GUIDES
3D Printing
3D Printing
3D Printing
The use of 3D Printing has become more popular in every industry as it lets you create almost anything that you can imagine. Yet, when it comes to the right 3D printing materials, choosing one can be a little challenging.
3D Printing Materials types vary in design, functionalities, and applications. Knowing and choosing the right 3D printing materials can have a great impact on achieving your desired outcome.
PLA - or Polylactic Acid is a plastic polymer with high-strength material used in 3D printing. It is a non-toxic and user-friendly thermoplastic. Consisting of all-natural substances such as cornstarch and sugarcane. PLA can be used in general manufacturing, food, and medical industries.
PLA+ - Wondering about its difference from the regular PLA? It’s actually still PLA but an enhanced version with the use of additives. The two have the same fundamental composition but PLA+ includes some additional properties such as resistance to shear stress, a glossy finish, and better layer adhesion.
ABS - or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a thermoplastic known for good impact resistance. It is also sturdy, wear-resistant, and flexible. When printing, it requires a heated bed and ventilation. ABS is used in engineering, industrial, and consumer applications.
ABS+ / ABS Max - With the same composition as the regular ABS, this is an improved material that has a smoother printing quality without edge warp when printed, and better melt mobility and toughness.
Nylon - or Polyamide (PA) is a popular polymer that is durable, strong, and abrasion-resistant than ABS and PLA. It is a very versatile and low-cost 3D printing material good for tools, hinges, machine components, and functional parts.
Nylon CF - Basically, it has the same composition as Nylon but with an incredibly durable and stronger material that is great for making parts that require stress such as bearings.
ASA - or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate is a thermoplastic with the same properties as ABS. The difference is that it’s more UV resistant and it has better properties and aesthetics. It requires a heated bed to prevent warping. ASA is commonly used outdoors for it can withstand different weather conditions.
TPU - or Thermoplastic Polyurethane is a thermoplastic type of elastomer that is incredibly durable and flexible. It consists of combined plastic and rubber properties that can be easily bent and compressed. TPU materials are best for automotive tires, sporting goods, footwear, gadget covers, and many more.
PetG - or Glycolized polyester is a modified version of PET. It’s a thermoplastic with combined properties of PLA and ABS but much more functional, reliable, and easy to print. PetG can be used in packaging, signages, liquid containers, and other functionalities..
PetG CF - Perfect for making structural parts and replacing functional pieces or metal with medium loads. It is a part of the list in terms of the easiest and most stable materials for 3D printing parts and models as it has high resistance and is extremely durable..
Carbon Fiber - are filaments on which fibers are mixed into the base material plastics to boost its property. It makes the material more stable, lightweight, and strong. Carbon Fibre helps in creating products for car parts, aircraft wings, bike frames, and other structural designs.
Resin PLA+ - are liquid photopolymers that need a light source to solidify. It has a high chemical resistance commonly used in Stereolithography (SLA) and other technologies. Resins are used in applications with smooth surfaces and perfect details. Common applications are dentistry, jewelry making, and miniatures.
Bio Resin - Type of resin that derived its constituent monomers from various biological sources like plant-based materials such as corn or soybean by-products. It promotes greener products as it has a more favorable lifecycle profile than other materials.
Dental Resin - is a popular material used to replace a decayed portion of the teeth. It has better mechanical properties and is translucent and wear-resistant.
Jewelry Cast Resin - The material commonly used in 3D printing jewelry. It is easy to cast and can be printed smoothly with high-detailed designs.
Rigid Type Resin - This material has improved strength and offers a polished finish as it is reinforced with glass powder. It is exceptionally strong, stiff, and stable with high resistance to deformation over time. Rigid Type Resin is perfect when you want to create jigs and fixtures, but not recommended when you’re in need of bendable parts.
Flexible Resin - This type of resin has the same properties as a rubber. If you want to create firm yet flexible parts, this is the material you need.
As 3D Printing technology evolves constantly. The list of 3D printing materials the industry caters to continues to grow. That is why expectations in the correct 3D printing materials used in production should be aligned with form and function.
For 10 years, MakerCarl has been using premium quality 3D Printing Materials in the Philippines. By using high-grade thermoplastics and carbon fibers, we can assure you that every finished product would be long-lasting.
To ensure the quality of your 3D Printing Materials, get in touch with us today!
