Filaments

The use of filaments in surface technology is a multifaceted concept that is used in various applications. In the field of 3D printing, filament refers to the base material that is melted and applied in layers to create three-dimensional objects. Here, the choice of filament influences not only the mechanical properties of the printed part, but also its surface finish.

Surface technology uses filaments made from various materials, including thermoplastic polymers such as PLA, ABS or PETG. These filaments are melted by heating and applied to the build platform. The resulting surface is influenced by the choice of filament, with different materials leading to different textures and surface properties.

In addition, the combination of filaments with other surface treatments or techniques enables the targeted modification of surface properties. This can include the application of coatings, chemical treatments or finishing techniques to achieve specific functions such as adhesion, smoothness or even electrical conductivity.

In industrial production, filaments are also used in surface technology for electroplating processes. Here, the 3D-printed object is immersed in an electroplating cell and a metallic layer is deposited on the surface. This not only gives the object a metallic surface, but can also provide additional properties such as hardness or corrosion resistance.

Overall, the combination of filaments with different surface techniques opens up new avenues for the targeted modification of surface properties in various industries, including prototyping, product design and functional components.