Materials
There are many plastic materials available for 3D printing, and each offers unique qualities suited to specific projects.
PLA
PLA
PLA is an affordable and widely used 3D printing material, known for its strength, fine detail, and excellent finish. However, it softens at a relatively low temperature of 55°C and can be somewhat brittle. PLA also comes in an impressive range of vibrant colours.
PETG
PETG
PETG is tougher and less brittle than PLA, offering excellent durability for high-quality 3D prints. It has low shrinkage, strong chemical and water resistance, and can withstand temperatures up to 65°C, making it ideal for demanding outdoor and industrial applications.
ABS
ABS
ABS is tough, impact-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures. It’s a good electrical insulator and resists corrosion. ASA shares many of ABS’s qualities and adds strong UV resistance, better heat resistance, and greater strength and rigidity.
PP
Polypropylene
PP is durable, lightweight, and semi-flexible, making it ideal for creating prototypes with water-tight tolerances. It offers excellent fatigue resistance, high chemical resistance, and impressive heat resistance, making it perfect for demanding applications.
PA
Nylon
PA is strong, durable, and can easily withstand heavy loads. It resists high temperatures up to 150°C and is more flexible than filaments like ABS. PA is easy to machine, with excellent wear and abrasion resistance, and offers outstanding chemical resistance.
PC
Polycarbonate
PC is one of the strongest 3D printing filaments, more durable and impact-resistant than ABS and Nylon. It has a 150°C tolerance, is naturally transparent, and maintains shape and precision. It’s also more cost-effective than other high-performance materials.
HIPS
HIPS
HIPS is a durable material with good impact resistance. It dissolves in d-Limonene to remove markings. HIPS prints can be decorated by screen printing, offset lithography, or flexography. It’s easy to glue, paint, and print. HIPS is recyclable, biodegradable, and affordable.
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