth surfaces, perfect for presentation models and fine details.

• SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Great for producing strong, functional prototypes and complex geometries in nylon materials.

• MJF (Multi Jet Fusion): Delivers durable, precise parts with good surface finish and high repeatability, suitable for both prototyping and short-run production.

• MJP (MultiJet Printing): Best for intricate, high-detail parts with fine features and multi-material capabilities.

• Metal 3D Printing (DMLS/SLM): Produces fully functional metal components from aluminum or stainless steel for demanding industrial applications.