Maya Ellison
When it comes to 3D printing, choosing the right plastic is crucial. The desired qualities of the final product dictate the type of plastic to be used. For instance, if you're looking for a plastic that can withstand harsh temperatures and high-stress environments, you might opt for a material like PP GF30, which is lightweight, durable, stiff, and highly resistant to chemicals and weather conditions. On the other hand, if you're seeking a flexible plastic with high impact resistance, TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) could be a better choice. Other factors, such as cost, ease of printing, and environmental impact, may also influence the decision. In the end, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and each project demands a unique consideration of the desired qualities and available materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Strength | Refers to a material's ability to withstand high impact and repeated use. Can be defined in terms of hardness, impact resistance, compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength. |
| Stiffness | PLA is stiffer than ABS. |
| Heat Resistance | Nylon, PEEK, and Polycarbonate filaments are more heat resistant than other filaments but need to be 3D printed at higher temperatures. ABS is also heat resistant. |
| Lightness | PP GF30 and PP are lightweight. |
| Flexibility | TPU is highly flexible and can extend up to 4.5 times its original size without breaking. ABS and PP are also flexible. |
| Surface Finish | ABS has an attractive surface finish. |
| Durability | PP GF30 is highly durable and resistant to hostile environments, including chemicals and weather conditions. Nylon and Polycarbonate are durable and possess excellent chemical resistance. ABS is also durable and impact-resistant. |
| Eco-Friendliness | PLA is made from annually renewable resources (corn starch) and requires less energy to process than traditional plastics. |
| Ease of Use | PLA is easy to print and suitable for beginners. |
| Price | PLA is available at low prices. ABS is cost-effective. |
| Water Solubility | PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol/Acetate) is water-soluble. |
| Temperature Resistance | PP GF30 can withstand harsh temperatures. ABS can tolerate very low (-20°C) and very high (80°C) temperatures. |
| Chemical Resistance | Nylon, Polycarbonate, and PP are highly resistant to chemicals. ABS is resistant to certain chemicals. |
| UV Resistance | ABS, ASA, and Nylon are UV resistant. |
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What You'll Learn
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is well-suited for prototyping, as it is weaker and less rigid than PLA, but tougher and lighter. ABS is also resistant to certain chemicals and has high tensile strength and impact resistance. Its ability to withstand being heated and cooled multiple times makes it highly suitable for recycling. ABS has a low melting point, which enables its easy use in the injection moulding process and 3D printing. Its structural soundness makes it ideal for multiple applications.
ABS is commonly used across many different sectors, from domestic to automotive, construction to retail. In the automotive industry, it is used for items such as plastic alloys, decorative interior car parts, and plastic tubing. In the construction industry, it is used for corrugated plastic structures, plastic face guards for wall sockets, and protective housing for power tools. Other common uses for ABS include printers, vacuum cleaners, kitchen utensils, musical instruments, and plastic toys. ABS is also used in medical applications like drug delivery systems, nebulizers, and equipment housings.
ABS can be cut to size and comes in a wide range of colours and finishes. It has a printing temperature between 230°C and 160°C and can tolerate very low (-20°C) and very high (80°C) temperatures. It is also available in resin form, making it suitable for SLA or material jetting processes. However, ABS is not biodegradable and shrinks in contact with air, so the build platform must be heated during printing.
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Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Polylactic Acid, commonly known as PLA, is one of the most popular materials used in desktop 3D printing. It is a natural thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane. Its ease of use, dimensional accuracy, versatility, and low cost make it a favourite among hobbyists and professionals alike.
PLA is a great first material to use when learning about 3D printing because it is easy to print, very inexpensive, and creates parts that can be used for a wide variety of applications. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly filaments on the market today. Being derived from crops such as corn and sugarcane, PLA is renewable and, most importantly, biodegradable.
PLA is a popular choice for 3D printing due to its low melting temperature, which makes it easy to work with, especially for beginners. It can be printed at low temperatures and does not require heated beds or environmentally controlled build chambers. However, PLA exhibits low heat resistance relative to other 3D printing materials and may not meet the mechanical requirements of your application due to its mediocre strength properties.
To improve the quality of your PLA prints, it is recommended to use a fan that cools the 3D printed part from all directions. Increasing the number of perimeter outlines for your PLA prints will create a strong bond between each layer, resulting in stronger parts that are less prone to breaking.
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Nylon
One challenge when working with Nylon is its hygroscopic nature, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from its surroundings. This can lead to print quality issues such as foggy rough surfaces, tiny holes, or bubbles on the exterior. To address this, it is recommended to store Nylon spools in an airtight container with desiccants to remove moisture. Alternatively, commercially available storage containers designed to keep the filament dry can be used.
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Polypropylene (PP)
PP is a good option for parts that will undergo repetitive applications, such as packaging, pipes, and joints. It is also suitable for various RC model components due to its lightweight nature. However, it has a high warping rate and very poor print surface adhesion. To address the warping issue, manufacturers often add carbon or glass fibers to the compound.
PP is a challenging material to print due to its high price and difficult printing process, making it not recommended for beginners. It has a semi-crystalline structure, which causes 3D-printed parts to warp heavily upon cooling. It is essential to find a good build surface and have an enclosure to trap the heat around the print. Using a printer with a heated chamber can help eliminate warping.
One of the most impressive qualities of PP is its high resistance to hostile environments, including chemicals and weather conditions. If your 3D print will be placed outside or need to withstand harsh temperatures while maintaining structural strength, PP is a great choice.
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Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
PVA is a perfect match for PLA as they share a similar printing temperature and are both easy to print. The printing temperature for PVA is 45-60 °C, although some sources state 190–220 °C. It is important to note that PVA is sensitive to moisture, so it should be stored in an airtight container with a desiccant to remove any moisture. If the filament has absorbed too much moisture, it can be dried in a commercial dehydrator or an oven set to a low temperature for a few hours.
PVA is a useful material for creating support structures in multi-material 3D printing, also known as multi-material 3D bioprinting. It is a dissolvable material, enhancing dual extrusion prints. It is one of the most common soluble filament materials, along with HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene). PVA can be dissolved with water at up to 70 °C, while HIPS can be dissolved with limonene.
PVA is a good choice for 3D printing when complex support structures are required, either inside the object or in hard-to-reach places. It is also useful when printing extremely complex shapes or those with partially enclosed cavities. Its solubility in water makes it easy to remove, leaving only the printed part.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the most durable plastics for 3D printers include Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polylactic Acid (PLA), Nylon, Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate, and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA).
ABS is a stiff, impact-resistant, and heat-resistant thermoplastic. It is widely used in the 3D printing industry due to its flexibility, high strength, attractive surface finish, and cost-effectiveness.
Nylon and Polycarbonate are commonly used for their excellent chemical resistance. Polypropylene (PP) is lightweight, flexible, and highly durable with great impact and fatigue resistance. For parts that require high levels of flexibility and strength, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a good option.
