Alexei Volkov
When it comes to printing miniatures, the type of plastic used is crucial. The most popular choice is polylactic acid (PLA), a synthetic plastic derived from petroleum chemicals, due to its ease of post-processing, ability to handle slow prints, and biodegradability. PLA+ is a stronger, more durable, and widely-used variation. Other plastics like ABS, PETG, and PVA also have their advantages, such as strength, layer adhesion, and use as support structures. The choice of plastic depends on factors like ease of use, durability, and desired detail in the final miniature product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most commonly used plastic in the industry | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) |
| Used in car bodies, household appliances, roofing applications | ABS |
| Advantages of ABS | Stronger, flexible, impact resistant |
| Disadvantages of ABS | Odour, requires heated base, skirt is mandatory |
| Advantages of PLA | No smell, easy to work with, biodegradable, easy to post-process, handles slow prints well, good for small figures, water-resistant |
| Disadvantages of PLA | Slightly brittle, loses shape above 45-50°C |
| Advantages of PETG | Better layer adhesion, tougher |
| Disadvantages of PETG | N/A |
| Advantages of PVA | Water-soluble, can be used as a support structure |
| Disadvantages of PVA | Not used to make the final product |
| Advantages of Polyamides/Nylon | Good balance of chemical and mechanical characteristics, durability, toughness, impact resistance, flexibility, reusability |
| Disadvantages of Polyamides/Nylon | N/A |
| Advantages of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) | Ideal for objects intended for food contact, semi-rigid, good resistance |
| Disadvantages of PET | N/A |
| Advantages of High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) | Smooth, lightweight, water-resistant, impact resistant, dissolvable, good machinability, can be used for complex structures |
| Disadvantages of HIPS | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
- Polylactic acid (PLA) is a popular choice for beginners as it's easy to work with and post-process
- eSun PLA+ is a reputable, high-quality, and reasonably priced option
- ABS is stronger but emits an odour and requires a heated base
- PVA is a water-soluble plastic that can be used as a support structure for complex parts
- Polyamides (nylon) offer durability, toughness, impact resistance, and flexibility
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a popular choice for beginners as it's easy to work with and post-process
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a popular choice for beginners in 3D printing miniatures. It is made from renewable materials and is affordable, versatile, and water-resistant. It is also easy to work with and post-process, making it a great option for those new to 3D printing.
PLA is a type of plastic polymer material commonly used in 3D printing. It is known for its ease of use and low cost, making it accessible to beginners. One of the benefits of using PLA is that it has no smell, unlike other plastics such as ABS, which can have a strong odour during printing. PLA is also biodegradable, so there is less guilt if a print fails.
Another advantage of PLA is its ease of post-processing. Once printed, PLA miniatures can be sanded, painted, primed, and polished to create professional-looking models. This makes it a popular choice for gaming miniatures, as it allows for customization and detail.
While PLA is a great option for beginners, it is important to note that it has some limitations. For example, PLA miniatures should not be kept in hot environments, as they can start to lose their shape above temperatures of 45-50°C. Additionally, while PLA handles slow prints well, overhangs can be a problem, and low-quality PLA filament may warp or give inconsistent results.
Overall, PLA is a recommended choice for beginners in 3D printing miniatures due to its ease of use, affordability, and versatility. With its wide range of colours and finishes, PLA allows beginners to create detailed and professional-looking models. However, it is important to be mindful of its limitations and choose high-quality PLA filament to ensure the best results.
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eSun PLA+ is a reputable, high-quality, and reasonably priced option
When it comes to 3D printing miniatures, the choice of plastic is crucial. While various plastics are available, eSun PLA+ stands out as a reputable, high-quality, and reasonably priced option.
ESun PLA+ is a well-known brand in the 3D printing community, known for its reliability and ease of use. It is a stronger version of the commonly used PLA plastic, which is popular due to its ease of post-processing. With eSun PLA+, you can sand, paint, prime, and create detailed models with confidence. The durability of eSun PLA+ ensures your miniatures are long-lasting, and its reasonable price makes it accessible to all enthusiasts.
One of the key advantages of eSun PLA+ is its strength and ease of printing. It is an upgraded version of PLA, known for being easier to work with and more durable for miniatures and other characters. This is especially important when creating intricate details in small-scale models. The ease of printing with eSun PLA+ allows you to focus on the creative aspects of your miniatures without worrying about warping or inconsistent results.
Additionally, eSun PLA+ offers a smooth finish, enhancing the overall appearance of your miniatures. Its high-quality nature ensures that your printed creations maintain their shape and do not lose their form easily. This is a significant advantage over other plastics that may be more prone to deformation, especially when exposed to higher temperatures.
The versatility of eSun PLA+ is another benefit worth noting. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including gaming miniatures and figurines. You can easily paint and prime the printed models to achieve the desired aesthetic. The ability to use lighter colours and then paint over them with darker shades adds to the convenience and flexibility of the creative process.
Lastly, eSun PLA+ is a recommended choice due to its reasonable price. Achieving high-quality prints does not always require premium prices. eSun PLA+ offers a balance of quality and affordability, making it accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike. This combination of quality and value for money sets eSun PLA+ apart from other options in the market.
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ABS is stronger but emits an odour and requires a heated base
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a common thermoplastic used in 3D printing. It is a popular choice for printing miniatures due to its strength, durability, and heat resistance. ABS has better mechanical properties than other plastics like PLA, making it ideal for creating detailed and intricate shapes. However, one of its main drawbacks is the strong odour it emits during the printing process, often described as burnt plastic. This odour can be uncomfortable and studies have shown that the fumes are toxic. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid staying in the same room as the printer while it is working with ABS.
ABS requires a higher printing temperature compared to other materials, and a heated bed is necessary to prevent warping. Warping occurs when ABS cools down and starts to shrink, causing the corners to peel off and rise. This issue is more prominent in medium to large parts. To mitigate warping, a heated print bed and an enclosure are ideal to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce rapid cooling.
The high print temperature needed for ABS is due to its higher glass transition temperature of 105 °C, compared to 60 °C for PLA. This requires a substantially higher nozzle temperature for extrusion. It is important to note that the optimal print temperature may vary depending on factors such as printer type, nozzle size, print speed, and filament formulation. Incremental adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired print quality.
While ABS may have its challenges, it is still a popular choice for printing miniatures due to its strength and durability. It is commonly used in applications such as toys (LEGO bricks), automotive parts, and household appliances. However, with the introduction of new materials that are easier to print with and more resistant, some users are exploring alternative options. Nevertheless, ABS remains a reliable and widely-used plastic for creating detailed miniatures with good impact and wear resistance.
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PVA is a water-soluble plastic that can be used as a support structure for complex parts
When it comes to printing miniatures, the type of plastic you use is important to ensure the best results. One option is to use Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic that is easy to work with and has no smell. It is also possible to sand, paint, and prime models made from PLA, allowing for a high-quality finish. However, it is important to note that PLA has a lower temperature resistance, with models potentially losing their shape above 45-50°C.
For this reason, PLA+ is often recommended as a stronger and more durable alternative to PLA. It is still easy to work with and can produce high-quality miniatures. eSUN PLA+ is a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts due to its reputation for quality and reasonable price.
When choosing a filament colour, it is worth considering that lighter colours like light grey, grey, or white show great detail. They also provide the option to paint over them with darker colours if desired. Semi-transparent or clear filaments are available but tend to be less flexible and stiff, making the supports harder to remove.
While PLA and PLA+ are popular choices for printing miniatures, other plastics such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) are also options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice of plastic depends on the specific requirements of the project and the user's level of experience with 3D printing.
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Polyamides (nylon) offer durability, toughness, impact resistance, and flexibility
Polyamides, or nylons, are synthetic or natural polymers. They are made up of repeated amide groups interconnected by amide links. Polyamides are known for their durability, toughness, impact resistance, and flexibility.
Nylon is a high-performance thermoplastic resin that is widely used across industries for its exceptional mechanical properties and ability to withstand harsh environments. Its unique combination of strength, durability, and thermal resistance makes it one of the most popular engineering plastics in design and manufacturing.
The strength and toughness of nylon make it ideal for parts subjected to constant friction and mechanical stress. Its durability ensures it can perform in high-load situations without significant wear, making it perfect for gears, bearings, and other high-performance components.
Nylon can be engineered with additives and reinforcements to fine-tune its properties for specific applications. For example, glass fibers can be added to increase stiffness, dimensional stability, and heat resistance, making the material suitable for structural roles. Impact modifiers can also be introduced to enhance toughness in cold environments, and lubricants can improve flow characteristics and reduce surface friction in moving parts.
Some common applications of nylon in the medical industry include surgical instrument handles, catheter hubs, threaded connectors, and housing for diagnostic devices. In addition, certain types of nylon are resistant to ultraviolet (UV) degradation, making it suitable for outdoor equipment or construction materials exposed to sunlight.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular choice for printing miniatures is Polylactic Acid (PLA), a plastic made from synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds. It is popular due to its ease of use, low cost, and versatility.
PLA is a good choice for beginners as it is easy to work with and has no smell. It is also biodegradable and can be painted, sanded, and primed.
Yes, eSun PLA+ is a stronger version of PLA that is more durable and easier to print with. Other plastics used for 3D printing include ABS, PET, and PVA.
ABS is a stronger plastic than PLA and is more flexible and impact-resistant. However, it prints with an odour and requires a heated base.
Lighter colours such as light grey, grey, or white are good choices as they show great detail. It is also easier to paint over lighter colours if you decide to change the colour later.
