The advent of 3D printing technology has opened new doors for many businesses to enhance product quality and development. Alongside this technology, the market has flourished with a vast array of diverse 3D printing materials. Let 3DManufacturer guide you through the characteristics and applications of each type of 3D printing material to help you select the most suitable option for your project!
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Classification of 3D Printing Materials
3D printing materials are categorized based on the type of 3D printing technology. With the continuous development of 3D printing technology, the range of materials used has also become highly diverse.
Liquid Materials
Liquid resins are used in 3D printing technologies like SLA, DLP and LCD. These materials harden under exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or lasers with wavelengths between 385 and 550 nm.
- Advantages: This method produces high-precision, complex products with smooth, glossy surfaces.
- Disadvantages: Resin is relatively expensive and the post-processing procedures can be intricate.
Filament Materials
Filament materials are commonly used with FDM 3D printers. These materials come in spools with diameters ranging from 1.75 to 3mm, depending on the nozzle size.
- Advantages: Affordable, easy to use and available in various colors.
- Disadvantages: Limited in producing intricate details or very thin walls. Printed products often have visible layer lines and lack a smooth finish.
Powder Materials
Fine powder materials are typically used in 3D printing technologies like SLS. When exposed to high temperatures, the powder sinters to form solid objects.
- Advantages: Enables the creation of complex designs with smooth surfaces.
- Disadvantages: Requires specialized high-temperature environments and post-processing is complicated and costly.
Popular Types of 3D Printing Materials
3D printing materials range from plastics to metals and other specialized materials. Below are some common options:
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a synthetic plastic derived from petroleum, known for its excellent heat resistance, strength, abrasion resistance, and chemical durability. This 3D printing material is commonly used in applications requiring high rigidity and durability, such as LEGO bricks, toy models, and more.
Advantages:
- Suitable for applications requiring high-temperature resistance and durability.
- Performs well in harsh environments.
Disadvantages:
- Prone to cracking under high temperatures.
- Requires proper heating to ensure layer adhesion.
PLA Plastic (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a bioplastic made from organic sources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. It is an advanced 3D printing material known for being environmentally friendly and safe for health.
Advantages:
- Easy to print and capable of producing smooth and detailed prints.
- Requires lower printing temperatures, saving energy.
Disadvantages:
- Not resistant to high temperatures, making it unsuitable for applications requiring high durability.
- Not ideal for outdoor use.
Resin Ink
Resin is a liquid plastic highly sensitive to UV light, capable of producing smooth and detailed surfaces. This 3D printing material is suitable for applications requiring high precision, such as in the medical field or mechanical manufacturing. As previously mentioned, resin offers the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Handles complex designs requiring high precision.
- Produces glossy and smooth surfaces.
Disadvantages:
- High cost.
- Post-processing involves odors and toxic chemicals, requiring thorough knowledge and proper protective equipment.
Some types of resin inks used by 3DManufacturer for 3D printing include: Rigid 4K/10K Resin, High Temp Resin, Tough 1500/2000 Resin, Model Resin, xCeramic Resin, xPEEK Resin, xABS Resin, xESD Resin, xPP Resin, xMOLD Resin and more.
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
PVA is commonly used as a support material when printing with ABS or PLA. It is a biodegradable, water-soluble plastic that makes 3D printing more convenient while also improving the surface of the product in areas that come into contact with the support structure.
HIPs (High Impact Polystyrene)
HIPs is a biodegradable plastic with a light white color, safe and non-toxic. It is commonly used as a support material for ABS and can be easily removed after printing.
Polycarbonate Plastic
This type of plastic is highly durable and has good heat resistance, up to 100ºC. It is easier to print than ABS due to its lower expansion rate and less warping. Therefore, Polycarbonate plastic is commonly used for printing parts that require high mechanical properties and can withstand high temperatures, such as components in the industrial sector and high-temperature environments.
PETG Plastic (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified)
PETG is an improved version of PET, with greater flexibility and durability. This 3D printing material has properties that lie between PLA and ABS, making it suitable for FDM printing technology. PETG is commonly used in outdoor applications and food-related products due to its weather resistance and food safety.
- Advantages: Easy to print, high durability, weather-resistant and food-safe.
- Disadvantages: Requires moisture protection for storage and is more expensive compared to some other plastics.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethanes)
TPU is a 3D printing material known for its elasticity and excellent abrasion resistance, along with heat resistance and oil resistance. It is commonly used in the automotive industry for door handles, cable covers and in the manufacturing of shoe soles and sandals.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
PEEK is a high-performance material with excellent heat resistance, stress tolerance, and chemical resistance, making it ideal for components requiring superior performance. This 3D printing material is commonly used in FDM and SLS technologies, serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, chemical, and medical sectors.
- Advantages: High rigidity, excellent heat and chemical resistance.
- Disadvantages: Requires printers capable of reaching high temperatures, high cost.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced (CF-PLA)
Carbon Fiber Reinforced PLA is an enhanced PLA material infused with carbon fibers, offering increased rigidity and mechanical strength. This material is suitable for products requiring high stiffness, such as shells, rigid frames and tools.
- Advantages: High rigidity, excellent mechanical strength.
- Disadvantages: Brittle, requires careful handling and storage.
Metallic PLA
Metallic PLA is a 3D printing material made from PLA mixed with metal powders to create products with the optical properties of metal. This material is commonly used to produce items with a shiny, metallic-like surface.
- Advantages: Metallic appearance, provides a heavier, more solid feel compared to other plastics.
- Disadvantages: Requires post-processing, higher cost.
The Cost of 3D Printing Materials
The price of 3D printing materials currently ranges from a few cents per gram. Some materials, such as PLA, are generally more affordable compared to others like ABS, PETG, or specialty materials such as Resin and PEEK. Specialty materials tend to have higher costs due to complex production processes or unique technical properties.
>>> Learn more about 3D printing material costs by placing an order online at 3DManufacturer.
How to Choose the Right 3D Printing Material
Selecting the appropriate 3D printing material is crucial to ensure the final product meets technical and functional requirements. Start by identifying the technical needs of the product, such as durability, heat resistance, flexibility, biocompatibility for medical items, production budget, and surface finish. Then, choose the material based on the specific characteristics of each type of 3D printing material. Below are some suggestions for applications corresponding to various materials:
- ABS: Mechanical components, machinery casings, automotive parts, anatomical models, non-technical medical accessories, etc.
- PLA: Architectural models, maquettes, toy models, educational tools, etc.
- PETG: Water bottles, food containers, medical storage boxes, interior decorative models, etc.
- PEEK: Surgical replacements, high-temperature machine components, automotive parts, machinery components, simulation models, etc.
- TPU: Shoe soles, straps, sports accessories, children’s toys, etc.
- Resin: Decorative models, artistic toys, decorative lights, jewelry boxes, etc.
What happens when using Low-Quality 3D Printing Materials?
Using low-quality 3D printing materials not only compromises the final product’s quality but can also lead to technical and safety issues for users, such as:
- Poor product quality: Items may be fragile, prone to cracking, or aesthetically inferior.
- Damage to the 3D printer: Low-quality materials can cause nozzle blockages, leave residue, or damage the filament feeding system.
- Health and environmental hazards: Low-grade materials may release toxic fumes or residues during the printing process, polluting the workspace air.
- Health risks: Issues such as unpleasant odors or skin irritation from low-quality plastics.
Therefore, opting for cheap, low-quality 3D printing materials to save costs might result in multiple reprints or printer repairs, ultimately increasing production time and expenses.
In summary, 3D printing materials play a crucial role in ensuring that the final product meets technical and aesthetic requirements. 3DManufacturer is an expert in 3D printing technology, offering professional 3D printing services through the convenient 3DManufacturer online platform. Our platform enables customers to customize their choice of technology and printing materials transparently, based on their preferences and budget. Visit the 3DManufacturer website now to experience it for yourself!
