3D Printing Materials
Plastic Materials
PLA
This is one of the most popular used materials in 3D printing, by the FDM method. It is especially recommended for non-professional applications. Very often used for printers at home. It has a shiny and smooth surface. It is not a high strength material and is not resistant to high temperatures. Recommended for quick prints.
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer)
It is the material most commonly used next to PLA in 3D printers. It has good strength, hardness and is flexible. Is a material with high resistance to elevated temperatures. Thanks to this feature it is often chosen for professional applications. However, it is also used in home printers. It is a harder machinable material than PLA but thanks to its increased hardness it has a wider range of applications
PC (polycarbonate)
Polycarbonate has a very high impact resistance. Used for parts used for special applications such as bulletproof glass. In addition, it is resistant to high temperatures. It can be used to make high-strength elements. Often used in aviation, medicine, automotive.
Nylon
Very versatile material used in 3D printers. Has good flexibility. That is why it is used in springs and hinges. By increasing its thickness, a durable, strong material can be obtained for structural applications. It can be dyed easily.
BandLay
It is a durable material with a great advantage of transparency (about 91%), which allows you to print transparent elements. In addition, it is very resistant and flexible. Transparency is not lost by bending. It is used in medicine and in the production of packaging in which there is a need for transparency.
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol)
This material is widely used in supports during 3D printing. It is due to water solubility. It is used in printers with at least two extruders. Where the main material is printed from one nozzle, which is obtained part and the other we get soluble supports
Copolyester
XT
A hard material used to obtain strong, detailed heat-resistant parts.
HIPS (High Impact Polystyren)
It is a material used for printing supports. After printing, contact with the D-limonene solution is destroyed. It is used in combination with ABS due to its similar properties. After disintegration, the main material remains intact. It is also used in the production of plastic cutlery and disposable packaging
TPU ( Termoplastic Poliutyren)
This is a thermoplastic version of polyurethane. Flexible and abrasion resistant material used in the production of synthetic sponges and foams.
TPE
This material is also called thermoplastic rubber. It has high flexibility, elasticity and softness. It has high resistance to various chemical compounds, e.g. oxidizing acids, oils, alkaline solutions and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
PLA 45
This is a variety of popular material that has a low hardening temperature of 45 ° C. For many applications this feature is very useful.
PLA 90
It is a modified material characterized by high temperature resistance. It also has a greater hardness than traditional PLA. Its parameters are similar to ABS
Metal Materials
Stainless steel
Very strong material. Used for the production of large items. Most often used for the production of spare parts and jewelry.
Silver
The main features are thermal and electrical conductivity. So it can be used for components that serve as guides. After processing, it can be polished, thanks to which it is often used in jewelry
Cobalt-Chromium
Very hard corrosion resistant material.
Resin Materials
Standard resins
In this group we have a large amount of materials created by different manufacturers. These are general purpose materials. They don't have any special features. Most often used for the production of simple parts, e.g. toys, small spare parts, cases, toys.
Flexible resins
These are flexible materials. These materials are not very popular. They are difficult material in printing. In contrast to FDM technology, prints from elastic resins are less stretchy, which means they have other applications, mainly as force absorbers
Resins with increased strength
These are materials with high mechanical and thermal resistance. In addition, they are resistant to abrasion and impact. Used for the production of engineering models and car parts.
Foundry resins
They are used mainly in the jewelry industry. Used in the lost wax method. The best resins burn with non-leaving ash.
Modeling resins
Used primarily by modelers. Often also used in the jewelry industry. The main feature is the ability to show the smallest details of the element. They have a matte surface that can be additionally painted.
Glass Materials
TGlase
This is called Hard glass, a durable, colorless material. Having some transparency but not transparency.
Wood Materials
Laywood
It is bush material. After printing, it resembles fiberboard. It smells like wood and can be processed in the same way. Used in architecture and for the production of furniture elements.
Others
Ceramics
It is a material resistant to high temperatures. It is used for the production of elements in contact with food. Often also used for the production of interior design elements and dishes.
Wax
This material is very delicate and must be easily damaged. Can be used to make disposable forms.
Chocolate
The material used to make edible decorations. Often as a decor e.g. of wedding cakes.
Laybrick
The material resembles sandstone. Obtained surfaces can be smooth and rough, depending on the needs. It can be painted and sanded.
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