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I am working on a robotics project and need to print some gears. These will probably by under a LOT of pressure. Which material/filament should I choose so that the gears don't wear off easily?

PS: Newbie here...

EDIT: According to my instuctor, it has to be some sort of plastic (not metal). It also has to be lightweight...

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    $\begingroup$ What kind of printer are you using? $\endgroup$
    – Tom van der Zanden
    Commented Jan 13, 2016 at 6:53
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    $\begingroup$ This question seems primarily opinion-based to me. However, maybe it would be a good question if we made it more specific. Given a few numbers on the expected pressure, and then ask if specific materials can fit the requirement. $\endgroup$
    – S.L. Barth is on codidact.com
    Commented Jan 13, 2016 at 7:00
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    $\begingroup$ 'Newbie here'? Just saying, this site is hardly a day old :P $\endgroup$
    – nicael
    Commented Jan 13, 2016 at 8:46

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So, as you say you want to materials for printing robotics parts. And as you have not given any budget constraint, I would give you a list of materials which would help you achieve the task, and you can choose amongst them accordingly.

  1. Plastics: Basically used for building prototypes. Nylon Polyamide should be a choice for you.

Polyamide 3D printing is achieved through SLS 3D printing. It offers strong and flexible prints. The upside of this material is that the printing technology requires minimum preparation of the 3D file before printing. There is no need for support. And it also offers the possibility to create intricate shapes and moving part in just one go. After the print the polyamide can be polished and dyed.

  1. Metals: Metals like Brass, Alumunium and Steel should be a good choice.

But, if I were to achieve your task, I would select carbon fiber. some details about it:

Carbon fiber consists of 90% carbon atoms, each fiber is 10 times thinner than a human hair. Carbon is especially prized for its lack of combustibility and infusability but also by its incredible strength (stronger than steel) and ability to create flexible structure, light weight and corrosion resistance. Its melting temperature is 1500, this heat there are only carbon.

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    $\begingroup$ Yeah... I think carbon fiber might be able to do the job... Thanks! $\endgroup$
    – undo
    Commented Jan 13, 2016 at 7:17
  • $\begingroup$ You can upvote the answer if it helped you, and wait for more answers before you make a choice to accept :) $\endgroup$
    – Dawny33
    Commented Jan 13, 2016 at 7:21
  • $\begingroup$ The segment you quoted applies to pure carbon fiber, but not to carbon fiber filled filament. The parts won't necessarily be stronger (especially in terms of layer bonding) than the plastic resin in which the carbon fiber is only a filler. $\endgroup$
    – Tom van der Zanden
    Commented Jan 13, 2016 at 8:04
  • $\begingroup$ @TomvanderZanden Interesting! What is your take on carbonfiber vs Nylon? Well, that is sad. Carbon Fiber is meant to be stronger than plastic-based materials, right? $\endgroup$
    – Dawny33
    Commented Jan 13, 2016 at 8:09
  • $\begingroup$ @Dawny33 going to buy a 3d printer tomorrow cuz our old one is spoilt... any recommendations? $\endgroup$
    – undo
    Commented Jan 13, 2016 at 9:47
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Filaments that are intended for making parts that require strange should be rated by the manufacturer for strength and flexibility.

You need to calculate the required strength and then choose a material with higher rating

For example the rating for filaments made by Taulman are at http://www.taulman3d.com/how-to-choose.html?m

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