Skip to content
Whether you're just getting started with 3D printing or have been 3D printing for a while, it's a good idea to look into the different materials used for 3D printing. 3D printing technology has come a long way in the past few years. Not only is the technology becoming more widely available, but also new materials for 3D printing are being introduced into the market. Creatives, therefore, have many more choices than were previously available. Below we discuss some of the most common types of materials available for 3D printing. Read on to learn more about these materials and determine which ones will be best for your 3D printing projects.
3D Printing Plastic Filaments
Out of all materials used for 3D printing, plastic filaments are the most popular, and it's easy to see why. Plastic is one of the most diverse materials available. It can be molded into just about any shape when heated to the right temperature. Many products we use today are made from plastics. Household utensils such as cups, children's toys, furniture, and just about anything your mind can conjure can be made using plastic.
Plastics also offer the advantage of being affordable and more readily available. This is one of the many reasons plastics are the most popular 3D printing filament amongst hobbyists. They don't have to spend as much or search very hard to find a supply of plastic filaments for 3D printing.
Plastic filaments are primarily used with FDM printers. These plastics are melted and then molded into the desired shape. 3D printers achieve this by exuding the molten filament layer by layer.
The most common plastic filaments used for 3D printing include:
1. Polylactic acid (PLA)This is one of the most popular materials used for 3D printing. It is not only highly versatile but also environmentally friendly. It is made from organic sources such as corn starch and sugar cane. As a result, it is therefore biodegradable. PLA is also one of the most affordable 3D printing filaments. It is also amongst the safest to use.
If you're just getting started with 3D printing or want to explore different designs, PLA would be one of the best filament choices to go with. This filament is very forgiving. You aren't likely to experience warping, and it can be reused. The popcorn-like smell is a great bonus.
While PLA has high tensile strength, it quickly degrades when exposed to strong heat or sunlight. It is therefore not suited for products that will be exposed to either of these conditions. Some people opt for PLA+. These are PLA filaments that feature PLA combined with other materials to provide additional properties.
2. ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is another commonly used 3D printing filament. When compared to PLA, ABS is more heat resistant. However, like PLA, it can also be melted down for reuse if the need arises. Many people refer to this filament as LEGO plastic. While this filament is quite firm, it is also quite flexible.
ABS filaments are available in a wide variety of colors. The material is more durable than PLA. It is often the next material that people try when getting started with 3D printing. It is a great material for use in more technical applications. This is because of its thermal and mechanical properties. It is also a great choice for 3D printing toys and household utensils.
3. PETGPolyethylene terephthalate glycol is a variant of PET, the material used to make water bottles and other common plastic utensils we use on a day-to-day basis. This 3D printing filament combines the benefits of both ABS and PLA filaments. It offers some flexibility and great mechanical strength. It, in fact, has the highest tensile strength of the three popular filaments. PETG is also quite resistant to wear, temperature changes, and exposure to chemicals. When printed, this material offers a smooth and glossy finish. This means less work is required for finishing the printed products.
PETG is even more versatile than ABS and PLA. It can be used to create just about any product for application under any conditions. However, unlike PLA and ABS, PETG cannot be melted down for reuse. You must therefore ensure great accuracy with your design and printing.
Other Commonly Used Materials
Plastic filaments are the most commonly used 3D printing materials. They are now also being combined with other materials such as wood, metal, and carbon fiber to achieve additional properties and increase their application. Other commonly used materials for 3D printing include:
- Resins
Resins were once popular amongst 3D printing enthusiasts. However, as plastic filaments have become more advanced, resins are becoming less popular. These materials consist of a liquid polymer. When exposed to UV light, the polymer solidifies.
Resins are the most common type of material used with SLA (Stereolithography) printers. These printers use a solid state laser directed across a vat of resin. Exposure to the laser results in the curing of the resin. The resin solidifies. The laser is directed at specific parts of the vat resulting in selective curing and building up of the model layer by layer.
- Powders
These are used with the more sophisticated 3D printers that are common in industrial settings. The powders are melted in layers using a laser until the desired thickness, pattern, or texture is achieved. Some common powders used for 3D printing include Nylon or Polyamide and Alumide.
Powders are used for 3D printing with powder bed fusion printers such as selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM) printers. These printers use a laser to heat a polymer powder in a bin. The polymer is heated to just below its melting point and forms a thin layer over a building platform.
What Material Should You Choose?
This depends on your application and the results you want to achieve with your product. To choose the Right Material for 3D printing, consider your product and its application. Choose a material that will help you achieve the results you're looking for. You should also choose a material that you will find easy to work with. Ensure that the material you choose is compatible with your 3D printer.
There is a wide range of materials available for 3D printing today. New materials and combinations are being added to the market. Keep trying different materials to find the ones that work best for your 3D printing projects.