The “Invisible Assistant” of 3D Printing: How Thin-Film Materials Are Rewriting the Rules of Printing?

Preface 

Mentioned 3D When people think of printing, most tend to focus on metal powders and resins, but they often overlook thin films. “ Behind-the-scenes contribution ”： FDM Printed anti-warping film, SLA Printed release films and bio-printed cell-supporting membranes are both quietly making significant contributions. 

As 3D Print from “ Prototype making ” Toward “ Mass production ” The thin film has evolved from a supplementary consumable to a core supporting component, not only addressing pain points such as adhesion and deformation but also opening up new opportunities in fields like biomedical applications and electronic manufacturing. 

This article reveals the secrets of thin films and 3D Printed “ Cross-border collaboration ” From platform protection to functional carriers, what secrets are hidden within thin films? And what technological breakthroughs will they drive? 

I. Basic Support: On the Printing Platform “ Error-proofing shield ”

3D The first step in printing is the compatibility between the model and the platform. Thanks to its excellent adhesion and heat resistance, the thin film serves as a protective layer for the platform. “ Standard configuration ”。

(1) FDM Printing: High-temperature film prevents warping, ensuring the model remains as stable as a rock. 

FDM It is the mainstream printing technology, PLA 、 ABS Once consumables cool and shrink, they tend to warp. Use the dedicated platform film to prevent this. “ Two-way locking ” Problem-solving: One side adheres tightly to the platform, while the other provides moderate adhesion for the model. 

• Polyimide ( PI ) Thin film Temperature-resistant ≥260℃ , compatible with ABS 、 PC For high-temperature consumables, after silane modification, the adhesion can be precisely controlled. During printing, the model is securely fixed; once molded, it can be gently pried off without leaving any residue, enabling— ABS Model warpage from 35% Drop to 5% The following. 
• PEEK Thin film : Temperature resistance breakthrough 300℃ , compatible with PEEK 、 PEI These ultra-high-temperature consumables exhibit excellent chemical stability and are suitable for printing aerospace components. 

Usage tips The film must be laid flat and closely adhered to the platform to prevent air bubbles; the heating temperature should be lower than the melting point of the consumable material. 20-30℃ More stable. 

(2) Light-curing printing: Release film reduces adhesion, further enhancing precision. 

SLA 、 DLP Light-curing technology relies on ultraviolet light to cure resins; the core function of the release film is to separate the model from the printing tray, preventing adhesion and damage. 

• Fluorine release film Low surface tension, release force 5-15g/inch UV-resistant and aging-resistant, with an exceptionally long lifespan. 500 Hours are the first choice for industrial-grade equipment. 
• PET Release film Low cost, release force 15-30g/inch Suitable for home use; the release agent needs to be replaced periodically as it loses effectiveness. 

Key indicators ： DLP The UV transmittance of the release film needs to... ≥90% Otherwise, it will affect the curing efficiency and accuracy. 

II. Functional Extension: From “ Auxiliary ” To “ Core ” The Materials Revolution 

High-end 3D In printing, thin films have become the core medium for imparting special functions to printed objects; biological scaffolds and flexible electronic components alike rely on them. 

(1) Biology 3D Print: Supported by biodegradable film “ Hope for Life ”

Biology 3D Printed tissue scaffolds for human tissues and biodegradable films, with their excellent biocompatibility, have become an ideal choice as cell carriers. 

• Polylactic acid ( PLA ) Thin film : In the body 6-12 It degrades into carbon dioxide and water within a few months. 50-200 μm The porosity of the adjustable-thickness scaffold has been used for skin regeneration in burn patients. 
• Gelatin - Sodium alginate composite film Natural materials have better biocompatibility. 2-4 Degradable over a short period, suitable for short-term vascular stents or drug carriers; its surface can be modified with peptides to enhance cell viability. 

Technical challenges Temperature-controlled required 37℃ Adjust according to ambient conditions and humidity to prevent premature degradation of the film and ensure optimal cell adhesion. 

(2) Electronic 3D Printing: Made with flexible films “ Ultra-thin circuit ”

Flexible electronic devices are driving electronics. 3D In print-based development, flexible conductive films are the core material for printing circuits. 

• Graphene /PI Composite film : Low sheet resistance to 10 Ω/sq , bend 1000 Next conductive attenuation < 5% Suitable for wearable device circuits. 
• Silver nanowires /PET Composite film : The cost is lower than graphene. 60% , square resistance approximately 20 Ω/sq , Light transmittance ≥85% Suitable for foldable screen transparent electrodes. 

Printing method ： AJP The technology enables precise printing of conductive pastes with narrow line widths. ≤10 μm To meet the demands of precision circuits. 

(3) Architecture 3D Printing: Weather-resistant film enhancement “ Structural lifespan ”

Architecture 3D The core pain point in printing is the weather resistance and strength of concrete, which can be achieved through specialized films. “ Enhance + Protection ” Dual action. 

• Glass fiber reinforced PP Thin film : Reinforcing bars are printed synchronously with concrete, enhancing the flexural strength of the component. 40%+ Suitable for printing on load-bearing walls and bridges. 
• PVC Weather-resistant film Protects building surfaces, resists UV radiation and is acid- and alkali-resistant, extending the structural lifespan to... 50 More than one year. 

Application Cases A certain company uses it to print small villas, with a construction period of only... 7 The sky meets civilian standards in terms of intensity. 

III. Industry Pain Points and Breakthrough Directions: Thin-Film Materials “ The Path to Advancement ”

Thin films have a wide range of applications, yet challenges such as performance matching and cost control persist. Technological innovation is continuously breaking through these bottlenecks.

(1) Existing Pain Points: Three Major Contradictions Remain to Be Resolved 

• The contradiction between performance and cost ： PI Unit price of the film is approximately 50 Yuan / ㎡, is ordinary PET of the 10 Double, restrict widespread civilian use. 
• Compatibility issues : Such as PEEK The thin film has high temperature resistance, but it is incompatible with certain... FDM The platform has poor fit and is prone to shifting. 
• Lack of standardization There is no unified standard, and product performance varies widely among manufacturers, making selection difficult. 

(2) Breakthrough Direction: Technological Innovation Drives Upgrading 

• Cost reduction ： PI Adding nano-calcium carbonate to the membrane can reduce costs. 20% While maintaining temperature resistance. 
• Customized development For example, custom-made high-temperature-resistant alumina films for ceramic printing to address slurry adhesion. 
• Standardization construction The industry is promoting... 3D Technical Requirements for Film Materials Used in Printing,” standardizing key indicators. 

IV. Practical Guide: 3D Printing Enthusiasts’ and Businesses’ Tips for Selecting Thin Films 

Different printing requirements call for different films—choosing the right one is key to improving efficiency and ensuring quality. 

(1) Home printing users: Cost-effectiveness first 

• FDM ( PLA Consumables): Select 5 Yuan / Roll's PET High-temperature tape or entry-level PI Membrane, meeting everyday needs. 
• Light-curing printing: Select PET Release film, single roll available 30-50 Hourly, replace the anti-adhesion material regularly. 

(2) Industrial-grade users: Performance matching is the core. 

• High-temperature consumables ( PEEK 、 ABS ): Choose temperature-resistant ≥260℃ of the PI Membrane, with priority surface modification. 
• Biology / Electronic Printing: Medical Choice PLA/ Gelatin film, electronic selection of graphene / Silver nanowire film—performance test report required. 

Conclusion 

From anti-warp shields to life-support carriers, thin films are... 3D Printed “ Invisible engine ” Not only does it address real pain points, but it also expands the boundaries of application. —— The flexibility of the thin film and 3D The precision of printing, combined, holds promise for future realization. “ Printable Soft Robots “” Cultivating transplant organs ” Wait for the breakthrough. 

For the membrane industry, 3D Printing is a blue ocean market; yes. 3D In the printing industry, thin films are innovative partners, and this cross-industry collaboration is writing a new chapter in materials and manufacturing. 

You are in 3D What types of films have you used in printing? What challenges have you faced when selecting films? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!