3D printed products can design from a range of materials as well. Therefore, 3D printing gives manufacturers the ability to determine how a product will look, feel, and function.
Even better, you can achieve these qualities with even fewer steps than you would with traditional methods. In addition, the materials used for 3D printing can be a wide variety.
A detailed image of the design in question was first uploaded to the printer for a 3D printer to produce a finished product. Triangles represent details of a design, which can perceive from all angles and sides by a computerized 3D printer.
Plastic is expecting to play a key role in driving this market shortly, as 3D printing is expecting to surpass the ten-figure mark in no time. In this article, we’ll discuss a list of 3d printing materials.
The Leading 10 3d Printing Materials
1. ABS
Most 3D printing plastics are made from ABS filament. Mobile phone cases, appliances, and the bodies of cars are making of it. Thermoplastic contains a polybutadiene elastomer base, which makes it flexible and shock-resistant. SLS, and in liquid form for SLA and PolyJet. ABS can also be found in powder and powder bed form.
When heated to 230ºC or 260ºC, ABS is used for 3D printing. Materials made from it can withstand temperatures as low as -20ºC up to 80ºC. Chemical processes can weld it, and it is a reusable material. But ABS isn’t biodegradable and shrinks when it comes in contact with air, so it needs to heat up to avoid warping. We recommend using a closed chamber 3D printer to limit ABS particle emissions.
2. PLA
PLA is a biodegradable material known as polylactic acid, unlike ABS. Corn starch utilizes as a raw material to produce PLA. Although 3D printed PLA tends to shrink slightly after printing, it is one of the most accessible materials to print. PLA does not require you to heat the platform. A lower temperature is necessary for PLA printing. The temperature ranges from 190ºC to 230ºC.
As a result of its rapid solidification and cooling, PLA is more difficult to manipulate. Additionally, if models are exposed to water, they can deteriorate. FDM 3D printing is excellent because this material is easy to use, consistent, and comes in various colors.
3. NYLON
Initially, nylon makes to replace silk. Its melting point is around 250ºC, and it is nontoxic. Nylon was recently used in 3D printing. As a result of its tough and damage-resistant prints, it is becoming more popular. It is inexpensive and not damaged by most chemicals since it is widely used in other industries.
Many extruders cannot handle temperatures as hot as 250ºC, which nylon requires to print. In addition, nylon can be challenging to print on compared to ABS or PLA. White glue and a heated print bed are usually necessary to stick. These can print on food utensils and other items filled with water.
4. PVA
The polyvinyl alcohol 3D printing material is a newer support material for 3D printing. Water-soluble, this material is made from synthetic polymers. High temperatures release several unpleasant chemicals that cause it to melt at approximately 200 degrees Celsius.
PVA is commonly used to form parts so that other 3D objects can support it. It adheres well to a heated, glass print bed, widely used in extruders. To dissolve the PVA parts of the printed part, you need to soak it in water. The rest of the insoluble print remains intact. As a result, complex models that include moving parts or require supports may print more efficiently.
5. Resins
3D printing technologies can create objects layer by layer by combining UV-sensitive resins with photopolymerization. A liquid photopolymer is solidified using a laser or LCD screen utilizing a light source. Materials Jetting is one of several technologies. Creating parts with great detail and smooth surfaces; however, this process limits the color range. Compared to FDM filaments, resins cannot mix to achieve different results quickly.
Compared to ABS, the mechanical properties of the standard resin are moderate, and the surface finish is good due to photopolymerization. In dentistry and engineering and biocompatible resins, advanced resins are available. Jewelry can also make flexible resins that can deform and offer greater flexibility. Liquid photopolymers have developed over the years for manufacturers of various sectors. As a result, resins that withstand high temperatures, significant impacts, and exhibit high elongation characteristics should be available.
6. PET
T-glass is also known as polyethylene terephthalate, which is similar to polyester. A rigid solid similar to glass forms when it melts at around 230ºC. A variety of colors can be obtained by dyeing it without affecting its characteristics as glass.
The layers must print slowly to ensure they adhere to each other appropriately. It is strong and resilient. Considering it’s approved for food use, you can print cups, utensils, and water bottles.
7. Polycarbonate
Engineering applications require high-strength materials like polycarbonate. Temperature resistance is good since, in response to physical deformation, the material can withstand temperatures up to 150ºC. Nevertheless, PC is susceptible to moisture absorbing from the air, negatively impacting performance and print quality.
It is therefore imperative to store PCs in airtight containers. In the AM industry, the robustness and transparency of PCs are high value. Spectacular optical parts, protective screens, or decorative objects can make from this material since it has a much lower density than glass.
8. HDPE
Plastic bottles and packages made from high-density polyethylene are recyclable. High-density polyethylene is strong, flexible, and dye and moldable. The melting point is around 230 ºCelsius. When ABS cannot use, HDPE sometimes substitutes because its prints are lighter and stronger. Undesirable fumes can release during printing if the temperature is too high.
This stuff isn’t that chemically reactive, but it dissolves in solvents like linoleum, a common industrial cleaner. Due to its solubility in linoleum, HDPE can make support materials for print objects that dissolve in it, which is why materials such as ABS or PLA are not affected. A heated print bed and an extruder capable of reaching higher temperatures are necessary for this process. Furthermore, HDPE tends to contract upon cooling, resulting in warped prints.
9. Alumide
Using the SLS process, aluminum-plastic objects are made from polyamide and aluminum powder. The appearance of gritty, grainy, slightly porous surface provides a great degree of strength and temperature resistance up to 172°C and a large surface area. Despite this, certain post-processing operations must perform, including grinding, sanding, coating, and milling.
Aluminum is commonly used for construction models, design pieces, or small series productions that need high rigidity and an aluminum appearance. Few geometric limits apply in this process.
10. PEEK
To produce high-performance parts, polyetheretherketone is manufactured with FDM or SLS technology. This type can withstand high temperatures, chemicals, and even X-rays and gamma rays. Fabrication is easy, but you will need a 3D printer that can reach temperatures of 400°C.
In several industries, including aerospace, chemical, automotive, and medical applications, PEEK 3D printing materials are used, such as semiconductor components and medical instruments.
Conclusion
Industrial 3D printing is done efficiently if appropriate knowledge is available and suitable materials are used. Materials for making 3D prototypes will grow and become compatible with different 3D printers as the 3D printing industry continues to grow. 3D printing metal is no other, and the learning curve is steeper as you move from plastics to metals.
A reliable 3D printing service provider can help you enjoy the ease of 3D printing. There is no need for your company to perform 3D designing and printing, mechanical design and drafting, and 3D modeling in-house. These services can all be provided with accuracy and quality by local 3d printing companies. We hope you found a list of 10 3d printing materials in this article above.
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