Guide to 3D printing materials


In: Knowledge On: Hit: 470

3D printing enables rapid and cost-effective prototyping and production of parts for a wide range of applications. However, choosing the right 3D printing process is only one side of the coin. Ultimately, the ability to create parts with the desired mechanical properties, functional characteristics or appearance will depend largely on the materials.

Guide to 3D printing materials

The comprehensive one Guide to 3D printing materials are presented on available 3D printing materials and their properties and applications. dozens of 3D printing plastics, each of which has its own specific characteristics that are best suited for applications. To simplify the process of finding the material best suited for a part or product, let's first look at the type of plastic and the different 3D processes.

Types of plastics

There are two main types of plastics:

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics are the most commonly used type of plastic. The main feature that distinguishes them from thermosets is their ability to undergo numerous melting and solidification cycles. Thermoplastics can be heated and formed into the desired shape. The process is reversible because no chemical bonding occurs, allowing thermoplastics to be recycled or melted and reused.

Thermosetting plastics

Thermosetting plastics

Thermosets remain in a solid state after curing. The polymers in thermosetting materials combine during the curing process, which is performed by heat, light or appropriate radiation. Thermosets decompose when heated. Recycling of thermosetting plastics or returning the material to its basic components is not possible.

Guide to 3D printing materials

3D printing processes from plastics

The three most popular plastic 3D printing processes today are:

  • FDM / FFF printing technology - 3D printers melt and extrude thermoplastic filaments, which 3D printer nozzle applies layer by layer in the workspace.
  • 3D printers using stereolithography (SLA) use a laser to harden liquid thermosetting resins into hardened plastic in a process called photopolymerization.
  • Selective laser sintering (SLS) - 3D printers use a high-power laser to fuse small particles of thermoplastic powder.

3D printing using FDM technology

FDM technology is the most commonly used form of 3D printing. This technology is well suited for basic models as well as for quick and cheap prototyping of simple parts.

FDM technology has the lowest resolution and accuracy compared to other plastic 3D printing processes and is not the best option for printing complex designs or parts with complicated features. A higher quality finish can be achieved through chemical and mechanical polishing processes. Industrial 3D printers use soluble support materials to alleviate some of these problems and offer a wider range of engineering thermoplastics and even composites.

Druk 3D w technologii FDM

Because molten 3D printer filament creates each layer, sometimes empty spaces may remain between the layers when they do not fully adhere. This results in anisotropic parts, which must be taken into account when designing parts to withstand load or pull resistance.

Popular materials for 3D printing using FDM technology

The most popular materials for 3D printing using FDM technology are ABS, PLA and their various mixtures. More advanced FDM printers can also print from other specialized materials that offer properties such as higher heat resistance, impact resistance, chemical resistance and stiffness. Here are some materials for 3D printing along with their features and applications:

ABS

ABS

  • Sturdy and durable
  • Heat and impact resistant
  • Functional prototypes
PLA

PLA

  • The easiest FDM material to print
  • Stiff, durable, but brittle
  • Biodegradable
PETG

PETG

  • Resistance to moisture and chemicals
  • High transparency
  • Waterproof
Nylon

Nylon

  • Strong, durable and lightweight
  • Durable and partially flexible
  • Heat and impact resistant
TPU

TPU

  • Flexible and stretchy
  • Impact resistant
  • Excellent vibration damping
PVA

PVA

  • Soluble support material
  • Soluble in water
  • Supporting material
HIPS

HIPS

  • Supporting material
  • Support material often used together with ABS material
Kompozyty

Composites

  • Stiff, strong or extremely durable
  • Functional prototypes
  • Jigs, fixtures and tooling

3D printing using SLA technology

Stereolithography was the world's first 3D printing technology, invented in the 1980s, and is still one of the most popular technologies for professionals. SLA parts are characterized by the highest resolution and accuracy, the clearest details and the smoothest surface finish of all plastic 3D printing technologies. 3D printing resin is a great option for highly detailed prototypes requiring tight tolerances and smooth surfaces, as well as functional parts such as molds, patterns and end use parts. SLA 3D printed parts can also be post-printed with polishing, painting, coating and more, resulting in ready-to-use parts with a high-quality finish.

Parts printed using SLA 3D printing are isotropic - their strength is constant regardless of orientation because chemical bonds occur between each layer. This results in parts with predictable mechanical performance necessary for applications such as jigs and fixtures, end-use parts and functional prototyping.

Popular materials for 3D printing using SLA technology

SLA 3D printing is highly versatile, offering resins with a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties that rival standard engineering and industrial thermoplastics. 3D printing with resins also offers the widest spectrum of biocompatible materials. Here are some materials for 3D printing along with their features and applications:

Standard resins

Standard resins

  • High resolution
  • Smooth, matte surface finish
  • Conceptual models
Przezroczysta żywica

Clear resin

  • The only truly transparent plastic 3D printing material
  • Parts requiring optical transparency
Tough and Durable resins

Tough and Durable resins

  • Strong and durable
  • Resistant to compression, tension and impact
  • Properties similar to ABS or PE
Polyurethane resins

Polyurethane resins

  • Excellent strength and durability
  • Resistance to UV radiation, temperature and humidity
  • Resistance to chemicals and abrasion
High temperature resins

High temperature resins High Temp

  • High temperature resistance
  • High precision
  • High temperature resistance
Flexible resins

Flexible resins

  • Elasticity of rubber or silicone
  • Resistance to bending, bending and compression
  • Medical devices and anatomical models
ESD resins

ESD resins

  • Improves electronics production processes
  • Antistatic prototypes and final components
Żywica trudnopalna (FR)

Flame retardant resin (FR)

  • Flame-retardant, heat-resistant, durable
  • Parts in airplanes and cars
  • Spare parts for industrial environments

3D printing using selective laser sintering (SLS) is trusted by engineers and manufacturers from various industries due to its ability to produce durable and functional parts. Low cost per part, high productivity and proven materials make this technology ideal for a range of applications, from rapid prototyping to production assistance and small batch production.

Because the unmelted powder supports the part during printing, there is no need for dedicated support structures. This makes SLS ideal for complex geometries including internal features, undercuts, thin walls and negative features.

As in the case of SLA, 3D prints using SLS technology are isotropic. SLS parts have a slightly rough surface finish due to the powder particles, but there are almost no visible layer lines. SLS 3D prints can be easily post-processed to further improve mechanical performance and appearance.

Popular materials for 3D printing using SLS technology

The choice of materials for SLS is limited compared to FDM and SLA. The available materials have excellent mechanical properties and their durability resembles injection molded parts. The most popular material for selective laser sintering is nylon, a popular thermoplastic engineering material with excellent mechanical properties. Nylon is lightweight, durable and flexible, as well as resistant to impact, chemicals, heat, UV radiation, water and dirt. Other popular materials for 3D printing using SLS technology are polypropylene (PP) and flexible < b>TPU. Here are some materials for 3D printing along with their features and applications:

Nylon 12

Nylon 12

  • Strong, stiff, strong and durable
  • Resistant to UV radiation, heat
  • Resistant to moisture, solvents, temperature and water
Nylon 11

Nylon 11

  • Similar properties to Nylon 12, but higher elasticity
  • Impact resistance
  • End-use parts
Nylon composites

Nylon composites

  • Reinforced with glass, aluminum or carbon fiber
  • Increased strength and stiffness
  • Functional prototyping
Nylon 11 CF

Nylon 11 CF / Nylon 12 CF

  • Reinforced with carbon fiber for increased strength and stiffness
  • Functional prototyping
  • Structural end-use parts
Polypropylene

Polypropylene

  • Ductile and durable
  • Chemically resistant
  • Waterproof
TPU

TPU

  • Flexible and resilient
  • Resistant to deformation
  • High UV stability

Comparison of plastic 3D printing materials and processes

Different 3D printing materials and plastic 3D printing processes have their own strengths and weaknesses that determine their suitability for different applications. The table below provides a high-level summary of some key features and factors.

Technology FDM

Advantages

  • Inexpensive devices
  • Wide range of available types of materials
  • Wide range of colors of materials
  • Lower printing costs
  • Possibility of rapid prototyping

Technology SLA

Advantages

  • High accuracy
  • Smooth surface finish
  • Ideal for medical applications
  • Perfect for jewelry
  • Biocompatible resins

Technology SLS

Advantages

  • Strong and functional parts
  • No need to use supports
  • Design freedom
  • Functional prototyping
  • High-quality, durable materials

3D metal printing

In addition to plastics, there are many 3D printing processes available for metal printing.

FDM printers for metal work similarly to traditional FDM printers. The printed parts are then sintered in an oven to remove the binder.

Selective laser melting (SLM) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

SLM and DMLS metal 3D printers work similarly to SLS printers, but instead of fusing polymer powders, they fuse metal powder particles layer by layer using a laser. SLM and DMLS 3D printers can create strong, accurate and complex metal products, making the process ideal for applications in the aerospace, automotive and medical industries.

Popular metal 3D printing materials

  • Titanium is a light material with excellent mechanical properties. It is durable, hard and highly resistant to heat, oxidation and acids.
  • Stainless steel is characterized by high strength, plasticity and corrosion resistance.
  • Aluminum is a light and durable material with good thermal properties.
  • Tool steel is a hard, scratch-resistant material that can be used to print end tools and other durable parts.
  • Nickel alloys have high tensile, creep and fracture strength and are resistant to heat and corrosion.

Source: www.formlabs.com

Do you have any questions? Contact us!

Store information


GLOBAL 3D sp. z o.o.

ul. Rynek 40

48-300 Nysa

+48 790 770 200

biuro@global3d.pl

Contact form





 
-->