In the ever-evolving additive manufacturing landscape, Markforged has consistently stood out with its innovative solutions and materials. One such material that has garnered significant attention is Onyx.
This material is strong, durable, and versatile, making it a popular choice for engineers and manufacturers.
In this blog article, we’ll explore its various iterations, characteristics, and applications, as well as the type of 3D printing technology used by Markforged printers.
The Technology Behind Markforged Printers
Markforged printers are renowned for their advanced capabilities and innovative technology. At the heart of their operation lies the Continuous Fiber Fabrication (CFF) process, a unique 3D printing method that combines thermoplastic materials with continuous fibers. This technology enables the creation of parts that exhibit exceptional strength and durability, rivaling those produced through traditional manufacturing methods.
CFF works by first depositing a layer of Onyx material, a nylon mixed with chopped carbon fiber. This base layer provides excellent surface finish and detail.
Next, continuous fibers such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or Kevlar are laid down in strategic patterns within the matrix, reinforcing the part in critical areas. The result is a composite part that boasts remarkable mechanical properties, making it suitable for a wide range of demanding applications.
Understanding Onyx Material and Its Variations
Onyx material is a composite filament made by blending nylon with chopped carbon fiber. This special mix has many good qualities, so engineers like to use it to make high-quality 3D-printed parts. Some key characteristics include:
- Strength and Stiffness: The carbon fiber enhances the strength and stiffness of the nylon base, resulting in parts that can withstand significant loads and stresses.
- Heat Resistance: it exhibits excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for applications involving high temperatures.
- Chemical Resistance: The nylon matrix provides good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, ensuring durability in harsh environments.
- Dimensional Stability: These parts maintain their shape and dimensions under varying environmental conditions, ensuring reliable performance.
Markforged offers several variations, each tailored to specific requirements:
- Onyx is perfect for general-purpose applications, offering a balance of strength, stiffness, and surface finish. It’s ideal for creating prototypes, tooling, and functional end-use parts.
- Onyx FR is a flame-retardant version of the standard material. It meets the UL94 V-0 standard, making it suitable for applications where fire resistance is crucial, such as aerospace and automotive components.
- Onyx ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is designed for applications requiring static dissipation. It’s commonly used in electronics manufacturing, where preventing static buildup is essential to avoid damaging sensitive components.
Applications of Onyx Material
Onyx material’s versatility and superior mechanical properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some notable applications:
- Aerospace: The high strength-to-weight ratio and flame-retardant properties make it an excellent choice for producing lightweight, durable components for aircraft and spacecraft.
- Automotive: In the automotive industry, Onyx is used to create custom jigs, fixtures, and tooling that can withstand high loads and harsh environments.
- Electronics: Onyx ESD is utilized to manufacture enclosures, fixtures, and assembly tools for electronic devices, ensuring static-safe environments during production.
- Manufacturing: Onyx parts are employed in the creation of end-use components, replacement parts, and tooling for manufacturing processes, offering reliability and durability.
- Prototyping: Engineers and designers leverage Onyx material to produce functional prototypes that closely mimic the mechanical properties of final production parts.
The Future of Onyx Material in 3D Printing
As additive manufacturing continues to advance, the role of high-performance materials like Onyx will only grow. Its unique blend of nylon and chopped carbon fiber, combined with the capabilities of Markforged printers, unlocks new possibilities for creating strong, durable, and versatile parts.
No matter your industry, Onyx provides the tools to turn your ideas into reality with top performance. Embrace the future of 3D printing with Onyx material and experience the revolution firsthand.