PolyMaker is known for their innovative approach to materials. Nicolas Tokotuu (Communication manager, 3D printing engineer and designer for PolyMaker) has performed a fun strength test utilizing one of their new materials, Polycarbonate (PC-MAX).
They designed and printed a car jack on an Ultimaker 2+ extended and subsequently tested it on a car. They want to stress that it isn’t recommended as a replacement for a proper jack, this was just to illustrate the strength of the material. The jack did function but due to the time it was taking and torque required it was faster to use a metal jack first then finish the last few turns to lift the car. Nicolas says if they had to do it again, they will remember to lubricate the screw. 😉
They used 80% infill and printed the screw perpendicular to the thread orientation for strength.
From an announcement post at 3ders.org abut PC-MAX:
So what’s so special about PC-Max? In a nutshell, it features mechanical properties that you rarely see in 3D printing materials and is far stronger and more impact resistant than any other Polymaker material. “Polycarbonate has properties that make it very desirable for the 3D printing community as a whole, and PC-Max™ makes it even better for creative designers and engineers at every stage of the production process” added Dr. Luo. PC-Max is also easier to 3D print than PC-Plus, which was 3D printed at 300°C – 320°C. In contrast, PC-Max can be 3D printed at a moderate 250°C – 270°C.
From the Polymaker site:
Polymaker PC-Max™ is an advanced polycarbonate based filament designed specifically for desktop FDM/FFF 3D printing. In addition to high printing quality, great mechanical strength and heat resistance, Polymaker PC-Max™ offers excellent impact strength and fracture toughness, making it the ideal choice for engineering applications.