3D printing is a technology that can be used for many different things. However, it is not just about the machines, but also about the materials used to create the objects. There are many different materials available on the market today and each of them has unique properties and characteristics. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing involves the use of a thermoplastic material (usually in the form of a filament) that melts at a certain temperature (see: What is Fused Deposition Modeling or FDM?).

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a commonly used filament for 3D printing and is an excellent material in every sense. It is easy to print and very durable, making it perfect for projects that require strength or impact resistance.

ABS is a thermoplastic polymer first developed in the 1930s by Rohm and Haas Co. looking for a substitute for cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) paint. CAB was used as a finish for automobiles at the time, but it was found to be flammable and often ignited when exposed to direct sunlight or the heat of an open flame. ABS arrived soon after this discovery and led Rohm & Haas to develop ABS plastic.

The uses of ABS are manifold: from injection molding applications to biomedical devices such as knee prostheses; from the construction of parts such as furniture frames or wheels (thanks to its resistance); even toys!

ABS is also known as “Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene” and is a common filament for 3D printing. It is used in many industries, including aerospace and automotive. ABS can be printed at temperatures between 210 ° C and 260 ° C (410 ° F-500 ° F), depending on the type of printer you have.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is a biodegradable plastic. It is produced from renewable resources, such as corn starch and sugar cane. PLA filament has been used in 3D printing for over 20 years and has many advantages over other materials: it is easy to print, it does not need a heated bed (but can be printed on it), it has no smell and no smoke. harmful when printing. Thanks to these qualities, PLA is often used as an introduction to 3D printing due to its ease of use.

PLA is one of the most common materials used by home users because it is durable enough for everyday use, while still being safe for children and pets; however, it is not as durable or strong as ABS plastic.

PLA is also biodegradable, making it a good choice for environmentally conscious users. However, PLA cannot be recycled like ABS plastic, it must be composted in a commercial facility.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a durable material suitable for high impact applications. These are prototypes and models that have to withstand rough handling, as well as parts of machines or vehicles. HIPS is stronger than ABS, but not as strong as ABS. It can handle the same temperature range and similar build speeds, so it’s easy to work with.

HIPS has a higher melt viscosity than ABS, so it is easier to sand and polish. In addition, it has better chemical resistance and can withstand more aggressive detergents. HIPS is used in the automotive industry for dashboards and other internal parts that need impact resistance.

Nylon

Nylon is a thermoplastic polymer developed in the 1930s. Its name comes from the word “oxidation”, which means adding oxygen to polymerize it. The resulting material is strong, strong and very durable. It is used in many sectors and has been used in 3D printing for over 20 years for its characteristics of flexibility, strength and durability. Nylon will be an excellent choice for your next project!

Nylon is a thermoplastic polymer that has been used in 3D printing for over 20 years. It is one of the most common materials used in 3D printing due to its flexibility, strength and durability. Nylon can be used to make parts with many different purposes, including medical devices, toys, and even airplane parts!

TPE and TPU (thermoplastic elastomers)

Thermoplastic elastomers, or TPE and TPU, are plastics used to make toys, medical devices, shoe soles, and other products. In some cases, these materials are also used for clothing, especially sportswear. These materials have high tear strength and retain their elasticity after repeated stretching.

TPE and TPU are also used in medical devices and toys because they are highly resistant to bacteria. These materials do not release chemicals that can harm the human body, making them ideal for use in medical devices such as pacemakers and artificial joints. However, TPE and TPU are not suitable for use in high temperature applications. They begin to soften above 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius) and lose elasticity at temperatures above 100 C.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic substance that exhibits high impact resistance and stiffness. Polycarbonate can be used for the manufacture of various items, such as bulletproof glass, glasses, and even dishwasher safe food containers.

Polycarbonate is often used for 3D printing because it is strong, durable and transparent. The material is easy to print and can be used in many applications, including parts that require longer life, such as cases or lenses for smartphones and tablets, or parts that need more strength, such as hinges or clips on refrigerators, etc.

Polycarbonate is also used in 3D printing to make objects that can withstand high temperatures. The material can be heated up to 300 degrees Celsius without losing its shape or becoming brittle.

The materials for 3D printing can be various

This suggests that 3D printers can use a variety of materials, not just plastic. 3D printers can use materials such as ABS, PLA, HIPS, Nylon, TPE and TPU. Polycarbonate is also used for 3D printing. The most common materials for 3D printing are ABS and PLA. They are both thermoplastic, meaning they can be fused and joined to create a solid object.

There is a wide range of 3D printing materials that can be used in FDM 3D printers, from modest PLA to more exotic materials like polycarbonate. We hope this article has helped you understand some of the possibilities each of these materials offer and how they can be used in your projects.