Alexei Volkov
There are several ways to identify plastic filament types. One common method is to examine the spool for labels or other markings that indicate the type of filament. Another approach is to consider the source of the filament, such as the manufacturer or the printer it came with, which can provide clues about the specific type. A unique method is to assess the filament's flexibility and smell, either at room temperature or when heated, as different plastics have distinct odours when melted or burnt. A flame test can also be performed, where the plastic is burnt and the fumes are cautiously smelled, requiring prior knowledge of the distinct odours of different plastics. Additionally, the solubility of the filament in specific solvents like acetone or chloroform can help distinguish certain types of plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common types | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) |
| Other types | Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Carbon Fibre, Polyamide (Nylon), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified (PETG), Thermoplastic Elastomers, Polyethylene (PE), Polycarbonate (PC), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) |
| ABS properties | Strong, ductile, wear-resistant, heat-tolerant, glossy finish, high melting point, emits an acrid smell |
| PLA properties | Eco-friendly, broad range of applications, odorless, low-warp, made from renewable resources, lower melting point, somewhat sweet smell |
| PP properties | Flexible, chemically inert, impact-resistant, elongates without breaking, difficult to stick to print surfaces |
| PVA properties | Water-soluble, support material for PLA, food-safe, damaged by moisture |
| Nylon properties | Durable, wear-resistant, impact-resistant, hygroscopic, food-safe, warps during printing |
| HIPS properties | Support material for ABS, durable, flexible, strong, food-safe, biodegradable, user-friendly, releases dangerous fumes, warps if temperature isn't controlled |
| Identification methods | Burn test, smell test, acetone test, flexibility test, flame colour test |
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What You'll Learn
PLA vs ABS
PLA (Polylactic Acid) and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) are two commonly used 3D printing filaments. They are thermoplastics, which means they become soft and mouldable when heated and return to a solid state when cooled.
PLA is a thermoplastic derived from biodegradable and renewable sources such as sugarcane and corn starch. It is a popular bioplastic used for a variety of applications, from plastic cups to medical implants. It is also commonly used in 3D printing as it is stiffer than ABS and has a higher tensile strength, making it suitable for rapid prototyping. However, it has low heat and chemical resistance and is not suitable for applications that will encounter high amounts of physical force.
ABS, on the other hand, is a stronger and more durable thermoplastic commonly used for injection moulding. It has superior mechanical properties, better ductility, and improved flexural strength compared to PLA. It is also heat-resistant to a certain degree. These properties make ABS suitable for industrial applications and final part production. However, ABS is harder to print with and often requires higher temperatures for effective printing. It also has a matte finish, as opposed to the glossy finish of PLA.
One way to identify between PLA and ABS filaments is by their smell when heated. PLA emits a sweet smell resembling burnt sugar, while ABS smells of chemicals.
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Melting points
The melting point of a plastic filament is a critical factor in determining the optimal print settings, such as nozzle temperature, bed temperature, and cooling mechanisms. It is also essential when using multiple materials in a single print to ensure compatibility and prevent issues like warping or poor layer adhesion.
Polymers can be divided into two main groups: thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermoplastic polymers melt, and this includes all plastic filaments used for printing. Within thermoplastics, there are different types, each with its own unique melting point. For example, PLA has a relatively low melting point of between 150°C and 180°C, making it one of the easiest materials to 3D print. However, the melting point can vary depending on the grade of plastic and additives present, such as pigments, plasticizers, or stabilizers. These additives can either increase or decrease the melting point, depending on their characteristics and concentrations.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a precise method used in laboratories to determine the melting point of a material. A small sample is gradually heated, and the heat flow is measured. The DSC thermogram will show an endothermic peak when the crystalline regions of the plastic melt. For PLA, this peak typically appears around 150-170°C. However, for practical 3D printing purposes, users often rely on empirical testing to determine the ideal melting temperature, as filament formulation differences can impact the results.
Other filaments have higher melting points than PLA. For example, Taulman 3D Tritan has a melting point of 255°C, and FEP, a member of the Teflon family, can withstand temperatures above 420°C.
Identifying the melting point of an unknown filament can be challenging. One approach is to compare the smell of the molten plastic with known plastic samples. For example, PLA emits a sweet smell resembling burnt sugar, while ABS and PVC have a chemical odour, with PVC being very acrid and causing sneezing. However, it is important to note that additives can affect the results of such tests, and breathing in the fumes can be toxic.
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Smell
One of the most commonly used desktop 3D printing filaments is Polylactic Acid (PLA). This filament is known for its low odour, with some people describing a sweet smell, similar to honey or popcorn. However, the intensity of the smell may vary depending on the individual. PLA is made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, and maize, which contributes to its pleasant fragrance.
On the other hand, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is characterised by a harsh, chemical-like odour when heated or printed. ABS is an oil-based plastic, which is why its fumes are toxic and smell like burnt plastic.
Polypropylene (PP) has a distinct candle-like or paraffin scent, while Polyethylene (PE) emits a waxy aroma. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) gives off a pungent, acidic odour with thick black smoke. Polystyrene (PS) has a sweet smell and produces thick black smoke as well. Nylon emits a burning wool-like odour, while Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) has a strong fruity fragrance.
Additionally, PETG, another commonly used filament, is known for its lack of smell. It offers an almost odourless printing experience, making it a preferable option for those seeking to avoid strong scents during the printing process.
It is worth noting that some people may choose to bend the filament a few times and smell it without burning, but this method may not be as accurate as the burning or melting test.
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Flexibility
When it comes to 3D printing, flexible filaments are materials with a blend of rigid plastic and rubber properties. This mix is called a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Thermoplastic elastomers behave like rubber and can be stretched, twisted, and flexed without breaking. The degree of flexibility varies among different flexible filaments. Most materials are measured on a “Shore Hardness/Durometer” scale, which assesses the resistance of a material to indentation. Softer materials, like flexible filaments, are measured on the Shore A scale, while the Shore D scale is for harder materials.
Flexible filaments within the 3D printing industry range between Shore A 60 and 90 and are classified as ultra-flexible to semi-flexible. The most rigid flexible filament is a semi-flexible TPU with a Shore A Durometer of 90 (90A). This material is ideal for those new to printing with flexible filaments as it offers some hardness while still maintaining flexible properties. A Shore A 85 material, like NinjaFlex, is considered medium-hard but is quite flexible and offers a wide variety of flexibility depending on infill. The most flexible filament is an Ultra-Flexible TPU with a Shore A Durometer of 60 (600A), which is classified as a medium-soft material but is extremely flexible.
The flexibility of the finished print also depends on the infill used. The less infill used, the more flexible the finished print will be. This is because the infill provides structural stability to the print. Additionally, the feed rate can be optimized by printing at lower layer heights, as this requires less plastic and allows for a slower and more consistent feed rate, which is ideal for flexible filaments.
There are several types of TPE, with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) being the most commonly used flexible filament in 3D printing. TPU is an elastic, oil/grease-resistant, and abrasion-resistant material with a shore hardness of 95A. It has a wide range of applications, including automotive instrument panels, power tools, medical devices, footwear, and mobile phone cases. TPU is also useful for creating tools with ductile elements, such as handles or grippers, and for end-use parts that require rubber-like properties, such as soft contact points to avoid damaging machinery or goods during production.
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Additives
Another important consideration regarding additives is their impact on the identification of plastic filament types. As mentioned in a previous response, the burn test can be used to identify unknown plastics by heating them to high temperatures and observing their reaction. However, additives may affect the results of this test. For example, flame retardants can mask the typical flame and smoke characteristics of a polymer material, making identification more challenging. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of additives when attempting to identify plastic filament types through various testing methods.
Additionally, certain additives can enhance the properties of plastic filaments, making them more suitable for specific applications. For instance, some additives can improve the impact resistance, flexibility, or strength of the filament. These modified filaments can then be used in applications where those specific properties are required. Understanding the impact of additives on the characteristics of plastic filaments is crucial for selecting the appropriate filament for a particular 3D printing project.
Furthermore, some additives are used to address specific challenges or limitations of certain plastic filaments. For example, Polypropylene (PP) filament offers advantages such as flexibility and impact resistance but struggles to adhere to common print surfaces like glass or tape. By introducing additives that enhance adhesion, PP filament can become a more versatile option for 3D printing. This example highlights how additives can be leveraged to expand the capabilities and applicability of different plastic filament types.
In summary, additives play a significant role in modifying the properties of plastic filaments, enhancing their performance, and expanding their range of applications. They can improve mechanical characteristics, such as durability and flexibility, and even address specific limitations of certain filament types. However, it is important to consider how additives might influence the identification process, as they can sometimes mask the inherent characteristics of the base material. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of additives and their effects is essential for both identifying and utilizing plastic filaments effectively in 3D printing.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to identify plastic filament types. One way is to observe its properties, such as flexibility, impact resistance, and melting point. Another way is to use a burn test, where you heat a metal or glass stirring rod until it is red hot and press it against the filament. The fumes emitted can help identify the filament type.
Two of the most common plastic filament types are Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA). ABS is strong, ductile, and has a high melting point, while PLA is more eco-friendly, odorless, and has a lower melting point.
ABS and PLA filaments have different properties and can be distinguished through various methods. One way is to observe their flexibility, as ABS is more flexible than PLA. Another way is to note their smell when heated; ABS emits a chemical-like odour, while PLA has a sweet smell.
Yes, you can identify some filaments without heat testing. For example, you can test dark-coloured filaments by flexing them until they break. ABS will often show a white break line, while PLA does not exhibit this tendency.
Some less common plastic filament types include Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Nylon (Polyamide), and High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS). These filaments offer unique properties, such as flexibility, strength, durability, and food safety.
