Deciphering the World of 3D Printing: Unveiling the Top 10 Materials and Their Prerequisites
Embarking on a 3D printing project often introduces a labyrinth of filament choices, especially for beginners. The diverse array of types and options can easily bewilder even the most enthusiastic creators. In this article, we delve into the top ten widely accessible filaments in the market, focusing on those commonly used in the 3D printing community. While there are exotic options like stainless steel or glow-in-the-dark filaments and various combinations, our discussion centers on the materials that have established prominence in the 3D printing world.
Understanding your printer and project requirements is crucial in selecting the appropriate filament. Consider factors such as strength, outdoor utility, and flexibility. Without further ado, let's explore the key characteristics and prerequisites of these top 10 3D printing materials.
A Quick Overview
For those in a hurry, here's a concise summary of the materials and their primary features:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): Ease-of-use, dimensional accuracy, and low cost.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Low-cost, withstands high temperatures.
- PETG: Ease of printability, smooth surface finish, and water resistance.
- TPE/TPU (Thermoplastic Elastomers): Elasticity for easy stretching and bending.
- ASA (Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile): Excellent for outdoor use due to UV, temperature, and impact resistance.
- Nylon: Tough and semi-flexible with high impact and abrasion resistance.
- Polycarbonate: Strength, durability, high heat, and impact resistance.
- Carbon Fiber Filled: Increased strength and stiffness.
- HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene): Lightweight, dissolvable support material.
- PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol): Support material that dissolves in water.
Now, let's delve into a more detailed exploration of each material, starting with the widely acclaimed PLA.
- PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Polylactic Acid, or PLA, reigns as one of the most favored materials in desktop 3D printing. It boasts attributes like ease of use, dimensional accuracy, and affordability. As the default choice for many users, PLA stands out for its ability to be printed at low temperatures without the need for a heated bed. A favorite among beginners, it emits a sweet aroma during printing and is environmentally friendly.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★★★☆
- Durability: ★★☆☆☆
- Printability: ★★★★★
- Density: 1.24g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★★★☆
- Price: $10 - $40 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 190 - 220°C
- Heated Bed: Not required
- Bed Temperature: 45 - 60°C
- Enclosure: No
- Cooling Fan: Yes
- All Metal Hotend: Not required
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS holds a significant place in 3D printing history, having been one of the first plastics used with industrial 3D printers. Known for its low cost and robust mechanical properties, ABS excels in toughness and impact resistance. Frequently employed in outdoor applications due to its higher glass transition temperature, ABS requires proper ventilation during printing to address its slight odor.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★★☆☆
- Durability: ★★★★☆
- Printability: ★★★★☆
- Density: 1.04g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★★☆☆
- Price: $10 - $40 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 220 - 250°C
- Heated Bed: Required
- Bed Temperature: 95 - 110°C
- Enclosure: Yes
- Cooling Fan: Not required
- All Metal Hotend: Not required
- PETG
PETG, a Glycol Modified version of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), finds common use in water bottle manufacturing. Exhibiting semi-rigidity and good impact resistance, PETG maintains efficient cooling with minor warpage. Its slightly softer surface, however, makes it susceptible to wear.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★☆☆☆
- Durability: ★★★★☆
- Printability: ★★★★★
- Density: 1.23g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★☆☆☆
- Price: $20 - $60 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 230 - 250°C
- Heated Bed: Required
- Bed Temperature: 75 - 90°C
- Enclosure: Yes
- Cooling Fan: Required
- All Metal Hotend: Not required
- TPE/TPU (Thermoplastic Elastomers)
TPE, a blend of hard plastic and rubber, introduces elasticity, enabling the material to stretch and flex easily. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) within the TPE category is commonly used in 3D printing filaments. Elasticity levels vary, offering versatility in applications from car tire-like flexibility to rubber band-like full flexibility.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★☆☆☆
- Durability: ★★★★★
- Printability: ★★★☆☆
- Density: 1.19 - 1.23g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★☆☆☆☆
- Price: $30 - $70 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 225 - 245°C
- Heated Bed: Not required
- Bed Temperature: 45 - 60°C
- Enclosure: No
- Cooling Fan: Required
- All Metal Hotend: Not required
- ASA (Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile)
ASA shares similarities with ABS, offering high impact resistance and elevated temperature tolerance. Primarily used in outdoor applications due to its superior UV resistance and durability against harsh weather conditions, ASA, however, retains some of the printability challenges associated with ABS.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★★☆☆
- Durability: ★★★★★
- Printability: ★★★☆☆
- Density: 1.07g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★★☆☆
- Price: $38 - $40 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 235 - 255°C
- Heated Bed: Required
- Bed Temperature: 90 - 110°C
- Enclosure: No
- Cooling Fan: Not required
- All Metal Hotend: Not required
- Nylon
Nylon, renowned for its toughness and flexibility, is a prevalent material in the plastics industry. While typical extruder temperatures hover around 250°C, some brands allow lower temperature printing. Managing moisture absorption is crucial when working with Nylon filaments, as absorbed moisture can lead to print quality issues.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★★★☆
- Durability: ★★★★★
- Printability: ★★★★☆
- Density: 1.06 - 1.14g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★☆☆☆
- Price: $25 - $65 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 220 - 270°C
- Heated Bed: Required
- Bed Temperature: 70 - 90°C
- Enclosure: Yes
- Cooling Fan: Not required
- All Metal Hotend: May require
- Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (PC) emerges as a high-strength material designed for demanding environments and engineering applications. Boasting exceptional heat deflection and impact resistance, Polycarbonate maintains structural integrity at high temperatures. Most Polycarbonate filaments incorporate additives allowing for lower temperature printing, necessitating adherence to specific brand guidelines.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★★★☆
- Durability: ★★★★★
- Printability: ★★★☆☆
- Density: 1.2g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★★☆☆
- Price: $40 - $75 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 260 - 310°C
- Heated Bed: Required
- Bed Temperature: 80 - 120°C
- Enclosure: Yes
- Cooling Fan: Not required
- All Metal Hotend: Yes
- Carbon Fiber Filled
Carbon fiber filaments incorporate microscopic fibers into a base material, enhancing strength and stiffness. Compatible with various base materials like PLA, PETG, Nylon, ABS, and Polycarbonate, these filaments result in lighter, dimensionally stable prints. Special attention is required to prevent printer damage, as these specialty materials are prone to clogging.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★★☆☆
- Durability: ★★☆☆☆
- Printability: ★★★★☆
- Density: 1.3g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★★★★
- Price: $30 - $80 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 200 - 230°C
- Heated Bed: Not required
- Bed Temperature: 45 - 60°C
- Enclosure: No
- Cooling Fan: Required
- All Metal Hotend: Not required
- HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) - Support Material
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) serves as a dissolvable support material often paired with ABS. Utilizing d-Limonene for dissolution, HIPS facilitates support removal without leaving markings. Offering similar printing properties to ABS but with enhanced dimensional stability and reduced weight, HIPS is an excellent choice for wear-prone parts.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★☆☆☆
- Durability: ★★★★☆
- Printability: ★★★☆☆
- Density: 1.03 - 1.04g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★★★★
- Price: $24 - $32 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 230 - 245°C
- Heated Bed: Required
- Bed Temperature: 230 - 245°C
- Enclosure: Yes
- Cooling Fan: Not required
- All Metal Hotend: Not required
- PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) - Support Material
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) stands out as a soft and biodegradable polymer highly sensitive to moisture. Serving as an instrumental support structure material, PVA dissolves when exposed to water, making it ideal for intricate shapes and enclosed cavities. PVA can also double as a model material for quick prototypes.
Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: ★★★★★
- Durability: ★★★★☆
- Printability: ★★★☆☆
- Density: 1.23g/cm³
- Stiffness: ★★☆☆☆
- Price: $40 - $110 per kg
Hardware Requirements:
- Extruder Temperature: 185 - 200°C
- Heated Bed: Required
- Bed Temperature: 45 - 60°C
- Enclosure: No
- Cooling Fan: Required
- All Metal Hotend: Not required
As we conclude this exploration, armed with a comprehensive understanding of these materials, you're better equipped to navigate the dynamic world of 3D printing. Remember to align your filament choice with the unique demands of your project and the capabilities of your 3D printer. Happy printing!