Plastic is one of the most common materials used in 3D printing, created from synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds that can easily change shape. Most plastics on the market today are synthetic products, typically derived from petroleum-based chemicals.
However, with growing environmental awareness, plastics made from renewable resources, like PLA (Polylactic Acid), are also becoming popular. Due to its low cost, ease of production, flexibility, and water resistance, plastic is widely used in many products and fields, including 3D printing.
Below is a summary of the most popular plastics used in 3D printing:
1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is the most common plastic in the industry, used in products like car bodies, household appliances, and Lego bricks. It's a thermoplastic with flexibility and high impact resistance, primarily used in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology and available as resin, suitable for SLA or Material Jetting processes.
- Printing temperature: 230°C - 160°C.
- Advantages: High strength, smooth surface, reusable, and can be welded using chemical processes (with acetone).
- Disadvantages: Non-biodegradable and tends to shrink when exposed to air.
Read more: HOW MANY TYPES OF 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY ARE BEING USED TODAY?
2. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a biodegradable plastic, different from ABS, as it is made from renewable resources like corn starch. PLA has low shrinkage when printed, doesn’t require a heated print bed, and can be easily processed on FDM printers. However, it may degrade or discolor when exposed to water.
- Printing temperature: 190°C - 230°C.
- Advantages: Easy to use, available in various colors, environmentally friendly.
- Disadvantages: Prone to water damage, fast cooling, and hardening can make it difficult to control during printing.
3. ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA has properties similar to ABS but with better UV resistance. However, it also encounters some issues during printing, requiring a heated print bed. ASA also needs to be printed in an enclosed chamber or outdoors due to styrene emissions.
- Printing temperature: Similar to ABS.
- Advantages: Excellent UV resistance, stable and durable prints.
- Disadvantages: Requires specific printing conditions to minimize styrene emissions.
4. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is commonly used in disposable plastic bottles and is ideal for products that come in contact with food. This material is semi-rigid, strong, and often comes in transparent filament form.
- Printing temperature: 75°C - 90°C.
- Advantages: No odor emission during printing, 100% recyclable.
- Disadvantages: Requires precise temperature control for the best printing results.
5. PETG (Glycolized Polyester)
PETG is a thermoplastic that combines the ease of printing of PLA with the strength of ABS. It is a non-crystalline material, 100% recyclable, and has a chemical structure similar to PET but with added glycol to reduce brittleness.
- Advantages: Easy to print like PLA, durable like ABS, 100% recyclable.
- Disadvantages: Requires strict temperature control to avoid shrinkage or deformation.
6. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is a very durable material, with high heat resistance (up to 150°C without deforming). This material absorbs moisture from the air, so it needs to be stored in an airtight container. PC is highly valued in 3D printing due to its strength and transparency, making it suitable for designs that require durability and optical clarity.
- Advantages: High heat resistance, high strength, suitable for engineering applications.
- Disadvantages: Sensitive to moisture, requires careful storage.
7. High-Performance Plastics (PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM)
These plastics have mechanical and thermal properties similar to metals but are much lighter. They are often used in high-demand industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. To print these plastics, printers need to maintain high temperatures and have enclosed printing chambers.
- Advantages: High heat and mechanical resistance, suitable for critical industrial applications.
- Disadvantages: Requires specialized printers and is expensive.
Read more: 3D Printing Cervical Spine Implants Using PEEK Material
8. Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is widely used in the automotive, textile, and everyday product manufacturing industries. PP is known for its abrasion resistance, impact absorption, and relative hardness.
- Advantages: Abrasion-resistant, impact-resistant, and relatively hard.
- Disadvantages: Poor heat resistance and sensitivity to UV rays.
9. Composites (Composite Plastics)
Composite plastics combine plastic with reinforcing fibers such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or Kevlar, increasing strength without adding weight. Composite plastics are used in 3D printing to create lightweight yet extremely durable products, ideal for engineering applications.
- Advantages: Increased strength without adding weight, suitable for high-tech applications.
- Disadvantages: More complex production process and can be costly.
10. Hybrid Materials
Hybrid plastics are materials mixed between basic plastics like PLA and special powders to create different colors or textures. Filaments made from bamboo, wood, and other natural materials are available on the market.
- Advantages: Gives a more natural look and feel to printed products.
- Disadvantages: Can be harder to print due to the material mix.
11. Soluble Materials
Soluble plastics are materials printed with the intention of dissolving in later stages of the production process. The most common soluble plastics are HIPS and PVA. HIPS dissolves in limonene, while PVA dissolves in water.
- Advantages: Easy to remove after printing, allowing for the creation of complex structures.
- Disadvantages: Requires post-print processing to dissolve the material.
12. Flexible Materials
Flexible plastics like TPE or TPU are becoming increasingly popular in the 3D printing market due to their ability to create flexible parts. These plastics have similar printing properties to PLA but with different hardness levels.
- Advantages: Can create flexible and durable products.
- Disadvantages: Need to check printer compatibility to avoid clogging the nozzle.
13. Polyamide (PA)
Polyamide, also known as nylon, is often produced from fine white powder through SLS technology. It has a semi-crystalline structure with good mechanical and chemical properties, offering stability, rigidity, flexibility, and impact resistance.
- Advantages: Versatile, can be used in many industries.
- Disadvantages: Requires special printing processes and is not as easy to use as other plastics.
Read more: How Many Types of 3D Printing Technologies Do You Know Are Being Used Today?
14. Alumide
Alumide is a material that combines polyamide and aluminum powder, produced through the SLS process. It has a slightly porous surface, high strength, and good heat resistance.
- Advantages: High heat resistance, suitable for complex models.
- Disadvantages: Requires post-printing processing to achieve the best surface and detail quality.
A professional unit in designing 3D printed models with plastics and other materials
With a strong focus on precision and creativity, Vinnotek leverages advanced 3D printing technology to create high-quality prototypes and finished products that meet the specific needs of various industries.
From complex designs for medical devices and industrial components to consumer products, Vinnotek offers customized solutions that ensure optimal functionality and aesthetic appeal. With extensive experience working with a wide range of materials, Vinnotek is committed to delivering durable, efficient, and tailored products that meet customer requirements.
Contact Vinnotek today to start your 3D printing project and elevate your product to the next level!
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