Sofia Martinez
3D printing is a multi-billion dollar industry that uses a wide range of materials, including plastics, resins, metals, and powders. Plastic is the most commonly used raw material for 3D printing due to its affordability, flexibility, and diverse applications, such as toys, household fixtures, and vases. While plastic is the most common, 3D printing is not limited to plastics and can also use other materials like metals and ceramics. Metal 3D printing, for example, is more costly and complex, but it can be used to create stronger and more durable products. Additionally, stereolithography (SLA) printers, which use a laser or light source to polymerize a vat of resin, are also popular for 3D printing. Each material has unique qualities that make it suitable for specific applications, and the choice of material depends on the customer's requirements and the product being printed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common type of 3D printing | Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) |
| FDM printers | Thermoplastic filaments are melted and molded into shape, layer by layer |
| FDM printers | Produce parts through the extrusion of plastic filaments |
| FDM printers | Used for industrial and lower-cost solutions |
| FDM printers | Not as precise as SLS or SLA |
| SLA printers | Vat polymerization process |
| SLA printers | Laser or light source polymerizes (solidifies) a vat (tank) of resin |
| SLA printing | Affordable, with some models available for under $200 |
| SLS | Selective Laser Sintering |
| SLS | Produces high-quality 3D plastic parts suitable for functional prototypes and small production runs |
| SLS | Limited material selection compared to FDM and SLA |
| SLS | Nylon is the most common material |
| Common plastics used in 3D printing | Polylactic acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polyamides (Nylon), Alumide |
| Common plastics used in 3D printing | Thermoplastics, Elastomers, Polyaryletherketones (PAEK), Polyetherimides (PEI), Polyurethane (TPU) |
| Common plastics used in 3D printing | PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM |
| Common plastics used in 3D printing | Eco-friendly, biodegradable options available |
| Other materials used in 3D printing | Resin, Metal |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic is the most common material for 3D printing
- Different plastics have different pros and cons
- Other materials can be used, such as metals and resins
- The type of plastic used depends on the product and customer requirements
- Plastics are used due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility and water resistance
Plastic is the most common material for 3D printing
Plastic is the most common material used in 3D printing. It is a highly diverse material, and its strength, smoothness, flexibility, and affordability make it a popular choice for 3D printing. The most commonly used type of plastic in 3D printing is thermoplastics, which can go through multiple melt and solidification cycles. This makes recycling or reusing thermoplastics feasible.
The most popular and affordable 3D printing process is FDM, which produces parts through the extrusion of plastic filaments. FDM is known for its industrial and low-cost solutions. However, the precision of FDM machines is not as high as other AM processes like SLS or SLA. FDM printers can also use pellets instead of filaments, which can reduce print times and costs.
Another popular plastic for 3D printing is nylon, which is strong, flexible, and stable against impact, chemicals, heat, UV light, water, and dirt. Nylon is often used in prosthetics, cases, enclosures, and robotics. Polypropylene (PP) is another plastic used in 3D printing, found in many household objects like milk jugs and pill bottles. It is, however, challenging to print due to issues with shrinkage and warping.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is also commonly used in 3D printing. It is one of the most eco-friendly options as it is made from renewable raw materials like corn starch and sugar cane. PLA is available in soft and hard forms, making it suitable for a range of products. Other plastics used in 3D printing include PEEK, ABS, PET, and PVA.
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Different plastics have different pros and cons
While 3D printing is not limited to plastics, plastic is the most common raw material for 3D printing. The benefit of using plastic is that it is a highly diverse material for 3D-printed products like toys, household fixtures, desk utensils, and vases. Plastic is also a relatively cost-effective raw material for 3D printing for both businesses and customers.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is another plastic used in 3D printing. It is made from biological materials like corn starch or sugarcane and is therefore biodegradable. It is generally the preferred option for low-cost 3D printers because it is easier to print with than ABS, as it is stickier. However, PLA is not food safe and is somewhat brittle, making prints prone to shattering under stress.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is another frequently used plastic. It is used in thermoforming processes and can be combined with other materials, such as glass fibre, to create engineering resins. It is ideal for objects intended for food contact.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a water-soluble plastic typically used to produce a support structure for a product that can collapse during the printing process. It is suitable for low-end home printers and small businesses operating with limited resources. However, PVA is not suitable for products that need high strength.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used in pipes and recyclable packaging. It is light and flexible, melts at about 230°C, and is resistant to most chemicals. However, it releases unpleasant fumes if accidentally heated to higher temperatures. It also has a tendency to warp as it cools.
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Other materials can be used, such as metals and resins
While plastics are the most common material used in 3D printing, other materials can be used, such as metals and resins.
Metals
Metal 3D printing can be performed using a wide range of metal powders, including steel, aluminium, stainless steel, copper, cobalt, tungsten, titanium, and nickel-based alloys. Precious metals like platinum, gold, palladium, and silver can also be used in 3D printing. The most commonly used grade in metal 3D printing is 316L stainless steel, which has a composition of 66-70% iron enhanced with 16-18% chromium, 11-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and less than 0.03% carbon. Stainless steel parts can have the same or even greater strength than parts created using traditional manufacturing methods. Direct Energy Deposition (DED) is an example of a 3D printing method that uses metal wires to produce parts, while metal filaments are thin plastic wires impregnated with metal particles.
Resins
Resin 3D printing is a type of 3D printing that uses liquid resin to assemble objects. Synthetic photopolymers are often used, which are viscous at room temperature and solidify when cured using light. SLA printers, or stereolithography printers, are commonly used for resin printing and can produce complex, detailed pieces because of the precision with which the resin can be cured using laser targeting. Resins are also available in a wide variety of colours and at affordable prices. Resin printing creates many opportunities for artists to develop intricate three-dimensional objects, from clear statues to flexible moulds.
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The type of plastic used depends on the product and customer requirements
The type of plastic used in 3D printing depends on the desired product and the customer's requirements. The product and customer requirements determine the exact process of 3D printing, which in turn dictates the type of plastic used.
Plastic is the most common raw material for 3D printing. It is a highly diverse material, and its strength, smoothness, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness have played a critical role in increasing its applications in 3D printing. The type of plastic used in 3D printing can vary from polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic made from renewable sources like corn starch, to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a popular plastic known for its strength and flexibility.
PLA is available in both soft and hard forms, making it suitable for a wide range of products. Its reliability, quality, and eco-friendliness are expected to drive exponential growth in its use in the coming years. On the other hand, ABS is widely used in applications requiring impact resistance and flexibility, such as car bodies, household appliances, and Lego bricks. It is also available in multiple colours, making it popular among different businesses.
Other types of plastics used in 3D printing include polyamides or nylon materials, which offer durability, toughness, and impact resistance. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is another commonly used plastic, suitable for objects intended for food contact. Additionally, high-performance polymers like PEEK, PEKK, and ULTEM offer excellent mechanical and thermal resistance, making them popular in the aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors.
The versatility of 3D printing allows for the creation of diverse products, from toys and household fixtures to medical equipment and automotive parts. The selection of the appropriate plastic material ensures that the final product meets the desired specifications and requirements of the customer.
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Plastics are used due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility and water resistance
Plastic is the most common raw material for 3D printing. It is used due to its low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility, and water resistance.
Plastics are made from synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds that are malleable (capable of changing shape). They are usually entirely synthetic and are derived from petroleum chemicals. However, due to environmental concerns, plastics made from renewable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) are becoming more popular.
The low cost of plastic is a significant advantage. Metal 3D printing, for example, is much more costly and complex, limiting its accessibility to most businesses. Plastic is also cost-effective because it can be reused. The FDM process, for instance, is the most popular and affordable 3D printing method, but it is less precise than other AM processes like SLS or SLA.
Ease of manufacture is another reason why plastic is widely used in 3D printing. Plastic is a diverse material that can be used to create a wide variety of products, from toys and household fixtures to desk utensils, vases, and even car bumpers. It is also available in transparent form as well as bright colours, with either a matte or shiny texture.
The versatility of plastic is also due to its strength, smoothness, and flexibility. It can be heated and formed into the desired shape, and this process can be reversed, making it feasible to recycle or melt and reuse thermoplastics. Plastics like ABS, for instance, have a polybutadiene-based elastomer base, which makes them more flexible and impact-resistant.
Finally, plastics are water-resistant, which is an important property for many products.
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Frequently asked questions
No, while plastic is the most common raw material for 3D printing, other materials such as resins, metals, and ceramics are also used.
Polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and nylon are some of the most commonly used plastics for 3D printing.
Plastic is a highly diverse and affordable material that can be used to create a wide range of products, from toys to household fixtures. It is also flexible, smooth, and strong, making it ideal for 3D printing.
Metals, ceramics, and resins are all alternatives to plastic that can be used in 3D printing. Metals, such as steel and copper, can be used to create industrial models and prototypes. Resins, made of liquid polymers, offer limited flexibility and strength but are available in a variety of colours.
The material selection depends on the specific use case and the desired properties of the final product. For example, if high strength and impact resistance are required, nylon or ABS may be suitable choices. If eco-friendliness is a priority, PLA is biodegradable. Cost and accessibility of the material and printing technology should also be considered.
