3D Printing Materials | Image Resource : tctmagazine.com
 

When we talk about the growing industries, the 3D printing industry is marked as one of the growing industries of this era. Technology has helped this industry to evolve with some new materials for printing, leaving the old traditional printers behind. A 3-dimensional object can be created from a variant range of materials.

You will find a variety of materials used for 3-dimensional printing nowadays. These are plastics, metal, ceramics, papers, biomaterials, and food as well.

The best usable 3D printing materials

You will find a huge variety of 3d printing materials available on the market. These materials are rich in its own features, weaknesses, and strengths. It becomes difficult at times while choosing the appropriate material for the work. The following are a different kind of materials used for 3D printing along with their advantages and limitations.

1.    ABS – It is a polymer which is based on petroleum. The material is highly temperature resistant. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is not so expensive as compared to other materials and therefore, is cost effective. It is very easy to use material and convenient as well. It is the most commonly used material for the purpose of 3d printing.

Features of ABS – ABS is available in a variety of range of colors. This makes it well known among the makers. You need not worry about the longevity of your model as it is a mechanically strong material.

Advantages –

•    Long lasting
•    Less expensive
•    Strong in terms of mechanism.

 

3D Printing Materials Supplier | Image Resource : 3dprint.com

 

Disadvantages –

•    Cannot be used on food
•    Heated surface is required
•    Toxic in nature.

2.    PLA – This is a material which is made of renewable resources. The material appears green in color. It is neither expensive nor cheap. A moderate range of price is maintained. Polylactic acid has various properties and rich in technological specifications. It is perfectly suited for the ones whose hobby is 3d printing.
 
Features of PLA – It requires a temperature ranging from 180 degrees to 220 degrees. It is a flexible material. The outer covering of the printed object is smooth. It spreads a sweet smell which is pleasant for your nose and is intoxic in nature because of the fact that it occurs from cornstarch. It is easier to print with PLA object. But the processing which is held after the printing is done is difficult as compared to ABS.
 
Advantages –

•    Easily printable
•    The higher the speed of printing
•    Easier to locate because of the color variations

Disadvantages –

•    Post-processing method is difficult
•    Deformation in shape due to heat exposure
•    Less sturdy

A few more materials used for 3d printing available in the market

There are some other 3d printing materials available in the market. Other than ABS and PLA, the following materials can be of good use: -

a.    Nylon
b.    Resin
c.    ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
d.    Polycarbonate
e.    Polypropylene (PP)
f.    PETG
g.    HIPS (High impact polystyrene)
h.    PEEK
i.    TPU or TPE (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
j.    Polyoxymethylene (Acetal also known as POM)
k.    PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
l.    ULTEM