For example, 3D printed parts on desktop printers can be reinforced with metal

Photo: YouTube screenshot

How do you increase the strength of 3D printed parts? YouTuber Nathan offers an interesting technique in a video on his channel “Nathan Builds Robots”: he reinforces plastic components with metal grates.

Nathan, who has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, is testing how he uses consumer 3D printers to improve the strength of 3D printed plastic parts on YouTube. In his video, he uses Creality’s CR-M4 3D printer, which costs less than €1,000. In his new video, he takes the approach of reinforcing prints with metal mesh.

In various experiments, Nathan tested nets with different mesh sizes and wire thicknesses. His favorite is the 20-mesh, which has enough room for a good plastic tie. Too tight mesh can affect adhesion. According to Nathan, the metal surface is also important: the rough structure from acid etching may improve adhesion. Further illustration experiments can be performed here. Nathan says handling fine mesh requires precision to reduce the risk of injury from protruding wires. Stresses the importance of removing edges carefully.

Other experiments include a coarser welded mesh, perforated aluminum sheets, and tests with resistance wires to fuse the parts together.

Overall, Nathan sees great potential in metal mesh reinforcements for 3D printing. Despite the challenges in processing and safety, new possibilities open up for more stable and durable components.