While still under exploration, using salmon skin for 3D printing requires specific techniques that will harness the uniqueness inherent in this material. Some of the techniques that have been tried and could potentially work with salmon skin during 3D printing include:
1- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS):
This is a powder bed fusing 3D printing method whereby a laser is used to sinter powdered material (for example, plastics or metals).
SLS would allow salmon skin powder or a composite material containing salmon skin to be used for printing intricate but durable designs.
2- Binder Jetting:
This is the process of depositing a liquid binding agent in a selective manner to bond powders together.
Mixing a binding agent with the salmon skin powder would offer very interesting possibilities with binder jetting for detailed and textured prints.
3- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with Composite Materials:
This is the most common 3D printing technology, which works by extruding thermoplastic filaments to form objects layer by layer.
Composites of salmon skin fibers or particles in filament would allow FDM to create prints that are quite unique in texture and appearance.
4- Resin-based 3D Printing (SLA/DLP):
Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) are resin-based 3D printing methods that employ light for curing liquid resin into solid layers.
Salmon skin may be incorporated into resin formulations in order to create such prints that feature complex details and a smooth surface finish.
5- Material Extrusion with Modifications:
The adaptation of material extrusion techniques, such as FDM, to work with salmon skin-modified materials, such as salmon skin-infused filaments, is possible.
With proper alterations to printing parameters and material composition, salmon skin elements may be used to produce rough prints on FDM printers.
Considerations for 3D Printing with Salmon Skin:
- Material Preparation: Processing salmon skin into a suitable form for 3D printing, whether that be powder or fibers, is necessary for successful printing.
- Adhesion and Durability: Proper adhesion of salmon skin materials to the printing surface and optimization of print settings for durability are to be taken into account.
- Post-Processing: The use of a post-processing technique such as smoothing, sealing, or finishing may be necessary to improve the appearance and durability of prints made out of salmon skin.
Through experimentation with the discussed 3D printing techniques and taking into account the specific attributes of salmon skin, designers and enthusiasts can unleash the creative potentials of this sustainable and unique material in additive manufacturing processes.