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Strongest filament for 3d printer
Choosing between PC, nylon, TPU, and others
Good 3D printing materials tend to offer a mix of desirable characteristics. These characteristics can include printability, durability, chemical resistance, temperature resistance, and flexibility, to name just a few. Chief among these desirable properties, however, is strength: nobody wants their 3D printed parts to break, and material strength is one of the best ways to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Take a look at the filament market and it’s easy to see that the strongest 3D printer filaments out there command a higher price than their weaker counterparts. This is partly due to the cost of the stronger raw materials, and partly due to the increased use of 3D printing as a tool for end-use manufacturing, with real functional parts requiring greater strength than prototypes. Demand for high-strength materials is growing, and many manufacturers have been happy to provide solutions.
This article looks at some of the strongest 3D printer filaments available for users of FDM 3D printers. It is by no means an exhaustive guide to high-strength materials, but it takes a look at some of the most popular high-strength filaments in the consumer sphere, while also touching on some professional-grade materials reserved for advanced users.
Strong 3D printing filament is in high demand, but “strength” can actually mean a few different things in this context. When comparing filaments, you’ll see terms like tensile strength, impact strength, tear strength, and flexural strength — all of which can be measured using standardized strength tests — in addition to more general terms like durability and toughness.
These different terms are needed because materials can be strong or weak in different ways. For example, try to imagine the relative strength of a glass bottle and a piece of chewing gum. If you were to hurl the two objects at a wall, the glass would obviously break and the chewing gum would survive almost unscathed. But you could much more easily pull the chewing gum apart with your hands than you could the glass bottle.
All of the various strength-related attributes are important when it comes to choosing and buying 3D printer filament. However, two types of strength are generally prioritized over any other. These are tensile strength and impact strength.
Tensile strength
Used to indicate the ultimate strength of a material or part, tensile strength can be defined as the ability to resist breakage when under tension, i.e. when being pulled or stretched.
Tensile strength is the most widely used indicator of strength for 3D printed parts, because it indicates a material’s suitability for load-bearing or mechanical applications. It is expressed in megapascals (MPa) or, in the United States, in pounds per square inch (psi), and values are determined by performing a tensile test: literally pulling a piece of the material apart and using a tensometer to record the exact degree of tension at which the material breaks. It is a key metric for almost any functional printed part.
At the low-cost consumer level, the strongest 3D printer filaments in terms of tensile strength include polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG), and polylactic acid (PLA). Weak materials include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
Materials with good tensile strength are harder to break when pulled
Impact strength
Another key indicator of strength is impact strength. Synonymous with toughness, impact strength is the ability of a material or part to absorb shock and sudden impact without breaking. It is an important material property for items like safety equipment and children’s toys.
Impact strength is defined as the amount of energy — generally expressed in kilojoules per square meter (kJ/m2) — that the material is able to absorb without breaking. Brittle materials have a low level of impact strength and can break more easily when subjected to sudden impact.
However, materials can have a high impact strength and a low tensile strength, and vice versa.
Unfortunately, due to the many different ways of testing for impact strength, it can be difficult to compare the exact toughnesses of two different filaments side by side. Two different filament manufacturers might use different testing methods and even different units of measurement.
At the consumer level, the strongest 3D printer filaments in terms of impact resistance include ABS filament, PETG filament, PC filament, and flexible filaments like TPU. One very weak material in terms of impact strength is PLA, which can easily shatter if it is dropped or struck.
Other strength metrics
Beyond tensile strength and impact strength, some notable terms you might find on a material’s data sheet include:
Flexural strength: Refers to how well a material can resist breakage when it is bent or under load; expressed in megapascals (MPa)
Tear strength: Refers to how well a material can resist the growth of cuts when it is under load; expressed in kilonewtons per meter (kN/m)
Elongation at break: Relates to tensile strength and refers to how much a material stretches before it breaks when under tension; expressed as a percentage
Recommended reading: 5 options to get strong parts with 3D printing
Approx tensile strength: 70 MPa
One of the strongest FDM 3D printing materials — in terms of both tensile[1] and impact strength — is polycarbonate (PC).
In fact, polycarbonate filament would likely be one of the most popular printing materials were it not so difficult to print.
Advantages of polycarbonate, besides its excellent tensile and impact strength, include its temperature resistance and its suitability for printing transparent parts. An obstacle to the printing of PC is its very high melting point and the very high temperatures required to print it. Extruder temperatures of at least 260 °C are required, with some formulations needing more than 300 °C, which is beyond the capabilities of consumer-level desktop 3D printers. A bed temperature of around 100 °C is recommended.
Some brands of PC contain additives that reduce the material’s melting point, but these additives can also compromise the material’s strength and heat resistance, making them less suitable for end-use parts such as automotive components.
PC 3D printing is usually limited to non-budget systems that can print at high temperatures and extract the best strength properties from the material.
However, even these systems can struggle to control the material’s proneness to warping.
Popular PC filaments include Raise3D Premium PC, Polymaker PolyMax, and 3DXTech 3DXMax PC.
Approx tensile strength: 50–80 MPa
Another strong filament in both the tensile and impact departments is nylon (PA). Although not as robust as PC, nylon filament is marginally easier to print, requiring an extruder temperature of around 250 °C and a heated bed set to around 80 °C.
Nylon is perhaps more often associated with selective laser sintering (SLS), where it is used in powder form to make industrial parts and prototypes. However, nylon FDM 3D printer filament is widely available and typically comes at a lower price point than PC. Compared to PC, it is slightly more flexible, which may be desirable for certain functional parts. Other advantages of nylon filament include its excellent durability, surface smoothness, and layer adhesion.
Although most desktop printers can process nylon filament, the high-strength material has drawbacks. For example, it is highly hygroscopic and prone to absorbing moisture, which can cause a variety of printing issues, such as the formation of bubbles in the nozzle. Like PC, nylon is also susceptible to warping as it cools down.
Popular nylon filaments include MatterHackers Pro Series Nylon, Ultimaker Nylon, and ColorFabb PA.
Approx tensile strength: 20–50 MPa
Though not usually thought of as high-strength materials due to their very low tensile strength, flexible filaments like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) actually offer a very high level of impact strength, making them suitable for shock-absorbing printed objects and functional parts like protective enclosures. Naturally, TPU has a very high elongation at break compared to more rigid materials, and the material also has good abrasion resistance and chemical resistance.
Its tensile strength, however, is very low, making it unsuitable for mechanical parts.
Most desktop 3D printers can print TPU and other varieties of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), with a hot end temperature of around 230 °C required. However, note the best 3D printers for printing flexible filaments have direct-drive extruders, as Bowden extruders can suffer filament tangles.
Popular TPU filaments include NinjaTek Cheetah TPU, Polymaker PolyFlex, and Fillamentum Flexfill.
Recommended reading: TPU print settings explained
In professional and industrial settings, many FDM users are now turning to high-performance materials like PAEK (PEEK and PEKK) and PEI (ULTEM) for the production of end-use parts, especially in demanding industries like automotive and aerospace. When filament strength is the highest priority, these engineering-grade materials are far better than ordinary products like PLA filament.
High-performance plastics offer a very high level of tensile strength. PEEK filament, for example, can have a tensile strength as high as 100 MPa, notably higher than PC filament and significantly higher than ABS filament. Materials in the PAEK family also have very good impact strength; PEI is slightly less tough, but is typically much more affordable than PAEK filament.
The obvious drawback of high-performance polymers is that they cannot be printed on beginner-level printers or even mid-level desktop machines. They demand much higher temperatures (nozzle, bed, and enclosure) than regular materials, are more expensive, and sometimes require annealing to maximize their mechanical performance.[2]
Popular high-performance filaments include 3DXTECH ThermaX PEEK and Markforged ULTEM 9085.
The strength and stiffness of thermoplastics can be increased by mixing them with reinforcing additives, creating what is called a composite filament.
Common additives include chopped carbon fiber and fiberglass.
Composites are popular in FDM 3D printing because they enable users to incorporate strong materials like carbon fiber without adjusting the printing process. Because there is a greater amount of thermoplastic than additive in the composite, the material can still be melted and extruded like an ordinary filament.
Reinforced composites can have a high level of tensile strength. For instance, MatterHackers NylonX (a composite of nylon and carbon fiber) has a tensile strength of 100 MPa.
Note, however, that FDM carbon fiber filaments have limits on their strength, because the chopped fibers mixed into the material are randomly oriented. Advanced composite printing technologies, such as those developed by Markforged and Desktop Metal, are able to print continuous fibers, resulting in much stronger parts.[3]
Choosing the strongest 3D printer filament for your needs comes down to two key factors: the type of strength required and the level of strength required (that is feasible with the printing hardware available).
If the parts need to withstand constant loads and stresses, then materials with a high tensile strength should be prioritized. These include PLA and PETG at the cheaper end, materials like PC in the middle, and composites or high-performance polymers — offering the very highest levels of tensile strength — at the premium end.
If the parts need to withstand sudden impact, then materials with a high impact strength or toughness should be prioritized. Such materials include ABS and TPU at the consumer end and high-performance polymers at the premium end.
In general, materials like nylon and polycarbonate are favored by many FDM users because they offer a good balance between affordability, tensile strength, and impact strength.
[1] Tanikella NG, Wittbrodt B, Pearce JM. Tensile strength of commercial polymer materials for fused filament fabrication 3D printing. Additive Manufacturing. 2017 May 1;15:40-7.
[2] Yi N, Davies R, Chaplin A, McCutchion P, Ghita O.
Slow and fast crystallising poly aryl ether ketones (PAEKs) in 3D printing: Crystallisation kinetics, morphology, and mechanical properties. Additive Manufacturing. 2021 Mar 1;39:101843.
[3] Yang C, Tian X, Liu T, Cao Y, Li D. 3D printing for continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites: mechanism and performance. Rapid Prototyping Journal. 2017 Jan 16.
Strongest 3D Printer Filament: Your Best 3D Printing Options
Layer by layer, 3D printers deposit filament to make incredible designs. But how can you tell how strong the finished print will be?
Filament has unique benefits to make it suitable for different needs. Whilst there are some seriously strong options available, there are multiple definitions for the term ‘strength.’
To help you find the right filament for your next project, we are going to take a closer look at the different types available and find the right kind of strong 3D printer filament for your needs.
Some of the strongest 3D printer filaments include:
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Nylon
- ABS
- PEEK
- Carbon fiber composites
What Are The Different Types Of Filament Strength?
Tensile Strength
Known as the max load an object can support before it breaks.
This is going to be useful for weight-bearing prints such as hooks. Common materials such as PLA may surprise you with their 7,250 psi strength, but there are plenty of stronger options better suited to different applications.
Impact Resistant
When two objects collide you need to know your print is not going to break. It could also be described as its toughness, but anything that is overly brittle will likely be damaged when dropped.
Chemical Resistance
Is your filament going to degrade once it is exposed to chemicals? Any 3D print that may come into contact with acids or solvents will need to offer higher chemical resistance.
ABS is famously susceptible to acetone, which is commonly used to give your prints a sleek shine, but often you want your prints instead to resist chemicals.
Temperature Deflection
This is the temperature that a material can withstand before it starts to deform. Any printed object that is going to be exposed to high temperatures, be it from friction or direct, will need to have high-temperature deflection.
Why Is This Important?
Everyone has different needs, but luckily there is always a filament to match. Anyone 3D printing toys for example will need filament that is impact resistant. That way, it can withstand a bit of harsh treatment from young children.
If you are printing food containers and liquid bottles you will need heat-resistant filament and certain options that are far better for this.
Some filaments offer better elongated strength. Like rubber, this means they can bend further before they might break. Anyone making phone cases will need to find a filament that can be bent a little to fit around a phone.
We’re going to consider each of these areas, and take a look at the strongest 3D filament to make sure you end up with the ideal material for your next print.
Polycarbonate (PC) – Strongest Against Brute Force
Pros
- Great strength and impact resistance — commonly used in robot combat and other uses
- High thermal resistance
Cons
- Very difficult to print as it requires such high temperatures
- Requires metal hot end and an enclosure
PC is absolutely one of the strongest filaments available, it is pretty much bulletproof! It is literally used to make bullet-proof glass, motorcycle helmets, and riot gear which is testament to its strength.
It is often used for printing phone cases since it is impact resistant, and can be trusted to protect your valuable smartphone should it slip from your hand.
A durable material, it is also known for its optical clarity, which is why it can be used to print scuba masks.
The British Plastics Federation says it can maintain rigidity up to 140°C, and toughness down to -20°C. Because of this, it won’t break down and become less solid until it reaches a temperature that is higher than a lot of the alternatives.
Polycarbonate prints can be bent at room temperature without cracking or breaking and it doesn’t show signs of wear even after many uses. This is great for ensuring prints can be handled without having to worry about them being too brittle.
Its impact strength is arguably its greatest plus point. Even though it is so lightweight, it is far stronger than acrylic and is a great transparent alternative. This is because its impact resistance is 250 times that of glass.
To put its strength into numbers, AC Plastics Inc confirm that it has a tensile strength of 9,500 psi meaning it can withstand a pressure of being around 20,000 feet underwater before it would suffer any signs of breakage.
PEEK Filament – Best Chemical Resistance
Pros
- Incredibly strong – metal level strength but much lighter
- Sterilizable – which gives it useful medical applications
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Very hard to print – best to print with specialized high-temperature printers
Another popular 3D printing material is based upon its reliability and extreme strength PEEK is processed via phased polymerization at a seriously high temperature.
This makes PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) resistant to chemical, organic, and biodegradation in a way that other materials cannot match.
Because this filament doesn’t absorb as much moisture as other filament, it can be sterilized easily making it a popular option for medical fields, as well as food-grade products.
It is even used to manufacture custom implants. Since it has similar properties to human bone, PEEK can encourage tissues to reconstruct around the implant, enhancing the limb replacement process.
Read more: the best PEEK 3D printers
Nylon – Most Versatile
Pros
- Strong and slightly flexible which boosts impact resistance
Cons
- Very hygroscopic – needs to be stored dry
- Warps if not printed under the right conditions
A popular and strong filament used in 3D printers, Nylon is known for its great tensile strength which can reach up to 7,000 PSI.
It is highly heat and chemical resistant making it an excellent all-rounder. Because it has enough give in it to bend a little without breaking, it is useful for making mechanical parts such as gears and functional prototypes such as tools.
Nylon may not be as strong as the likes of ABS, but great strides are being made when combining it with fiberglass and carbon fiber particles to increase its strength.
The way it melts means Nylon has excellent layer bonding and will remain strong no matter how tall the print is. This is great for ensuring layer separation does not become an issue, ruining a lengthy print process.
But much like any filament, Nylon has its flaws. It is hygroscopic and as a result, it needs to be kept in airtight filament storage. Otherwise, it could warp during printing. It also needs temperatures that exceed 250°C.
Nylon is also known as Polyamide (PA). With a thermal resistance of up to 120ºC, Polyamide remains strong even when exposed to high temperatures for an extended period. If your print is going to be exposed to heat, Nylon is a great option.
It has a semicrystalline structure which means it will remain solid for a while until a certain quantity of heat is absorbed. Because of this, Nylon is a versatile filament, commonly used to print parts that are exposed to different environments, especially those with high heat.
Use it to make manufacturing materials such as bearings, nuts, washers, and handles, where it can be exposed to abrasion, heat, and even heavy impacts.
Nylon remains a resistant option for anyone looking for a strong 3D printer filament.
Read more: the best Nylon 3D printers
Carbon Fiber Composite Filament – Best Lightweight/Strength Combination
Pros
- Super strong yet lightweight
Cons
- Will destroy any brass or softer material nozzles
- Generally expensive
As the name suggests, composite filaments are made up of more than one material.
They are usually produced by combining PLA filament with carbon fibers. This can give them a different appearance, which is why wood and copper are popular filaments, but these aren’t necessarily strong.
Instead, carbon fiber is the best composite filament for 3D print strength. Using thin fibers of carbon is an excellent option for anyone needing to produce strong, yet light prints. These are advantageous in sports, so the strong and lightweight combination will benefit anyone printing tennis rackets, softball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and more.
If you want to remain swift on the court, then a light, yet durable tennis racket is going to be a huge advantage.
Athletes are always looking for innovative ways of increasing performance, which is why carbon fiber is used on virtually every competitive bike.
It is unusual for a composite filament to have enhanced strength as the result of combining two materials, most base plastic is weakened by the addition of a second material, carbon fiber is the exception.
MatterHackers proved this when they printed hooks with carbon fiber infused nylon, and glass infused nylon filament (NylonG), and found they could hold 349 and 268 pounds on average.
Experts say that carbon fiber composite can be 42% lighter than aluminum and has almost no thermal expansion. It is no wonder experts are constantly looking for ways to make use of carbon fiber composites, even in the medical industry!
It is a radiolucent material that doesn’t block x-rays which ensures exact results of scans, making it a popular material for x-ray systems.
ABS – Best Cost-Effective For Strength
Pros
- Strong despite low cost
- Lack of chemical resistance gives it useful applications
Cons
- Warps without an enclosure
- Good heat resistance
Otherwise known as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS is a high-impact resistant filament. This is why it is commonly found in technical prints such as moving parts or anything likely to come under high stress during use.
Commonly found in plumbing parts and food processing components, It is a decent all-rounder offering a mix of impact, heat, and chemical resistance.
Although PLA has a greater tensile strength compared to ABS (7,250 psi vs 4,700), PLA has poor heat resistance. Because of this, ABS can be better for making prototypes.
Softening at 105ºC, it has decent heat resistance, but due to its susceptibility to warping and cracking, it is harder to print than the commonly used PLA.
To make this less likely, use a heated print bed as ABS contracts when cooled.
It remains a cost-effective choice compared to a lot of the alternatives. So, if you need high-strength and quality prints with a pleasant finish, all without the hit in the pocket, ABS is a good option.
Other articles you may be interested in:
- Food-grade 3D printer filament guide
- Carbon fiber 3D printer buyer’s guide
- NylonX filament guide
- Glass filament guide
What is the most durable material for 3D printing?
3DPrintStory 3D printing process What is the most durable material for 3D printing?
While the 3D printing process seems like a great alternative to traditional manufacturing methods, the parts produced can be fragile and unusable.
As a rule, this is the result of using standard materials that are not designed for strength and durability. But there is a solution: use durable materials! Durable 3D printing materials can greatly enhance your options, as you can print parts and assemblies for small projects without fear of breakage. nine0005
In this article, we'll take a look at the three most durable types of 3D printing materials. However, before that, we will take a closer look at what strength means in terms of filament materials.
What is strength and how do we evaluate it?
The strength of a material can be measured and evaluated in different ways. In this article, we will mainly use tensile strength (stress before something breaks). We will list the tensile strength of each 3D printing material in pounds or pounds per square inch (PSI). nine0005
Despite the obvious number of pounds the material can support, there is still a margin of error depending on how the part was printed.
We've compiled research from a variety of sources to make sure these three materials are the strongest.
You must also understand that the material itself is not the only factor that affects the strength of the finished product. The design itself, post-processing and the 3D printing process also affect the strength of the part.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (PC) is considered by many manufacturers and reviewers to be the strongest 3D printing filament available. In particular, it is possible to achieve high strength of polycarbonate products by 3D printing with an all-metal hot end and a 3D printer in a case that is isolated from the influence of the external environment.
Some Numbers
Airwolf 3D has come to the conclusion after many filament tests that polycarbonate is the best choice of durable filaments for desktop 3D printers. They were able to hang up to 685 pounds on a polycarbonate printed hook and found that this material had a tensile strength of 9800 psi.
In contrast, the same part printed in PLA could only support 285 pounds.
Using a similar test, MatterHackers studied the tear strength of this type of thread, as well as a number of other materials. They were able to hang an average of 409 pounds on the polycarbonate hook, while the PLA parts had a significantly lighter average weight of just 154 pounds.
Finally, renowned 3D printing YouTuber Thomas Sunladerer reviewed several polycarbonate materials and gave very positive feedback on the strength of the material. nine0005
3D printing with polycarbonate
It is worth noting that the quality of 3D printing with polycarbonate is not very good. Compared to other materials, protrusions and small details may not turn out as well as using the same PLA.
According to Rigid.Ink, polycarbonate is mostly sold in clear. This 3D printing material has excellent heat resistance as well as impact resistance. But note that you will have to print at high temperatures.
As mentioned above, it is better to use an enclosed 3D printer and a solid metal hotend. nine0005
Pros of polycarbonate : extra strong, excellent thermal and impact resistance.
Cons of polycarbonate : does not cope well with protrusions and small details of a 3D model, requires a body and an all-metal hot end, a limited number of colors.
Nylon
Next on our list of durable 3D printing materials is nylon. This material is considered by many to be the most reliable for desktop 3D printers. Nylon is inferior in strength to polycarbonate, but still clearly stronger than other competitors such as PLA and ABS. nine0005
Some numbers
A hook printed with nylon (910) thread had a breaking strength of 7,000 psi, while the same ABS hook only had a strength of 4,700 psi, according to Airwolf 3D. Airwolf 3D also noted that the nylon filament-printed clip holds 485 pounds.
MatterHackers posted similar results and noticed that a hook printed with their NylonX material can hold an average of 364 pounds before it breaks.
Rigid.Ink also reviewed some nylon threads and gave them a four out of five rating for strength and a five for durability. For comparison: the strength and durability of PLA is three conventional units. nine0005
Nylon 3D printing
Nylon is slightly easier to print than polycarbonate, but it's still not PLA. Nylon filament is quite hygroscopic, so it must be kept dry and requires a high printing temperature of 220-270°C. This material is prone to slight warpage, but is also resistant to impact, fatigue, and high temperature.
Nylon pros: impact resistance, fatigue resistance, heat resistance, easier to print than polycarbonate.
Nylon 9 cons0042 : hygroscopic, warping, very high hot end temperature required.
Composites
Finally, composite threads, although not essentially a single material, can be extremely strong. Composites are threads with certain additives that affect the properties of the material, including to increase strength.
The names of these threads usually have the words "pro", "reinforced" (reinforced) or "infused" (infused), since they are usually a mixture of different materials. nine0005
For this reason, it is impossible to assess where the composite fibers are compared to the two previous materials. Some composites, such as Carbonyte, can compete with nylon threads for strength, while some composites are less durable.
It all depends on what the composite thread consists of. Durable is usually a high strength material such as nylon impregnated with another high strength material such as carbon fiber or glass. nine0005
Speaking of carbon fiber, this is also a very strong filament that is sometimes used for 3D printed bicycles. However, some composite fibers are stronger than many pure carbon fibers, so they are not in the top three, but deserve special mention as composite fibers.
Some numbers
We will use carbon fiber nylon and glass fiber nylon threads as examples.
MatterHackers has determined that hooks printed on these materials can hold an average of 349and 268 pounds respectively.
Rigid.Ink gave the fiberglass nylon filament four out of five ratings for strength and five for durability. They also gave the carbon fiber nylon a five out of five rating for both strength and durability. In comparison, PLA and ABS were in the top three for strength.
3D printing with composites
Composites vary in the way they are 3D printed, but they are generally relatively similar to their base material. Durable composite fibers are usually made from nylon, so you'll have to print at fairly high temperatures. These threads are also quite expensive. nine0110
Every year 3D printing becomes more popular and accessible. Previously, a 3D printer was more like a complex CNC machine, but now manufacturers are meeting users. Simplified and automated settings that many beginners drove into a stupor.
Despite this, it can be difficult for a novice user to understand the variety of constantly appearing plastics for a 3D printer.
The choice of plastic for a 3D printer is very important, especially when the goal is to print a functional model with certain properties. It will be a shame if the printed gear breaks almost immediately, or the decorative model quickly loses its beauty.
It is important to understand whether the printer will be able to work with the selected plastic. Some materials (most often engineering) require certain conditions for successful printing.
First, decide which model you want to print. What properties should it have? Does the model need to be durable? Or is it a master model for further replication, in which the quality of the surface is important? nine0005
90% of 3D printers use 1.75 diameter filament. 3mm diameter is rare, but it is better to check in advance which size is used in your printer.
PLA
PLA (Polylactide) is the most popular and affordable 3D printer plastic.
PLA is made from sugar cane, corn or other natural raw materials. Therefore, it is considered a non-toxic, biodegradable material.
Extruder temperature - 190-220 degrees. Heating the table is not needed, but if the printer's table has a "heater" for better adhesion, you can heat it up to 50-60 degrees. PLA is very easy to work with. The only requirement is to blow the model. There is practically no shrinkage in this material. When printed, it has almost no smell, and if it smells, the smell is reminiscent of burnt caramel.
Pros:
-
Does not shrink. This makes it easy to build prefabricated or huge models without changing dimensions. nine0005
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There are no specific requirements for a 3D printer. Any working 3D printer will do. PLA doesn't need a heated table or a closed case.
-
Non-toxic. Due to this, during printing it does not smell or has a barely perceptible aroma of burnt caramel.
-
Diverse color palette.
nine0153 Cons:
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PLA is poorly sanded and machined.
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It begins to deform already with a slight heating (about 50 degrees).
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Fragility. Compared to other materials, PLA is very brittle and breaks easily.
-
Decomposes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Of course, it will not fall apart into dust, but it can become more brittle and fade. nine0005
PLA is perfect for making dimensional or composite models. For example, decorative interior items, prototyping, electronics cases, etc.
Recently, PLA+ has appeared on the market. It may differ from conventional PLA in improved performance. For example, more durable, with improved layer adhesion.
Dummy turbine
Decorative coasters
ABS
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the second most popular plastic for 3D printing due to its properties, availability and low price.
Extruder temperature - 220-240 degrees. The temperature of the table is 80-100 degrees. For printing, a heated table is required at the printer. It is desirable to have a closed chamber, because ABS "does not like" drafts. Due to a sharp temperature drop, it can “unstick” from the table or crack in layers. ABS can smell bad when printing, so it is recommended to use the printer with a closed chamber and filters, or print in a well-ventilated area. nine0005
Pros:
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Good strength characteristics allow the production of functional prototypes from ABS.
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Simple mechanical and chemical processing. ABS is easy to sand and drill, and with an acetone bath you can achieve a perfectly smooth surface.
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It is currently the most inexpensive type of plastic for 3D printing. nine0005
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Large selection of colors and shades.
Cons:
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High shrinkage.
Because of this, it can be problematic to manufacture overall products. -
Printing requires a heated bed and a closed chamber. Without this, the ABS may peel off the table or crack in layers.
nine0110 -
During the printing process, ABS can smell bad. Therefore, it is recommended that you print in a ventilated area or use the printer with a sealed chamber and filter.
ABS is an engineering plastic. It is suitable for the manufacture of simple functional products.
ABS after chemical treatment in an acetone bath
nine0005
RU model made of ABS
ABS+ differs from conventional ABS in improved strength characteristics (elasticity, rigidity, hardness), less shrinkage and sometimes resistance to certain oils and solvents (eg gasoline).
HIPS
HIPS (high impact polystyrene) - originally conceived as a soluble support plastic for materials with high printing temperatures.
For example for ABS or Nylon. nine0005
The extruder temperature is 230-260 degrees. The temperature of the table is 80-100 degrees. It is desirable to have a closed camera for a 3D printer.
Pros:
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Less shrinkage than ABS.
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Ease of machining.
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The matte surface looks very advantageous on decorative products. nine0005
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Food contact allowed (but be sure to check with a specific manufacturer for certificates)
Cons:
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For printing, you need a printer with a heated table and a closed chamber.
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More flexible and less durable than ABS. Because of this, it will not be possible to produce functional products. nine0005
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Small palette of colors.
Most often, HIPS is used for its intended purpose for printing on 2x extruder printers as a support for ABS.
It dissolves perfectly (though not very quickly) in limonel.
Sometimes HIPS is used as an independent material. Products from it are not very durable, but this plastic is loved for easy post-processing. HIPS can be used for models that will subsequently come into contact with food (not hot). nine0005
Using HIPS as a Soluble Support
Decorative vase made of HIPS
PVA
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is a material that was developed as a water soluble support for PLA.
Extruder temperature - 190-210. Table heating is not required. PVA is a slightly "capricious" material, it is not recommended to overheat it and print at high speeds. nine0005
PVA is very hygroscopic and dissolves in plain water. Therefore, it is only used as a support for PLA or other plastics with print temperatures close to PVA.
Soluble PVA Support
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| Manufacturer | Esun
PETG
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate) combines the best properties of PLA and ABS.
It is easy to work with, it has a low percentage of shrinkage and excellent sintering of the layers.
Extruder temperature - 220-240 degrees. Table temperature - 80-100 degrees. During the printing process, the model must be well blown.
Pros: nine0005
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Excellent sinterability of layers.
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PETG is very strong and wear resistant. Good impact resistance.
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Virtually no smell when printing.
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Non-toxic.
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Little shrinkage.
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slight shrinkage
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Transparency. After treatment with solvent, limonel or dichloromethane, beautiful transparent products with an almost smooth surface can be obtained.
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Allowed contact with food.
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High strength and wear resistance.
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High slip factor.
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Heat resistance compared to other 3D printing plastics.
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High resistance to many solvents.
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Good for mechanical processing.
Perfectly polished and drilled. -
Some fillers (eg clay) are abrasive. For such plastics, the standard brass nozzle cannot be used. Will have to buy a harder steel nozzle.
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Some decorative plastics can clog the small nozzle (0.4 or less). For them, you need to use a “thicker” nozzle. nine0005
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Hardness and strength.
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Low flammability or non-combustibility.
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High precision due to low shrinkage.
nine0131
Cons:
PETG is perfect for printing functional models. Due to its low shrinkage, it is often used to make large or composite models. Due to its low toxicity, PETG is often used for products that will come into contact with food.
Cookie cutters and patterned rolling pin
SBS
It is a highly transparent material. At the same time, it is durable and resilient.
SBS is a low toxicity plastic. It can be used to print food contact models. nine0005
Extruder temperature - 230 -260 degrees. Table temperature - 60-100 degrees. You can print without the closed case on the printer.
Pros:
Easily processed mechanically or chemically.
Cons:
SBS is excellent for translucent vases, children's toys and food containers. Or functional things that require transparency, such as custom turn signals for a motorcycle or car, lamps or bottle prototypes. nine0005
Vases are perfectly printed with a thick nozzle (0.7-0.8) in one pass (printing in 1 wall or spiral printing in a slicer).
Models of bottles after chemical treatment
Nylon
Nylon (polyamide) is considered the most durable material available for home 3D printing. In addition to good abrasion resistance and strength, it has a high slip coefficient. nine0005
Extruder temperature - 240-260 degrees. The temperature of the table is 80-100 degrees. Nylon is a very capricious and hygroscopic material - it is recommended to dry the coil with plastic before use. To print, you need a printer with a heated table and a closed chamber, without this it will be difficult to print something larger than a small gear.
Pros:
nine0153 Cons:
Nylon is perfect for making wear-resistant parts - gears, functional models, etc. Sometimes nylon is used to print bushings.
Nylon gear
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Product added to compare Go
| Manufacturer | Tiger3D |
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Product added to compare Go
| Manufacturer | Tiger3D |
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Product added to compare Go
| Manufacturer | Esun
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Product added to compare Go nine0005
| Manufacturer | Bestfilament |
Soft plastics
FLEX (TPU, TPE, TPC) is a material similar to silicone or rubber. It is flexible and elastic, but at the same time tear-resistant. For example, TPE is a rubbery plastic, while TPU is more rigid.
FLEX are printed at a temperature of 200-240 (depending on the material). A heated table is not required. On printers with direct material feed (feed mechanism on the print head), there are usually no problems with printing. On a bowden feeder (the feed mechanism is located on the body), printing with very soft plastics can be difficult. Usually it is necessary to additionally adjust the clamping of the bar. The main nuance is the very low print speeds - 20-40mm. nine0005
Pros:
Cons:
Depending on the type of FLEXa, the models can be flexible or rubber-like. This material, depending on its softness, can be used to print gaskets, insoles, belts, tracks or other models that require flexibility or softness.
FLEX belt
nine0204 Trainers with flexible soles
Wheel for switchgear model
Decorative plastics
Decorative plastics are PLA plastics with various fillers (wood or metal shavings).
Or with dyes selected to imitate different materials. Since the base of the plastic is PLA, it is very easy to print.
Extruder temperature - 200-220 degrees (depending on the manufacturer). A heated table is not required. nine0005
Pros:
Cons:
Depending on the filler, different material properties are obtained. Plastics that use only dye do not require additional processing. Materials with "fillers" may sometimes require additional post-processing.
Plastics with metal fillers after printing must be processed with a metal brush. Then the Metal content will show through and the model will resemble a metal casting.nine0145
Plastics with metallic powder
These plastics are often used for printing key chains, decorative models and interior details.
If the plastic has a high content of wood dust, then it is recommended to use a larger nozzle diameter (0.5 or more), a smaller nozzle can quickly become clogged during printing.
Wood-filled plastic ground
Plastic key rings with copper dust
Engineering plastics
These are nylon-based plastics with fillers that improve strength, heat-resistant and other characteristics, help to achieve less shrinkage of the material. For example - carbon fiber, carbon fiber or fiberglass.
Extruder temperature - 240-300 degrees (depending on the manufacturer). Table temperature - 90-110 degrees. Since plastics are based on nylon, the requirements for printing are similar. This is a heated table and a closed printer case.
Pros:
Cons:
3D printers use brass nozzles, some plastics can quickly “waste” it during printing. For such materials it is recommended to use steel nozzles.
These are highly specialized plastics used for a specific task, depending on the filler. For example, functional parts that do not lose their shape when heated, are resistant to many solvents, etc. nine0005
Functional Carbon Fiber Composite Prototype
Composite frame
Polycarbonate ashtray
Totals
This is of course not the whole list of materials for 3D printing. There are many highly specialized engineering and decorative plastics for specific tasks.
nine0005
Manufacturers are constantly trying to replenish the range of materials for 3D printing. Already familiar materials are improved for more comfortable printing. There are many interesting decorative plastics imitating different materials - ceramics, clay, wood, metals.
And of course, the assortment of engineering plastics is constantly updated. Now there are many interesting materials for highly specialized tasks - for example, burnable plastic with a low ash content for subsequent casting in metal. nine0005
Burnout plastic
Before buying a coil, read the information on the website of the manufacturer or seller. There you can find some nuances of printing for a particular plastic. The manufacturer indicates the recommended temperature range on the box. Sometimes, for quality printing, it is recommended to print several tests to adjust the temperature settings, retract, etc.
Try to store the started coil in silica gel bags.
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