Top Popular Types of 3D Printing Plastics Today

3D printing plastics are essential materials in the 3D printing process. The 3D printing technology can use various types of plastics such as PLA, ABS, TPU, Resin, etc., each with its own advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different applications. In this article, 3Dmanufacturer will introduce popular 3D printing plastics and other useful information.

What is 3D printing plastic?

3D printing resin is a material used in the 3D printing process to create products from digital design files. Among the forms of 3D printing plastic materials, the fiber form is the most common and widely used. Besides, 3D printing plastics resins are available in liquid and powder form, depending on the printing technology and technical requirements that customers can choose the appropriate printing material form.

3D printing plastics come in three main forms plastic fiber, liquid plastic, and plastic powder
3D printing plastics come in three main forms plastic fiber, liquid plastic, and plastic powder

Common Types of 3D Printing Plastics

Each type of 3D printing plastic has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each material to choose the most suitable plastic for your project.

ABS Plastic

ABS is a synthetic plastic derived from petroleum, known for its good heat and impact resistance, making it suitable for applications that require high hardness and durability. This material is ideal for applications requiring high-temperature resistance and durability, and it performs well in harsh environments. However, due to its rigidity and low flexibility, ABS can break under strong impacts, so proper heating is essential to ensure good adhesion between printed layers.

PLA Plastic

PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from organic sources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It is environmentally friendly and safe for health. In addition, this material is easy to process and does not require expensive or specialized printers. PLA 3D printing plastics can also produce models with smooth surfaces without the need for heat treatment during the printing process. However, products made from PLA are not as durable as ABS and are relatively brittle, making them prone to breakage and unable to withstand high temperatures.

PLA is also known as biodegradable plastic
PLA is also known as biodegradable plastic

Resin

Resin is a liquid plastic that can be easily cured by ultraviolet (UV) light, making it suitable for applications requiring high precision, such as in the medical or machinery manufacturing industries. This 3D printing plastic material is ideal for producing complex products that demand high accuracy and a smooth, glossy surface. However, resin is more expensive compared to other materials and requires a post-curing process after printing to solidify the product.

Support Plastic for 3D Models

PVA is commonly used as a support material when printing with ABS or PLA. It is a biodegradable, water-soluble plastic. Additionally, HIPs (High Impact Polystyrene) is another biodegradable plastic that is white in color, safe, and non-toxic. It is commonly used as a support material for 3D models printed with ABS.

Polycarbonate Plastic

Polycarbonate is a plastic with high rigidity and excellent heat resistance, up to 100ºC. It is often used in applications that require high mechanical properties and the ability to withstand high temperatures. However, this plastic requires a specialized printer.

PETG Plastic

PETG 3D printing plastic is an improved version of PET, offering greater flexibility and durability. This material is commonly used in FDM printing techniques and has wide applications in industries such as packaging and food due to its weather resistance and food safety. The downside of this material is that it is relatively more expensive compared to other materials.

PETG plastics are commonly used for machining household items.
PETG plastics are commonly used for machining household items.

TPU Plastic

This is a plastic known for its elasticity and excellent abrasion resistance, as well as its ability to withstand heat and resist oils and grease. It is commonly used in the automotive industry, footwear production, and applications that require high flexibility.

PEEK Plastic

This 3D printing plastic material has high resistance to heat, stress, and chemicals, making it suitable for high-performance parts. PEEK plastic is commonly used in FDM and SLS printing technologies, serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, chemicals, and healthcare.

CF-PLA Plastic

CF-PLA is an enhanced version of PLA plastic, reinforced with carbon fibers, increasing its stiffness and mechanical strength. It is ideal for products that require high rigidity, such as housings, rigid frames, and tools.

PLA metalic Plastic

This 3D printing material results in products with a shiny, metallic-like finish. It is a blend of PLA plastic and metal powder, creating items with optical properties similar to metal. It is commonly used to produce items that require a polished surface.

Tips for choosing 3D printing plastics

As mentioned above, 3D printing plastic materials are highly diverse, each with its own unique characteristics. To select the right plastic for your 3D printing project, consider the following criteria:

  • Technical Requirements of the Project: Clearly define the technical specifications of the product, including hardness, durability, elasticity, and heat resistance.
  • Purpose of Use: Determine the intended application of the product, including the environment and conditions under which it will be used.
  • Production Budget: Evaluate the cost of each type of 3D printing plastic and compare it with your project budget.
  • Aesthetic and Color Requirements: If color and aesthetics are important, opt for plastics that offer good shaping and coloring capabilities.
  • Environmental concerns: Choose high-quality plastics that produce less air pollution during machining, ensuring a safe and clean working environment. In addition, recyclable plastics also help protect the environment and save costs by being able to reuse defective products.
Recyclability is one of the key criteria for choosing 3d printing plastics, especially for many businesses
Recyclability is one of the key criteria for choosing 3d printing plastics, especially for many businesses

Some 3D Printing Technologies and Machines for Plastics

3D printing technology is rapidly evolving and opening up new opportunities for creativity and production. In addition, the widely used 3D printing technologies are:

  • Stereolithography Technology (SLA): This is one of the earliest 3D printing methods developed and is still widely used today. It uses liquid resin that is cured by UV light to harden into a high-precision product with a smooth surface. Some popular 3D printers using SLA technology include the EP-A350, EP-A650,…
The laser SLA printer EP-800 uses Resin 3D printing plastic
The laser SLA printer EP-800 uses Resin 3D printing plastic
  • Fused Deposition Modeling Technology (FDM): In this technology, the plastic material in the printer is melted and layered to create a 3D object. The MODIX Big 60 3D printer is an example that uses this technology. Currently, it is directly available in Vietnam through 3DS, enabling the printing of high-performance and large-size products.
The MODIX BIG60 FDM printer uses a 3D printed plastic fiber
The MODIX BIG60 FDM printer uses a 3D printed plastic fiber
  • Selective Laser Sintering Technology (SLS): SLS printers use high-powered lasers to fuse polymer powder particles into 3D products. The EP-P3850 and Nexa3D QLS 820 are some of the best SLS 3D printers available today.
The Nexa3D QLS 820 printer uses a powdered plastic
The Nexa3D QLS 820 printer uses a powdered plastic

With the continuous development of 3D modeling technology, selecting the right 3D printing plastic is crucial to creating products that meet exact requirements. At 3DManufacturer, we offer a wide range of advanced 3D printing technologies such as SLA and FDM, along with more than 25 diverse 3D printing materials to help customers choose the most optimal manufacturing solution. Contact us today to collaborate on producing high-quality and unique 3D printed products!

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