3D printers are becoming increasingly popular. A few weeks ago, we therefore created a guide specifically for newcomers and beginners on our blog, so that getting started in the world of 3D printing is successful and fun. Today, we want to take up and deepen one aspect of that post, namely the question of the right material. Because choosing the right 3D printing material is crucial for the result.
Plastic, plastics, metal, filament, thermoplastic, or perhaps a resin: the material is very crucial for your prints. Not every printer prints all filaments – and some materials are not suitable for the intended application. Combining everything correctly – colors, shape, process, the right hardness – is a real art. After all, the desired result is an article or model that is durable, strong, and high in quality.[/caption]
The selection of the right material for 3D printing, as shown in this article, is crucial for the success of a project.
What is 3D printing material?
3D printing material refers to the substances from which objects are manufactured using 3D printing processes. This material is used in the form of- filaments,
- powders,
- resins.
What types of 3D printing materials are there?
There are many 3D printing materials - for different requirements and with different technical specifications. In the following, we describe the most common types of 3D printing materials:1. Thermoplastic Polymers:
Thermoplastic polymers (thermoplastics) are used in filament form and are the most commonly used material for 3D prints. Filament refers to the raw material for 3D printers. Thermoplastic polymers like PLA, ABS, and PETG are fed into the printer by heating and extruding, where they are applied layer by layer and then cooled to form the desired object.2. Resins:
Resins are used in liquid form. These materials cure under UV light or laser beams and offer high detail accuracy and surface quality.3. Metals:
Metals such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel are also increasingly being used as materials in 3D printing processes, similar to plastics, to produce high-quality and durable components. Metal powder is applied layer by layer and then fused using laser or electron beams to form the desired object.4. Ceramics:
Ceramic materials are used for applications requiring high heat and chemical resistance. They are used in the form of powders and formed into solid objects. [caption id="attachment_146558" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Plastic, plastics, metal, filament, thermoplastic, or perhaps a resin: the material is very crucial for your prints. Not every printer prints all filaments – and some materials are not suitable for the intended application. Combining everything correctly – colors, shape, process, the right hardness – is a real art. After all, the desired result is an article or model that is durable, strong, and high in quality.[/caption]
What properties must you consider when choosing 3D printing material?
When choosing the right 3D printing material, it is crucial to consider its specific properties that are important for the desired product. In the following, we describe the most important properties of 3D printing materials that you should consider for your print.1. Strength:
The strength of the material is an important factor, especially if bending or impact resistance is required for the printed part.2. Flexibility:
The flexibility of the material determines how well it can be bent or deformed without breaking. For applications where flexibility is required, such as in joints or for movable parts/components, therefore choose a flexible material.3. Heat Resistance:
The heat resistance of the material is important if the printed part will be exposed to high temperatures, either during the printing process or when used as a finished product, e.g., a component within a machine.4. Detail Accuracy:
The detail accuracy of the material describes its ability to precisely reproduce fine details and complex structures. For applications requiring high precision, such as prototypes in medicine or components/figures in model making, materials are therefore required that can realize the finest details.5. Surface Finish:
The surface finish of a material influences the appearance, feel, and functionality of the finished printed part. Some materials produce smooth surfaces with fine details after printing, while others have a rough or textured surface. The choice of the right material thus depends on the aesthetic and functional requirements of the finished product.What are popular materials for 3D printing?
Now that you have an initial overview of the types of 3D printing materials and their possible properties, we will now specifically discuss materials that you can use for your 3D print.1. PLA (Polylactic Acid):
PLA is one of the most commonly used materials in 3D printing. It is made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane and is biodegradable. PLA is easy to print, environmentally friendly, and offers good detail accuracy.2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):
ABS is a robust and durable thermoplastic polymer suitable for a variety of applications. It is resistant to heat and chemicals, making it well-suited for functional prototypes and end products.3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol):
PETG is a transparent and robust material that offers excellent impact resistance and durability. It is food-safe and often used for applications where transparency and strength are required, such as in containers and packaging.4. Resin:
Resin is a polymer that cures under UV light. It offers outstanding detail accuracy and surface quality, making it ideal for high-precision applications such as model making or medicine.5. PLA/PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate):
PLA/PHA is a mixture of PLA and PHA, a biodegradable polymer. This combination offers improved flexibility and toughness compared to pure PLA, making it ideal for applications where additional strength is required.6. Nylon:
Nylon is a versatile thermoplastic polymer that offers high strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. It is therefore particularly well-suited for applications requiring high load-bearing capacity and durability, such as functional prototypes and end products for the automotive industry.7. Metals such as aluminum or titanium
Metals such as aluminum and titanium are increasingly used in 3D printing to produce high-quality and durable components. These materials offer excellent strength and durability and are therefore used in industries such as aerospace, medicine, and the automotive industry.
Further Information
The selection of the right material for 3D printing, as shown in this article, is crucial for the success of a project.
- Would you like to delve deeper into the topic and learn more about filament and 3D printing materials like PET, PLA, ABS, TPU, and Co.?
- Are you already familiar with the subject and looking for expert knowledge, e.g., on fused filament fabrication (FFF), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS) printing technology, or other specialized topics?
- Do you want to know everything about 3D printing, from 3D printing processes, devices, and manufacturers to software and 3D scans?
