Omar Khalid
There are several types of plastic used in 3D printing, including PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, PVA, PC, and PEEK. The type of plastic used depends on the specific application and requirements, such as strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and eco-friendliness. Some plastics are more commonly used for specific types of printers, like FDM printers, which use thermoplastic filaments, or SLA printers, which use liquid resins. The versatility of plastics allows for the creation of diverse 3D-printed products with varying shapes, sizes, colours, and textures.
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What You'll Learn
Polylactic acid (PLA)
Polylactic acid, commonly known as PLA, is one of the most popular materials used in 3D printing. It is a thermoplastic polymer with high strength and modulus. It is derived from crops such as corn, sugar cane, and cassava, and it is biodegradable. PLA is also recyclable and has a high heat capacity. It is a great first material to use when learning about 3D printing because it is easy to print, very inexpensive, and can be used for a wide variety of applications. It can be printed at low temperatures, does not require a heated bed, and can be purchased in filament form.
PLA is the go-to material for most users due to its ease of use, dimensional accuracy, and low cost. It is the default filament for most extrusion-based 3D printers. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly filaments on the market today, helping to reduce CO2 emissions during production, digestion, or composting.
There are some common issues associated with PLA, such as stringing, oozing, and under-extrusion. These issues can be mitigated by adjusting the retraction settings and printing temperature. The printing temperature for PLA is typically between 190-230 degrees Celsius, and a heated bed is optional but can be set between 45-70 degrees Celsius.
PLA can be combined with different fills like metal, wood, and fiber, giving it different characteristics than standard homogeneous PLA. It can also be used in composite materials, adding strength without weight, and is suitable for blow molding, thermoplastics, and other processing methods.
Overall, PLA is a versatile and popular material for 3D printing, offering ease of use, low cost, and environmental benefits.
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is one of the most popular materials for FDM/FFF-style 3D printing. This is due to its excellent mechanical, electrical, chemical resistance, and thermal properties, as well as its favourable melting temperature of 260°C. It is a stiff, strong, shatterproof material with good flow properties and low absorption features. It is also 100% recyclable and can be recycled in large quantities, making it an environmentally friendly option.
PET is a type of polyester made through an esterification reaction of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The ethylene content makes it colorless and transparent, and it can easily be coloured for different effects and uses. The higher percentage of repeated aromatic units in the polymer chain gives it strength and toughness, making it ideal for creating lightweight products. PET is commonly used in disposable plastic bottles and food packaging, as well as for waterproofing, Tupperware, and insulated bottles.
In the context of 3D printing, PET filament can be used to create objects intended for food contact, such as food and beverage storage containers. It is also suitable for electronic applications requiring good heat resistance, dimensional stability, strength, and chemical resistance. PET has largely replaced nylon in the automotive industry, being used for automobile tyre yarns, drive belts, seat belts, and fire hoses.
When using PET for 3D printing, it is important to follow the suggested printing parameters provided by the material manufacturer. For example, DSM Additive Manufacturing suggests a print speed between 50-100 millimetres per second and a preferred extruder temperature of 270°C. An enclosed printer is preferred for the best results, and it is critical to take the proper material handling precautions to prevent moisture pickup and contamination.
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Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA)
Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, or ASA, is a synthetic, amorphous thermoplastic that is commonly used in 3D printing. It is known for its high impact resistance and strength, making it suitable for producing functional parts and prototypes in a range of industries.
ASA has a similar chemical composition to ABS, a commonly used 3D printing plastic. However, ASA offers improved mechanical properties, superior aesthetics, and better UV resistance. These characteristics make ASA ideal for applications where the printed object will be exposed to outdoor conditions, such as in the automotive, marine, and electronics industries.
When using ASA for 3D printing, it is important to follow certain recommendations. ASA works best with a closed chamber 3D printer to control temperature changes and reduce styrene emissions. Using tape, such as Kapton tape, can help reduce the warping effect during printing and provide thermal and electrical insulation. Additionally, ASA should be dried before and kept dry during the printing process.
ASA is a versatile and affordable 3D printing material, offering good mechanical performance and resistance to the elements. It is available in a range of colours, making it suitable for various applications, including prototyping, jigs, fixtures, and low-volume production parts.
Overall, ASA is a reliable and versatile 3D printing material, offering improved performance and resistance compared to other commonly used plastics. Its high impact resistance and strength make it a popular choice for creating functional parts and prototypes across different industries.
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Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
PVA is commonly used as a sacrificial material in the formation of tissue engineering constructs with unique and complicated architectures. It is perfect for printing scaffolds with large overhangs, deep internal cavities, intricate geometries, and complex geometries. It is also used to print novel oral drug delivery devices and tablets. It has a tensile elongation of 360% and a tensile strength of 22MPa. Depending on the humidity, PVA can become very flexible and elastic, and it dissolves completely in water. It has a transparent to cream-coloured appearance and is very resistant to oils and greases.
PVA is easy to process in 3D printing because it is non-toxic and odourless, although a slight odour may be produced during printing. Its melting point is 230 °C, and its degeneration temperature is 200 °C. Post-processing is simple: place the printed object in a water bath for 1-2 hours, and the support material will dissolve. The water can then be poured down the drain as PVA is biodegradable.
PVA is a more expensive material than PLA, but the two are a perfect match since they share a very similar printing temperature and are both very easy to print. To save on costs, some people choose to print the part directly under the print object in PVA, using the cheaper PLA for the rest of the support structure.
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Polycarbonate (PC)
PC is a popular choice for creating prototypes and end-use parts in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. It is known for its durability and impact resistance, making it suitable for applications that require strong and tough materials. Additionally, PC has good optical properties, making it suitable for applications where optical clarity is important.
One advantage of using PC for 3D printing is its ability to produce complex designs and parts with intricate features. While FDM technology, the most common 3D printing process, has limitations in creating highly complex designs, PC can be used with other advanced printing technologies that offer higher resolution and accuracy, such as SLA (stereolithography) or SLS (selective laser sintering). These technologies provide higher-quality finishes and are suitable for functional parts and prototypes requiring tight tolerances and smooth surfaces.
However, PC is not without its challenges. In addition to the high temperatures and fumes mentioned earlier, PC is also hygroscopic, meaning it must be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality. The printing process can be time-consuming, and the material costs can be higher compared to other options. As a result, some users may opt for alternative materials that can provide similar or better strength and durability at a lower cost, such as PETG.
Overall, while PC offers excellent mechanical, thermal, and optical properties, it may be more suitable for specific applications where its unique characteristics are essential, such as in the aerospace or medical sectors. For more standard 3D printing needs, other materials may provide comparable results at a lower cost and with greater ease of use.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common plastics used for 3D printing are ABS, PLA, and their blends. ABS is known for its safety, durability, strength, and flexibility. PLA is popular because it is eco-friendly, being extracted from natural products like sugar cane and corn starch. It is also available in soft and hard forms, making it suitable for a wide range of products.
Other plastics used for 3D printing include PVA, ASA, PETG, PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM, and nylon. PVA is a water-soluble plastic commonly used as a support structure for complex prints. ASA and PETG are known for their durability and heat resistance. PEEK, PEKK, and ULTEM are high-performance plastics with excellent mechanical and thermal resistance, making them popular in the aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors. Nylon is also a durable and flexible option but requires a controlled printing environment due to the release of fumes.
When choosing a plastic for 3D printing, consider the desired properties of the final product, such as strength, durability, flexibility, heat resistance, or water solubility. Also, ensure the plastic is compatible with your 3D printer, as some plastics require specific temperatures, nozzle designs, or extruder configurations. Additionally, consider the environmental impact of the plastic and opt for more sustainable options, such as PLA, whenever possible.
