3D printer filament materials

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Comparison & List of 3D Materials

Below you will find information on 16 different types of 3D printing materials. Chances are that even if you are a 3D printing expert you will learn something new in this guide. You can try magnetic, glow-in-the-dark, or even conductive filaments.

Before we get into 3D materials, it helps to look at the 2D printing process we’ve all come to know. All printers need some kind of substance to print with. For 2D printing, we’re most familiar with inkjet printers that use liquid inks. These machines extrude ink through microscopic nozzles onto papers. 2D laser printers also print to papers. Instead of ink, they use a toner cartridge filled with a special type of fine powder and a heated fuser. 2D printing produces two-dimensional, flat, results that have width and height but no depth (thickness). Pigment-based and solid inks are other materials used for printing in 2D. Today, we can also print in 3D with special machines and printing materials.

2D Printing Compared to 3D Printing

There’s a distinct difference between the two technologies. 3D printers build real-world objects, whereas 2D printers publish text and graphics on papers. Before either machine can print, they need computer-generated, digital files. These files tell the machines what to produce and how to print it based on user preferences. Both types of printers use inks, or materials, to carry out the job. That’s pretty much where the familiarities end. 2D printers can’t build layers to produce real-world objects.

One of the most important parts of 3D printing is to use the right kind of material for the job in hand. In this guide we look at the range of 3D materials, also called filaments, a 3D printer uses, starting with the most popular. We’ll also cover their uses along with pros and cons for each type. This will help you to make better informed decisions when buying your 3D printer filaments. Before you print anything in 3D, there are a few basic questions you should ask yourself, the main ones include:

• Strength: How strong does your printed part have to be?
• Flexibility: How flexible does your part need to be?
• Accuracy: How important is precision to your 3D part?
• Special conditions: Any other conditions that apply to your 3D model

These are the 3D printing materials that are covered in this guide:

1. ABS Filament
2. PLA Filament
3. PET Filament
4. PETT Filament
5. Nylon Filament
6. PVA Filament
7. Sandstone Filament
8. Wood Filament
9. Metal Filament
10. HIPS Filament
11. Magnetic Iron Filament
12. Conductive Filament
13. Carbon Fiber Filament
14. TPE Filament
15. Glow in the Dark Filament
16. Amphora Filament

3D Filament Defined

3D filaments are special types of plastics called thermoplastics. Once heated to the right temperature, thermoplastics become flexible. It’s this pliability that allows the printer to sculpt the filament to create your shapes before it cools down. In 2017, the two common types of 3D filaments are:

1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
2. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Don’t Miss: Best 3D Printing Filament Brands.

These are not the only 3D filaments available. We’ll look at other types later in the guide. For now we’ll focus on ABS and PLA, and see what makes them such popular choices. For each material we’ll start with a short introduction followed by the average price, print temperature, and applications. At the end of each 3D material we’ll list its pros and cons. Also worth noting is that not all 3D printers can utilize both ABS and PLA. Some can, but not all, so you need to know your 3D printer capabilities as well as the abilities of the 3D filaments.

1. ABS 3D Filament

PRICE STARTING FROM: $20 for 1. 75 mm, 1kg spool

ABS is popular for good reasons. It’s tough, and has impact-resistant properties. It’s this strength and moderate flexibility that makes it such a great choice for printing in 3D. It’s also easy to extrude from the printer’s nozzles, which makes it an easy material to work with.

Don’t Miss: Best ABS Filaments.

ABS print temperature range: 210°C – 250°C (high)

Applications

ABS is a great choice for printing plastic automotive parts, moving parts, musical instruments, kitchen appliances, electronic housings, and various toys, like LEGO. It has other applications too, aside from 3D printing. For example, traditional manufacturers use ABS to make plastic wrap, water bottles, and cups, to name a few uses. Despite its popularity for 3D printing, ABS is not the best filament for most home users. This is because it has a high melting point that needs to print on a heated surface, or bed. A heated printer bed is not something a lot of budget-range 3D printers come equipped with. Printing with ABS also produces unpleasant fumes that can irritate some people. Needless to say, good ventilation is essential. These things combined make ABS a material favored more by professionals than amateur users.

Check Price of ABS Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• A durable, strong 3D filament
• Quite flexible and lightweight
• Cheapest thermoplastic available at the time of writing
• Most favored material among professional 3D printers and keen armatures

The Cons

• ABS is petroleum-based, making it a non-biodegradable material
• Needs a high temperature to reach its melting point
• Creates unpleasant fumes, most notable in poorly ventilated spaces

2. PLA 3D Filament

PRICE STARTING FROM: $20 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool

PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) is popular for amateurs and professionals alike. It’s a special type of thermoplastic made from organic materials, namely cornstarch and sugarcane. The main benefits of PLA are that it’s safer and easier to use, and with no toxic fumes to worry about. Some users even find the sweet smell of the sugar-based filament pleasant. Compared to ABS, PLA produces 3D parts which are more aesthetically pleasing. This finish is thanks to its unique sheen and smooth appearance.

You might think it sounds like the perfect solution, but there are some drawbacks. For one, the melting point of PLA is much lower than ABS, and that makes it weaker. This matters if you’re printing moving parts or exposing the parts to high temperatures. Both of these things can result in the 3D objects, cracking, warping or even melting. If none of the above applies to you and your 3D projects, then PLA should be your filament of choice. It will award you with superior print details and is also less prone to printing errors during the build process.

Don’t Miss: Best PLA Filaments.

PLA print temperature range: 180°C – 230°C (low)

Applications

PLA has wide-ranging uses. At the professional level, PLA filament uses include medical suturing (stitching). We can also see PLA used for various surgical implants, including surgically implanted pins, rods, screws, and mesh. The applications work thanks to the material’s degradable properties. All the aforementioned 3D printed parts break down in the human body. They can take anywhere between six months to two years, depending on the part and its purpose. At the amateur level, PLA filament is great for producing a whole range of consumer items. Other benefits of PLA are that it prints faster than ABS, and there’s no need for a heated printer bed. The end products are a decent strength, durable, and offer some degree of impact resistance. Aside from 3D printing, other products that use PLA include food packaging, disposable tableware, and diapers, as a few examples.

Check Price of PLA Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• No harmful fumes, produces a sweet aroma when heated
• Easier to work with compared to ABS (great material for beginners)
• Compared to ABS, PLA is less prone to warping
• Available in special effects like glow-in-the-dark colors and translucency

The Cons

• Susceptible to clogging the printer nozzle
• Can attract moisture that makes it potentially brittle and more difficult to print
• Less sturdy overall than ABS

3.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $24.99 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool

Today, PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET) is a popular 3D material. Another common use for PET is in everyday plastic bottles. This plastic is both stable and harmless, emits no unpleasant or harmful odors, and is 100% recyclable. In its raw state, the filament has no color and is crystal clear. Once exposed to cold or heat the material quickly changes to a non-transparent state. A more advanced version if PET is a filament called PETG, also marketed as Amphora AM1800.

Don’t Miss: Best PETG Filament.

PETG print temperature range: 210°C – 230°C

Applications

PETT is on a list of FDA approved polymers. This makes it completely ‘food safe’, meaning it’s safe for products like cups, and plates, etc. Needless to say, common applications for PETT filament include food containers and various kitchen utensils.

Check Price of PETG Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Strong, flexible, and with biocompatibility
• Does not warp
• Does not shrink
• Does not absorb moisture from the air
• Does not degrade in water
• FDA approved, food safe
• Prices for PETT are falling

The Cons

• Not an easy material for beginners to work with
• Nozzle and printer bed temperatures needs fine-tuning for best results

4.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $25.99 for 1.75 mm, 453.5g spool

PETT, whose long name is PolyEthylene Trimethylene Terephthalate, is what’s known as a T-Glase filament. Like PET (one ‘T’), it’s also a popular 3D printer material that’s food-friendly. The filament is non-biodegradable, though it is a recyclable material.

Don’t Miss: Best PETG Filaments.

PETT Print Temperature Range: 210°C – 230°C

Applications:

PETT is another of those FDA-approved polymers. This makes it safe for use with food. The majority of PETT applications are various food containers and other kitchen utensils.

Check Price of PETT Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Strong and flexible
• Biocompatibility
• Does not warp or shrink during the printing process
• Does not absorb moisture or water from surrounding air
• Does not degrade in water
• FDA approved, food safe
• Impressive in bridging
• Prices for PETT falling

The cons

• Difficult material for beginners to work with
• Printer nozzle bed temperature requires fine tuning for best results

5.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $39.99 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool

Nylon filament, also called polyamide, is another popular choice. This is a synthetic polymer that’s stronger and more durable than ABS and PLA—and cost-effective. It’s also flexible, light, wear-resistant, and less brittle than both ABS and PLA. There are different kinds of nylon filament available, and what you choose will depend on which one suits your budget and needs. The difference between them is in the filament’s layer bonding abilities, tensile strength, and water absorption. You can also choose nylon filament that has a translucent or opaque finish and reduced shrinkage.

Don’t Miss: Best Nylon Filaments.

Nylon print temperature range: 210°C – 250°C (high)

Applications

Nylon filament is great to use in a whole variety of applications thanks to its strength, flexible properties, and durability. It’s particularly suited for various consumer products, tools, mechanical components, machine parts, structural parts, containers, and a much more.

Check Price of Nylon Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Strong, durable and flexible
• Less brittle than ABS and PLA
• 100% thermoplastic material
• Filament can be re-melted and used again without any loss of bonding

The Cons

• Needs a high melting temperature
• Breaks down and emits toxic fumes when heated
• Absorbs moisture easily—proper storage is essential

6. PVA Filament

PRICE STARTING FROM: $35.99 for 1.75 mm, 0.5 kg spool

PVA (long name Polyvinyl alcohol) is a good 3D filament that’s typical use is as a support material when printing with ABS or PLA. Support materials are necessary when printing 3D parts with notable overhangs. Without the support, these parts would be impossible to print or perfect. As a support material, PVA works best with printers that have duel extruders. This is a biodegradable, non-toxic material that easily dissolves in tap water. All popular desktop FDM printers can use PVA with a heated build platform as this prevents warping during the build process. For best results as a support material, the print bed temperature should not exceed 200 °C.

PVA print temperature range: 190°C – 220°C (low)

Applications

In 3D printing, PVA works as a support material (see above). Aside from 3D printing, PVA has many other applications. We can find it used as a thickener in paper adhesives, in personal hygiene products, as a mold-release agent, kid’s putty, and freshwater fishing products, to name a few.

Check Price of PVA Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• A biodegradable, non-toxic material
• Water soluble
• Good durability
• Makes otherwise difficult printing easy

The Cons

• Attracts water easily
• Can be difficult to source compared to other materials
• High cost compared to other 3D filaments

7.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $32 for 1.75 mm, 0.25 kg spool

Sandstone filaments offer a unique finish to your 3D printed parts. This is a PLA material that includes a fine chalk powder to produce a stone-like color and texture. It’s also possible to alter the surface characteristics simply by adjusting the printer’s extrusion temperature during the print process. With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce parts that are smooth, rough, or anywhere between the two. 3D sandstone material is a brick filament offered by various suppliers under different product names. The most well-known right now is LayBrick.

Sandstone print temperature range: 165°C – 210°C

Applications

The creative use of 3D sandstone filaments has few limits, though it’s fair to say that it has a pretty niche usage. It’s most popular for things like landscapes and architectural display models.

Check Price of Sandstone Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Unmistakable sandstone appearance and finish
• No heated bed needed to print
• No warping or shrinking during the cooling process

The Cons

• Not a particularly durable or flexible material
• Parts can be brittle making them more prone to breaking and snapping

8.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $30 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool

It seems strange, but yes, 3D wood filaments are very real. It’s a great material for anyone who wants or needs to be more creative with their 3D printed projects. These filaments contain a careful mixture of recycled woods with a special binding polymer. The output model not only looks like real wood, it smells like it too. There’s no shortage of impressive examples online that illustrate the amazing finish wood filaments can produce when printed to perfection.

Wood print temperature range: 200°C – 260°C

Applications

What 3D print enthusiasts use wood filament for has no limits other than their creativity. Use it for décor, ornate boxes, tables and chairs, figurines, and whatever else catches the imagination.

Check Price of Wood Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Contains actual wood fibers
• Produces unique wood-like objects in various shades and surfaces
• Higher temperatures will produce darker brown shades
• Altering 3D print temperatures stimulates the growth ring effect of trees
• Allows you to easily work with the finished part to achieve the required finish

The Cons

• Weaker, softer material compared to PLA
• Less flexibility and tensile length
• Easily breakable

9.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $29 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool (prices vary a lot depending on metal)

Metal filaments are in a league of their own—offering some very impressive, unique finishes to 3D printed parts. The materials consist of PLA combined with a higher percentage of fine metallic powders. The 3D printed parts look and feel just as they would if they had been made of 100% metals. Popular choices include aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, and stainless steel. Anyone who wants more of a creative effect can work on the end piece. For example, you can polish the finished part, or tarnish / weather it so that it looks even more genuine. Although they’re not pure 3D metal parts, they’re pretty close to the real thing.

Metal print temperature range: 195°C – 220°C (will vary depending on filament)

Applications

3D metal filament is perfect for hardware products, jewelry items, statues, replicas of artifacts, and much more. What you print with 3D metals depends a lot on the filaments you choose.

Check Price of Metal Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Extremely durable
• Not soluble
• Unique metallic appearance and finish
• Little to no shrinkage while cooling
• No heated print bed needed

The Cons

• Not easy to print with for the inexperienced
• Need to fine-tune nozzle temperatures
• Need to regulate flow rate

10. HIPS Filament

PRICE STARTING FROM: $24.95 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool

High Impact Polystyrene, HIPS for short, is a bright, white colored 3D biodegradable material. It’s safe to use, meaning it has no harmful effects for users who are in close contact with the filament. It’s safe with pets too. Like PVA, HIPS also works as great secondary (support) material. On its own, it’s tricky to use for creating 3D printed parts, especially with printers that don’t have a heated bed. As a support structure, a colorless solution called liquid hydrocarbon quickly dissolves the filament.

Don’t Miss: Best HIPS Filaments.

HIPS print temperature range: 230°C – 250°C

Applications

For 3D printing, the most common application for HIPS is as a support material for other filaments (see above). Aside from 3D printing, other industries use HIPS because it’s a strong, ridged plastic that they can manipulate to suit their needs. The food industry uses it widely for packaging. Other uses include medicinal trays, signs, all kinds of kid’s toys, and much more.

Check Price of HIPS Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Acts as an easily removable ABS support material
• When paired with ABS, HIPS is a great dual extrusion support structure
• Non-toxic at close range

The Cons

• Some issues with adhesion and curling
• Not easy to work with without a heated bed

11.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $35 for 1.75 mm, 500 g spool

As the name suggests, magnetic iron PLA filament has magnetic properties. This unique filament is PLA material infused with a powdered iron. It’s these iron particles that give the 3D parts their grainy gunmetal type finish. The objects will also stick to magnets, something that could be useful on various creative projects. It’s a specialist material that few will have a need for, but those who do work with it find PLA iron filament invaluable.

Magnetic iron PLA print temperature range: 195°C – 220°C

Applications

If you want to produce custom made fridge magnets, and other such novelties, magnetic iron PLA is for you. For home users, this is pretty much a novelty material. For more serious uses, magnetic filament is useful for making various DIY projects, sensors, and educational tools, etc.

Check Price of Magnetic Iron Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Very strong and extremely durable
• Material is not soluble
• Little to no shrinkage during the cooling down process

The Cons

• Nozzle temperature needs fine-tuning
• Inflexible
• Heated bed not needed
• Material is expensive compared to other popular filaments

12.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $17.95 for 1.75 mm, 125 g (comes in various weights)

Anyone wanting to broaden their horizons in 3D printing may want to look to conductive PLA 3D printer filament. It’s a special type of 3D material that includes a conductive carbon particulate. Without getting too technical, this means the material is able to print low-voltage electrical circuits. These will typically include sensors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When combined with regular PLA filament and a dual-extrusion 3D printer, users can make simple circuit boards direct from the printer’s bed. Note that conductive ABS filament is also available for users who prefer to work with ABS.

Conductive PLA temperature range: 215°C – 230°C

Applications

Conductive PLA filament is perfect for open-source electronics platform Arduino projects. If you want to create circuits, LEDs, sensors, and various low-voltage projects, you’ll want explore this filament.
Check Price of Conductive Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Users can produce low-voltage electronic circuits
• Not soluble
• Does not need a heated bed, though a heated bed will produce better results

The Cons

• Not very flexible or durable
• Repeated bending may break the material
• Shrinks somewhat during the cooling process
• High cost of filament

13. Carbon Fiber 3D Printer Filament

PRICE STARTING FROM: $29.99 for 1.75 mm, 500 g spool

Carbon Fiber PLA is an impressive 3D filament. The material contains tiny strands of carbon fiber which results in a material that has an excellent structure. It’s also rigid and has superior layer adhesion. Carbon Fiber PLA shares similar properties with standard PLA but it’s stiffer. It also offers more dimensional stability, which means warp-free printing. The downside to carbon fiber filament is that its abrasive nature speeds up the wear and tear of printer nozzles, especially those made of brass.

Don’t Miss: Best Carbon Fiber Filaments.

Carbon fiber print temperature range: 190°C – 230°C

Applications

Carbon fiber PLA filament is a great choice for producing high quality and strong objects. This includes items like protective casings, various mechanical parts, and many other high durability uses.

Check Price of Carbon Fiber Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Prints quality parts
• Soluble and durable
• No heated bed needed
• Little warping and shrinkage during the cooling process

The Cons

• Material contains abrasive strands
• Excessive wear on printer nozzles, especially brass
• Regular users need to invest in harder metals for print nozzles

14. Flexible, TPE Filament

PRICE STARTING FROM: $31.99 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool

TPE 3D printer filament is easily the most flexible of all the printer materials. It is ‘super stretchy’ because of the thermoplastic elastomers, or TPE for short. It has such high elasticity properties that it feels like real rubber, easily springing back into shape like an elastic band. TPE is great to use with most FDM 3D printers. If you need to fabricate stretchable 3D parts that can endure more punishment than any regular ABS or PLA, this is your material.

Don’t Miss: Best TPE Filaments.

TPE print temperature range: 225°C – 235°C

Applications

There are wide ranging applications and industries which benefit from TPE filament. We can see it used in household appliances and the automotive sector. It’s also a popular for kid’s toys, wearables, and smartphone cases, etc. For commercial use, TPE is found in medical supplies, weather seals for windows and doors, electrical insulation, and the soles of footwear, to name a few.

Check Price of TPE Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• High elasticity properties and exceptional abrasion-resistance
• Smooth consistent diameter
• Bonds well between layers (vital for high-quality)objects)
• Durable material with little shrinkage during the cooling process
• No heated bed needed

The Cons

• 3D printing with TPE is difficult for the inexperienced
• Print nozzle needs fine-tuning for optimal performance
• Can extrude from nozzle inconsistently

15.

PRICE STARTING FROM: $17.99 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool

The name needs little introduction as this fun filament does exactly what it says on the label—it glows in the dark. It won’t glow indefinitely though, as the 3D printed object needs exposing to a light source to charge it. Once charged it will emit light in whatever colors you have made your part in. A great use for this material it to decorate children’s bedrooms or to make Halloween themes, and other such creative ideas. It’s a safe, environmentally-friendly filament, making it harmless for everyone to use. One of the major drawbacks is that glow-in-the-dark material is abrasive. The problem with abrasive filaments is that they can quickly wear out nozzles, especially brass. If you plan to use glow-in-the-dark 3D printing material often, be sure to install a hardened steel nozzle.

Glow-in-the-dark print temperature range: 180-240 °C

Applications

Imagination drives many of the uses for this fun material. It’s popular for kid’s toys, wearable gadgets, custom phone cases, and many other novelty items. Some creative artists also find it a great medium to work with for artistic designs. Another, more practical use is for light switches as it makes them easy to find in the dark.

Check Price of Glow in the Dark Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• Environmentally friendly, safe to use, biodegradable
• Low shrinkage during the cooling process
• Durable
• No heated bed needed to print
• Similar to regular PLA, which makes printing easy

The Cons

• Not food safe

16. Amphora 3D Printer Filament

PRICE STARTING FROM: $00 for 1.75 mm, 1kg spool

Amphora is a great filament for anyone who wants to produce objects which are lustrous, bright, and opaque. The Eastman Chemical Company created this fancy material specifically for 3D printing. Most common thermoplastics have uses other than 3D printing technologies, but not this one.

Amphora print temperature range: 220°C – 250°C

Applications

Amphora is more of a specialist type of lightweight, impact-resistant, 3D printer filament. Common applications include mechanical parts and other objects that need a material that is of excellent strength, highly flexible, and durable.

Check Price of Amphora Filament on Amazon

The Pros

• No notable odors during the printing process
• Strong material with a high melting point (higher than regular PLA)
• Better layer adhesion resulting in an improved finish
• Impressive performance for bridging gaps
• Little to no warping, cleaner overhangs overall
• FDA-approved, making Amphora food safe

The Cons

• Not an easy material to print with
• Printer nozzle and bed need fine tuning for best results

Choosing the Right 3D Printer Filament

This guide gives you a good insight into the different 3D printer filaments on the market. There are others, but the ones listed here are the most widespread, easy-to-source materials at the time of writing. Before you choose the right filament for your next job, you need to check a few boxes. For example, as well as knowing what you intend to build, you also need to understand your printer’s capabilities. Not all 3D printers are able of printing in all 3D materials.

You also need to prepare for trial and error if you plan to experiment with some of the more tricky filaments. Another consideration is the diameter of the filament, either 1.75mm or 3mm. If you’re unsure, always opt for 1.75mm as it’s easier to work with. 3D filament storage is another crucial area to think about. These plastics can absorb moisture from the air which can mess with the printing process. When not in use, a good way to store your 3D filament is to use vacuum bags that have a double zipper line for better, airtight sealing.

And finally, don’t allow the cheapest of the cheap filaments tempt you as they could prove to be a false economy. Seriously, low-cost, low-grade 3D printing filaments are more likely to contain chemical impurities. These impurities can result in unsatisfactory printed parts and clogged-up printer nozzles.

It might all sound like a lot absorb, but none of this takes long to pick once you start to dabble.

Warning; 3D printers should never be left unattended. They can pose a firesafety hazard.

Using Dissolvable Filament to Create Supports

Using Dissolvable 3D Printing Filament is an easy and effective way to create support structures for your 3D printed part. In this article, we'll take a look at the different types of dissolvable filaments on offer, the benefits of using them over insoluble filaments, and tips and tricks for the smoothest possible printing process.

FDM 3D printing is a manufacturing technology that allows you to create parts with complex geometries that are usually impossible to obtain using traditional methods. However, when using this technology, each layer of the part requires supports, either on the structure of the part itself or on an additional supporting structure.

With a single extruder 3D printer, you are limited to using the base material of the printed part to create the support structure. Things are different with dual-extruder printers, since dissolvable filaments can be used to create support structures.

Soluble 3D Printing Filament Types

Water Soluble 3D Printing Filaments

Such materials are known for their solubility in ordinary water without any aggregates. This makes them an excellent option, as their dissolution does not pose any danger, and also does not cause any reaction to the base material of the product.

One of these materials is PVA, which is the most commonly used support material in 3D printing. BVOH is another widely used material with better material compatibility than PVA as well as faster dissolution time.

Water Soluble Chemical 3D Printer Filaments

Some industrial grade materials are not compatible with filaments such as PVA or BVO due to their chemical properties and/or heat resistance. For this reason, materials like BVOH or PVA have been designed with additional properties to make them compatible with high temperature materials such as PEEK, PEKK, PPSU, PP and others.

In order to dissolve these supports, the pH of the water must be acidic in order to break down the sugar that this type of material normally contains, as this is less dangerous than the use of solvents.

Soluble 3D Printer Filaments with Organic Solvents

These are the least used materials due to the difficulty of using organic solvents with polymers most used in 3D printing as the solvent can react with the print material and damage it.

The advantage of using these materials is their high compatibility with the construction material. The most common example is HIPS as a support material for ABS.

Insoluble and dissolvable filaments for 3D printers

Soluble filaments for support structures have advantages and disadvantages compared to using insoluble filaments:

• Easy to remove supports
• Since the supports are soluble, simply dip the model in the appropriate solvent and wait until the supports are gone. This is very useful for parts with a very complex structure.
• Improved contact surface quality
• This advantage is related to the first point; since the material is easily removed, a strong base can be created in the area where supports are required, resulting in a smooth surface without filament residue.
• Less need for post-processing of the model
• The ability to print complex 3D models with high surface quality using dissolvable filaments also reduces the need for post-processing tasks such as polishing, sanding, gluing, etc.
• Longer print times in increasing the time of 3D printing, since materials need to be changed in the process. However, there are techniques for optimizing the support structure to reduce this problem.

Tips for creating support structures with dissolvable filaments

By changing some settings in your slicer, you can get solid supports to improve the quality of your 3D model.

Strengthening the Supports

It is quite common to create thin supports for very thin parts of a model, however they are not strong and tend to break during the printing process. To increase their durability, you can adjust the following support configuration options:

Horizontal Support Extension: Increases the overall thickness of the support, allowing the tower to be thicker and stronger.

Avoid breakage of supports during printing

The thickness of supports is equal to the diameter of the hot end, so they are usually quite fragile and can break during printing. By changing the pattern and other parameters, the strength can be increased:

• Support pattern: Patterns such as grid and triangle are quite resistant to tearing during printing. It is recommended to print such patterns only on soluble material, as they are quite difficult to remove.
• Supports printing speed: If the supports are printed too fast, there is a risk of breaking the structure. Reducing the speed avoids vibration or damage to the structure as the head passes.

Improving the quality of the surface of the model

The quality of the contact surface depends on the distance Z from the support pattern, the direction of the upper and lower perimeter lines and the amount of material holding the base of the model. Changing these parameters can improve the quality of the surface, but will complicate the process of extracting supports.

• Density of supports: The higher the density, the better the model will hold and therefore the surface finish will improve.
• Top/Bottom Line Direction: Changing the direction of the perimeter pattern helps hold the bottom layer of the model, as it allows the support and the perimeter pattern to intersect better.
• Support Pattern and Top/Bottom Pattern: The support and perimeter patterns affect how the support model attaches, ideally the patterns should overlap as often as possible to better secure the first layer.

Always remember that it is important to keep filaments in a dry environment, as soluble materials readily absorb moisture and can cause printing problems. Materials such as PVA and BVOH can be dissolved in ordinary water. This water can also be heated to shorten the removal time of supports.

We hope you follow our advice and recommendations to improve the surface quality of your 3D printed parts and make the process faster and more efficient.

We will keep you updated with the latest news!

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90,000 threads and resin 9000

Toners and CTI Circular Circrats for 2Ds . 3D needs different consumables: materials for additive manufacturing. Although this manual is primarily intended for 3D Printing Filament will also cure other 3D printing materials such as resins, metals, composites, etc. In this way, you can learn more about what types of materials you have at hand, properties each of them, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as see some buying recommendations.

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	SMARTFIL PLA, 1. 75 mm,...	View Features	See offer

Best Smartfil PLA 1.75 mm,...

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Our favorite SMARTFIL CLEAN, 2.85 mm,...

SMARTFIL PLA, 1.75 mm,...

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No ratings 9Ol000 1.2 SANLU PLA

• 1.3 Itamsys Ultem PEI
• 1.4 Itamsys Ultem flame retardant
• 1.5 GIANTARM type PLA
• 1.6 MSNJ PLA (wood)
• 2.2 Anycubic LCD UV 405NM
• 2.3 Standard Sanla
• 2.4 Elegoo LCD UV 405nm ABS-LOOK
• 2.5 SOW

3. 1.5 Nylon or polyamide (PA)

The best threads for 3D printerers

want to buy some of best 3d printer filament , here are some great value for money recommendations:

Filament type GEEETECH PLA

Thread GEEETECH PLA. ..

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This PLA 3D printer filament spool is available in 12 different colors to choose from. This is a 1.75mm spool, is compatible with most FDA printers, and weighs 1kg. In addition, it provides a very smooth surface with high tolerances up to 0.03 mm.

SANLU PLA

SUNLU PLA + filament...

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This is another of the best brands of 3D printer filament. This is also a PLA type, 1.75 mm thick, one kilogram per roll, and with even better tolerance than the previous , only ±0.02 mm. As for the colors, they are available in 14 different (and combinations).

Itamsys Ultem PEI

Original 3D filament...

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This is a spool of high performance thermoplastic such as PEI or polyesterimide. An excellent material if you are looking for strength, thermal stability and the ability to withstand self-cleaning steam. It is also 1.75mm and has tolerances of 0.05mm up or down, but 500 grams.

Itamsys Ultem flame retardant

Original 3D filament...

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Another roll of filament for a 3D printer from the same loam and weighing half a kilogram. This is also PEI, but with metal particles integrated, making this flame retardant thermoplastic for high performance applications. Material that may even be of interest to the automotive and aerospace industries.

GIANTARM type PLA

GIANTARM PLA thread...

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This is pack of 3 spools, each weighing 0.5 kg. Also 1.75 mm thick, high quality, with a tolerance of 0.03 mm, up to 330 meters of filament per spool and suitable for 3D printers and 3D pens. The big difference is that it is available in precious metal colors: gold, silver and copper.

MSNJ PLA (wood)

3D printer filament...

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This other 1.75mm or 3mm PLA roll (your choice), weighing 1.2kg and finishing tolerances from -0.03mm to +0.03mm on a perfect surface, this product is perfect for art work. And that's because you have it in colors that will mimic yellowwood, palmwood, and ebony.

AMOLEN PLA (wood)

AMOLEN PLA thread...

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Filament 1.75 mm, PLA, excellent quality, but available in very exotic colors , such as mahogany, walnut, ebony, etc. However, it not only imitates these colors, but also contains 20% real wood fibers.

SANLU TPU

SUNLU TPU Flexible...

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3D printer filament material spool TPU i.e. flexible material (e. g. silicone cases for mobile phones). Each coil weighs 500 grams, regardless of the color chosen from the 7 available. And, of course, it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

SANLU TPU

SANLU JAYO TPU...

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If you want an alternative to the above, is also made of flexible TPU but in brighter colors, you can also choose this other drum. In addition, this firm has improved the accuracy by 0.01 mm compared to the previous one. Each coil is 0.5 grams and very high quality.

eSUN ABS+

eSUN ABS+ Thread...

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Filament for 3D printer type ABS+ , 1.75 mm, with dimensional accuracy 0.05 mm, weight 1 kg, available in two colors: cold white and black. The thread is very resistant to cracks and warping, as well as wear and heat, and is even suitable for mechanical engineering.

Smart Hips

Smartfil HIPS, 1.75mm,...

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Available in black and in two diameters to choose from, such as 1.75mm and 1.85mm. Each coil 750 grams, with Thigh material which has similar characteristics to ABS but with less warpage and can be sanded and painted with acrylics. It also has excellent mechanical properties, is highly sought after by the industrial sector, and can be used as a substrate, dissolving easily in D-limonene.

This brand, Smartfil, specializes in advanced yarns that outperform conventional yarns.

FontierFila Pack 4x Multimaterial

4x250g 1.75mm...

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You can also buy this pack of 4 3D printer filaments with a thickness of 1.75mm and a weight of 250 grams per spool, only 1kg between all. The good thing is that you have four types of material to get started and test the performance of each: white nylon, clear PETG, red Flex, and black HIPS .

TSYDSW Carbon fiber

Printer filament...

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If you are looking for something lightweight, advanced and durable, this printer filament is made from PLA but includes also carbon fiber. Available in 18 colors to choose from, in 1kg spools and 1.75mm in diameter.

Carbon fiber FJJ-DAYIN

FJJ-DAYIN, 30% fiber...

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3D printer filament spools available in 100g, 500g and 1kg. Black color, thickness 1.75 mm and a mixture of materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and 30% carbon fiber reinforcement .

Shape Futura Apollox

FormFutura - ApolloX...

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White ABS spool weighing 0.75 kg. East thread has a high performance , for professional use such as engineering. It is weather resistant and also UV resistant. It has good heat resistance and is FDA and RoHS certified.

NEXBERG HANDLE

Filament NEXBERG ASA...

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These 3D printer filaments are from ASA, i.e. Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate , a thermoplastic with some advantages over ABS such as UV resistance and low yellowing tendency. In addition, they are spools of 1kg filament with a diameter of 1.75mm and are available in white and black.

eSUN cleaning thread

eSUN Cleaning Filament...

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Un cleaning filament like this one is a type of filament that can be used to clean the extruder nozzle, prevent clogging, and also to remove debris when you are about to switch from one type material to another or when you are going to change the color. It has a diameter of 1. 75 mm and is sold in spools of 100 grams.

eSUN PA

eSUN Nylon thread...

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Coil weight 1 kg and thickness 1.75 mm, white and dark natural colors to choose from. This thread is made of nylon, so it is a synthetic fiber, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Some drums use 85% nylon and the rest PA6 and 15% carbon fiber. , which gives greater strength, stiffness and toughness.

Best		SUNLU standard resin,. ..	View Features	See offer
Price quality		JAYO Resin for...	View Features	See offer
Our favorite		ANYCUBIC Resin. ..	View Features	See offer
	ELEGOO Can be washed with water...	View Features	See offer

Best SUNLU standard resin,. ..

Price quality JAYO Resin for...

Our Favorite ANYCUBIC Resin...

ELEGOO Can be washed with water...

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The best resins

If you are looking for consumables for your polymer 3D printer , you also have the following recommended boats:

ELEGOO LCD UV 405nm

ELEGOO LCD UV 405nm...

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Gray resin photopolymer for 3D printers with LCD UV lamp, compatible with most XNUMXD printers. polymer LCD and DLP . Available in 500 grams and 1 kg and also available in red, black, green, beige and translucent colors.

ANYCUBIC LCD UV 405nm

ANYCUBIC Resin. ..

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ANYCUBIC is top brand in 3D printing and has this fantastic resin in 0.5kg or 1kg cans with different colors to choose from. Works with most 3D LCD printers and DLP lamp. In addition, the results will be exceptional.

SANLU Standard

SUNLU Standard Resin, SLA...

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Una quality resin and compatible with most 3D printers resin. Compatible with LCD and DLP printers, 405nm UV, fast curing, 1kg weight per can and available in white, black and rose beige.

ELEGOO LCD UV 405nm ABS-like

ELEGOO LCD UV 405nm...

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This other standard photopolymer from the famous ELEGOO brand is also available in 0.5 and 1 kg cans, with a choice of colors. Compatible with most DLP and LCD printers, with a similar finish to ABS but resin 3D printers.

RESORT

3D printer RESION...

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Available in sizes 0.5 kg and 1 kg, one black resin F80 elastic , with high elongation and tear resistance, it is also very resilient, which opens up a large number of possible applications. Compatible with MSLA, DLP and LCD.

3D Printing Materials: What Materials Do 3D Printers Use? professional use. However, there are many more materials that can be used with 3D printers and you should be aware of their properties.

In each of the materials you will see a brief description of what the material is, and the list of property is identical to this:

• Tensile load : refers to the load that the material can withstand before significant deformation.
• stiffness : this is the resistance to elastic deformation, that is, at low stiffness it will be an elastic material, and at high stiffness it will be a little pliable. For example, if you want better shock absorption and flexibility, you should look for something with a low stiffness like polypropylene or TPU.
• durability : refers to the quality or strength of the material.
• maximum service temperature : MST is the maximum temperature a material can be exposed to without loss of thermal insulation properties.
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : measures the change in volume or length of a material in response to a change in temperature. If it has a high degree, it will not work for applications such as rulers or parts that must maintain their dimensions at any temperature, or they will expand and be inaccurate or will not fit.
• Density : the amount of mass in relation to volume, being denser, it can be more solid and uniform, but at the same time it loses lightness. For example, if you want the material to float, you will have to look for something with a lower density.
• Ease of Printing : How easy or difficult it is to print with the specified media.
• extrusion temperature : the temperature needed to melt and print it.
• need heated bed : Do you need a heated bed.
• bed temperature : optimal temperature of the heated bed.
• UV resistance : if it is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, such as exposure to the sun without deterioration.
• Resistencia al Agua : resistant to water, immersion in water or the elements, etc.
• soluble : Some materials dissolve in others, which may be useful in some cases.
• Chemical resistance : resistance of the surface of the material to wear caused by environmental conditions.
• Fatigue resistance : When a material is subjected to periodic loading, the fatigue strength will indicate what the material is capable of withstanding without failure. For example, imagine that you are creating a part that needs to be bent during use, because a low resistance material can fail or break in 10 bends, while others can withstand thousands and thousands of bends...
• Applications (use case) : A practical example of what it can be used for.

Filament

There are many types of 3D printer filament based on polymers (and hybrids), some non-toxic, eco-friendly, biodegradable (from some made from algae to those made from hemp, vegetable starches, vegetable oils, coffee, etc. Specifications

When choosing , you must take into account several factors :

• Material type : Not all 3D printers accept all materials, it is important to choose a compatible one. In addition, you must keep in mind the properties (see the subsections for the properties of each) of each material in order to know if it will adapt to the application you are going to give it.
• Thread diameter : 1.75mm is the most common and most compatible, although other thicknesses are available.
• Use : PLA or PET-G is best for beginners, PP, ABS, PA and TPU for professional use. It's also important to consider if you're going to use them for medical purposes, for food containers or utensils (non-toxic), or if they need to be biodegradable, etc.

Some of the most commonly used :

PLA

PLA is the English abbreviation for PolyLactic Acid. and is one of the most common and cheapest 3D printing materials. That's because it's good for a lot of applications, it's cheap, and it's easy to print with. This polymer or bioplastic has properties similar to polyethylene terephthalate and is used in many applications.

• Breaking load : high
• hardness : high
• durability : medium-low
• maximum operating temperature : 52°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : under
• Gravity : High Medium
• Easy to Print : High Medium
• extrusion temperature : 190 – 220ºC
• need heated bed : optional
• bed temperature : 45-60ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : short
• instant : short
• Chemical resistance : short
• Fatigue resistance : short
• Applications (use case) : Most of the 3D printed parts and figures are made of PLA.

Meaning of ABS and ABS+

El ABS is a type of polymer, specifically acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic. . It is a highly impact resistant material used in industry and domestic applications for many purposes. This amorphous thermoplastic also has an improved version known as ABS+.

• Breaking load : Medium
• hardness : medium
• durability : high
• maximum operating temperature : 98°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : high, although resists heat very well
• Gravity : medium-low
• Easy to print : high
• extrusion temperature : 220 – 250ºC
• Heated bed required Yes
• bed temperature : 95 – 110ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : short
• instant : short
• Chemical resistance : short
• Fatigue resistance : short
• Applications (use case) : LEGO, Tente and other building blocks and many automotive parts are made from this material. It is also used to make plastic flutes, cases for TVs, computers and other household appliances.

HIPS

El HIPS material or high impact polystyrene (also called PSAI) This is another of the most commonly used materials in 3D printers. This is a variant of polystyrene, but it has been improved to not be as brittle at room temperature by adding polybutadiene, which also improves impact resistance.

• Breaking load : short
• hardness : very high
• durability : high medium
• maximum operating temperature : 100°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : under
• Density : Medium
• Easy to print : Medium
• extrusion temperature : 230 – 245ºC
• Heated bed required Yes
• bed temperature : 100 – 115ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : short
• instant : yes
• Chemical resistance : short
• Fatigue resistance : short
• Applications (use case) : Used for automotive components, toys, disposable razors, computer keyboards and mice, household items, telephones, dairy product packaging, etc.

PET

El polyethylene terephthalate or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) This is a very widely used type of plastic polymer from the polyester family. It is obtained by a polycondensation reaction between terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.

• Breaking load : Medium
• hardness : medium
• durability : high medium
• maximum operating temperature : 73°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : under
• Density : Medium
• Easy to print : high
• extrusion temperature : 230 – 250ºC
• Heated bed required Yes
• bed temperature : 75 – 90ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : good
• instant : No
• Chemical resistance : good
• Fatigue resistance : good
• Applications (use case) : It is widely used to make beverage containers such as water or soft drink bottles, although non-PET containers have been advertised recently as this material can be somewhat toxic to health. Some of the recycled PET is also used to make polyester fiber clothing.

Nylon or polyamide (PA)

El nylon, polyamide or nylon (nylon is a registered trademark) is a type of synthetic polymer belonging to the group of polyamides. It began to be used in the textile industry because it is elastic and very durable, and also does not require ironing.

• Breaking load : High medium
• stiffness : medium, fairly flexible
• durability : very high, very resistant to impact and temperature
• maximum operating temperature : 80 - 95ºC
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : medium height
• Density : Medium
• Easy to print : high
• extrusion temperature : 220 – 270ºC
• Heated bed required Yes
• bed temperature : 70 – 90ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : good
• instant : No
• Chemical resistance : short
• Fatigue resistance : high
• Applications (example of use) : In addition to clothing, it is also used to make brush and comb handles, fishing rod thread, gas tanks, some mechanical parts for toys, guitar strings, zippers, fan blades, sutures in surgery , bracelets for watches, for flanges, etc. .

ASA

ASA stands for Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate. , an amorphous thermoplastic with some resemblance to ABS, although it is an acrylic elastomer and ABS is a butadiene elastomer. This material is more UV resistant than ABS, so it can be useful for parts that will be exposed to the sun.

• Breaking load : Medium
• hardness : medium
• durability : high
• maximum operating temperature : 95°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : medium height
• Gravity : medium-low
• Easy to Print : High Medium
• extrusion temperature : 235 – 255ºC
• Heated bed required Yes
• bed temperature : 90 – 110ºC
• UV resistance : high
• Resistencia al Agua : short
• instant : No
• Chemical resistance : short
• Fatigue resistance : short
• Applications (use case) : many outdoor plastic devices manufactured by ASA, as well as sunglasses frames, some plastic products for swimming pools, etc.

PET-G

This type of filament is also a popular thermoplastic in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. PETG is a glycol polyester, that combines some of the advantages of PLA, such as the ease of printing, with the durability of ABS. It is one of the most widely used plastics in the world and many things that surround us are made from it.

• Breaking load : Medium
• hardness : medium-low
• durability : high medium
• maximum operating temperature : 73°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : under
• Density : Medium
• Easy to print : high
• extrusion temperature : 230 – 250ºC
• Heated bed required Yes
• bed temperature : 75 – 90ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : high
• instant : No
• Chemical resistance : high
• Fatigue resistance : high
• Applications (use example) : Also used for containers similar to PET containers such as plastic bottles, glasses, cups and plates, containers for chemical or cleaning products, etc.

PC or Polycarbonate

El PC or Polycarbonate This is a thermoplastic that is very easy to mold and work with to give the desired shape. It is widely used today and has excellent properties such as heat resistance and impact resistance.

• Breaking load : high
• hardness : medium
• durability : high
• maximum operating temperature : 121°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : short
• Density : Medium
• Easy to print : Medium
• extrusion temperature : 260 – 310ºC
• Heated bed required Yes
• bed temperature : 80 – 120ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : short
• instant : No
• Chemical resistance : short
• Fatigue resistance : high
• Applications (example of use) : for mineral water bottles, barrels, lids in architecture, agriculture (greenhouses), toys, stationery such as pens, rulers, CDs and DVDs, cases for electronic devices , filters, transport boxes, protective shields, vehicles, baking dishes, etc.

High Performance Polymers (PEEK, PEKK)

PEEK, or Polyether Ether Ketone, is a high purity material with low VOC or VOC content and low gas emissions. In addition, it has very good properties and is a high performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic for professional use. There is a variant of the family called PEKK, more effective, with a different structure, since instead of 1 ketone and 2 esters, it has 2 ketones and 1 ether.

• Breaking load : high
• hardness : high
• durability : high
• maximum operating temperature : 260°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : short
• Density : Medium
• Easy to print : short
• extrusion temperature : 470°C
• need heated bed Yes
• bed temperature : 120 – 150ºC
• UV resistance : High medium
• Resistencia al Agua : high
• instant : No
• Chemical resistance : high
• Fatigue resistance : high
• Applications (use case) : bearings, piston parts, pumps, valves, compression rings, cable insulation, electrical system insulation, etc.

Polypropylene (pp)

El polypropylene This is a very common thermoplastic polymer, partially crystalline. It is obtained by polymerization of propylene. It has good thermal and mechanical properties. It is incorporated into thermoplastic elastomers or TPEs such as Ninjaflex etc.

• Breaking load : short
• stiffness : low, very flexible and soft
• durability : high
• maximum operating temperature : 100°C
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : high
• Density : short
• Easy to Print : Medium-Low
• extrusion temperature : 220 – 250ºC
• Heated bed required Yes
• bed temperature : 85 – 100ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : high
• instant : No
• Chemical resistance : short
• Fatigue resistance : high
• Applications (example of use) : can be used for toys, bumpers, fuel bottles and cans, microwave or freezer resistant food containers, tubes, sheets, profiles, CD/DVD envelopes and cases, laboratory microcentrifuge tubes and etc.

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)

El TPU or thermoplastic polyurethane This is a variant of polyurethanes. It is a type of flexible polymer that does not require vulcanization to process like other similar plastics. This is fairly new material, first introduced in 2008.

• Breaking load : low-medium
• hardness : low, excellent flexibility and elasticity, soft
• durability : high
• maximum operating temperature : 60 – 74ºC
• Coefficient of thermal expansion (expansion) : high
• Density : Medium
• Easy to print : Medium
• extrusion temperature : 225 – 245ºC
• heated bed required : no (optional)
• bed temperature : 45 – 60ºC
• UV resistance : short
• Resistencia al Agua : short
• instant : No
• Chemical resistance : short
• Fatigue resistance : high
• Applications (use case) : the famous silicone cases for smartphones are mainly made of this material (at least flexible ones). It is also used for coating flexible cables, pipes and flexible hoses, in the textile industry, as a coating for some parts such as vehicle door handles, gear levers, etc., shoe soles, cushioning, etc.

Photopolymerization resins

3D printers that they use resin, instead of filaments like DLP, SLA, etc., they need resin liquid to create objects. In addition, as with threads, there are plenty to choose from. Among the main categories:

• Standard : These are transparent resins such as white and gray, although there are other shades such as blue, green, red, orange, brown, yellow, etc. It is great for prototyping or small gadgets for home use, but they are not suitable for creating final products where higher quality is required or for professional use. The positive is that they have a good finish in terms of smoothness, they can be painted. They can be suitable for toys or art figurines.
• mammoth : they are not very common, although the finish of these surfaces is not that bad. As the name suggests, these resins are designed for printing really large items.
• Clear : These are common enough for home use as well as for industrial use as people love clear parts. These resins are waterproof, ideal for small objects, with excellent quality, smooth and hard surfaces.
• Hard: These types of resins are very popular among professionals, for example for engineering applications, because they have more interesting properties than standard resins. Also, as their name suggests, they are harder and more durable.
• high detail : Slightly different from conventional stereolithography as it is used in more advanced 3D printers such as the PolyJet. It works by injecting very thin jets in layers onto the build platform and exposing them to UV light to harden them. The result is a perfect surface with the highest level of detail, even if it's the smallest details.
• medical grade : These resins are used in medical applications such as making implants such as personalized dental implants, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of

About Advantages and disadvantages of resin, before threads we have:

• advantage:
  • Best resolution
  • Quick print process
  • Strong and durable parts
• faults :
  • More expensive
  • not so flexible
  • something more complex
  • Vapors or contact with them may be hazardous as some are toxic.
  • The number of available models is less than that of the filament.

How to choose the right resin

When to choose the right resin For your 3D printer you should look at the following parameters:

• Tensile Strength : This characteristic is important if the part must withstand tensile forces and a strong part is required.
• Elongation : If necessary, the resin should give pieces that can stretch without breaking, although flexibility is not the best.
• Water absorption: If the product must be water resistant, you should pay attention to the characteristics of the resin you purchased in this regard.
• Finish Quality : These resins produce a smooth finish, but not all of them are of the same quality as we have seen in the types. You will need to know if you prefer a cheaper resin or a more expensive high detail one.
• durability : it is important that the structures are strong and long lasting, especially if they are used for cases and other similar items.
• Transparency : if you want transparent parts, stay away from mammoth or grey/standard resins.
• costs : Resins are not cheap, but there is a wide range of prices to choose from, from more affordable to more expensive and advanced. You will need to evaluate how much you want to spend and choose the one that best suits your budget.

Other materials

Of course, so far we have considered materials that are mainly used in the home, although some of them could be used for professional or industrial use. However, there are other special materials for very specific applications of and that they can only use the most advanced and expensive 3D printers used in companies.

Fillers (metal, wood,…)

There are also filling consumables, mainly from wood and metal fibers . These are usually 3D printers for industrial use and with somewhat more advanced systems, especially metal ones. These consumables are also not easy to find, as they are focused on professional use.

composites

composites or composite resins they are synthetic materials heterogeneously mixed to form compounds. For example, fiberglass, or fibers, as well as fiberglass themselves, Kevlar, Zylon, etc. In terms of their applications, they can be used to create very light and strong parts, and even for motorsport, aviation, aerospace, bulletproof vests and other military applications, etc.

hybrid materials

These types of materials combine organic and inorganic compounds to improve the properties of the materials used in its composition, so that they complement each other and create synergies. They can have a wide variety of applications such as optics, electronics, mechanics, biology, etc.

Ceramics

There are 3D printers that can use ceramics, as is the case with alumina (aluminum oxide) , aluminum nitride, zirconite, nutrient silicon, silicon carbide, etc. An example of such 3D printers is Cerambot, which also has an affordable price for home use among other industrial models. These types of materials have very good thermal, chemical, and electrical (insulating) properties, which is why they are used in the electric power, aerospace, and other industries.

Soluble materials (PVA, BVO…)

Soluble materials , as their name suggests, are those (solutes) that, when in contact with another liquid (solvent), form a solution. Some of them can be used in additive manufacturing, such as BVOH, PVA, etc. BVOH (butenediol-vinyl alcohol copolymer), like Verbatim, is a water-soluble thermoplastic filament for FFF printers. PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is another water-soluble filament widely used in 3D printing. For example, they can be used to support parts that can then be easily removed by dissolving in water.

food and biomaterials

Of course, there are also 3D printers capable of printing edible items, vegetable fibers, sugar, chocolate, proteins and other types of nutrients. Biomaterials for medical use such as tissues or organs can also be printed, although this is still under development. Obviously, many of these biomaterials are not commercially available, but are made specifically for the laboratory. It is also not common to find food items, although they are becoming more common in the professional catering industry.

concrete

Finally, there are also 3D printers that can print on building materials such as cement or concrete. These types of printers are usually very large and are capable of printing large architectural structures such as houses.

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