Types of plastic for 3D printers

Special plastic is used for 3D printers. It allows you to create objects of various sizes. This material was chosen because it becomes ductile and melts when heated. This allows you to create products that are complex in design and shape.

What types of plastic are there for 3D printers?

There are certain criteria for plastic. They are the basis for the choice of material. Among the main criteria are:

1. Strength and durability.
2. Flexibility.
3. Resistance to mechanical damage.
4. Resistant to chemical damage.
5. Moisture resistance.
6. Safety.

Types of plastic for 3D printers

Most often, ABS, PLA and Flex plastics are used for 3D printers. These materials are easy to process and at the same time durable. They have many different shades. Let's look at each separately.

ABS

Thanks to this plastic, you can make very durable things. Resistant to mechanical damage, no defects appear on it. Made from petroleum products. Among the characteristics we can highlight:

1. Very tough.
2. Temperature resistant. Able to withstand temperatures above 100 degrees.
3. Resistant to chemicals.
4. A product made on a printer can be processed.

PLA

This material is made from organic waste. For example, corn or sugar beets. Thanks to this, the material becomes safe for both people and animals. It does not contain toxins.And if ABS emits an unpleasant odor when heated, this does not happen to it. Therefore, it can also be used by children. The characteristics are as follows:

1. Melts at temperatures above 150 degrees.
2. You can create complex shapes and sharp corners.
3. The plastic is not deformed during the printing process.

Flex

The great thing about this is that it is flexible. Therefore, plastic is best suited for creating complex objects. It is used in many areas of industry. Among the advantages are:

1. The finished products are very durable.
2. Not exposed to aggressive substances.
3. Resistant to mechanical damage.

PET

A plastic-based thread with good strength properties. It is higher than that of PLA. Well suited for creating food containers or boxes for household items. The advantages are as follows:

1. Studies have shown that the material is safe.
2. It may interact with food
3. Does not deform during printing.
4. Does not emit any unpleasant odors.

A.S.A.

It is an alternative to ABS. It has additional properties. Among them:

1. Resistant to sunlight. The latter can cause yellowing of the material.
2. Not damaged by temperature changes.

Reference! Can be used for things that need to be stored outside.

TPU

Used in industry. It is used to make shoes, air mattresses, medical supplies, sports equipment, car panels and drive belts. Also used in the manufacture of phone cases. Among the advantages you can highlight:

1. Wear resistance.
2. Oil resistance.
3. Elasticity.
4. Strength.

LAYBRICK

The appearance of the material is similar to gray stone, but the properties are like plastic.Due to this, it is used to create landscape and architectural designs. The advantages are as follows:

1. Easy to paint.
2. It lends itself well to processing.
3. If the printing temperature is increased, the product will have a rough surface and a sandy texture.
4. If the temperature is below 200 degrees, the picture will be even and smooth.

Attention! In addition to these, there are dozens of other, less common materials that have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on what product needs to be made.

Which plastic is the best?

The choice of plastic depends on the operating conditions of the finished product. Another important point is who exactly will use the printer. If these are children, it is better to focus on organic material. It will not harm your health. If you need to create layouts, souvenirs or three-dimensional models, Flex is better suited. ABS is used in industry and laboratories. It is used to create three-dimensional models during the research process. LAYBRICK is suitable if you need to make the surface rough.