Different Types of 3D printing

materials

1) PLA for 3D printing

PLA (polylactic acid) is one of the most widely used
plastics in the additive
manufacturing sector. Invented in
1930 by chemist Wallace
Carothers, also the developer of
nylon and neoprene, this material
can be used in filament
or pellet form for desktop 3D
printers or more industrial
solutions. Unlike many other
material options available on the
market, PLA is often considered
to be a more sustainable
thermoplastic since it does not
come from finite resources, as is
the case with petroleum, but is
sourced from natural and
renewable resources. Due to its somewhat more eco-
friendly origins, this material has been popular since its
inception in the field of 3D printing. In fact, its use has
spread to a wide variety of industries and applications. In
this guide we will learn all about this material, including its
characteristics, ease of printing, some applications as well
as the main manufacturers in the market.
Production and Characteristics of PLA
As mentioned, PLA is made from
organic and renewable resources
such as corn starch, tapioca roots
or sugar cane. Indeed, the
production of the polymer is
possible thanks to the
fermentation of one of these
carbohydrate sources. More
specifically, the natural product is ground to separate the starch from
the corn, mixing it with acid or lactic monomers. With this mixture
the starch is broken into dextrose (D-glucose) or corn sugar. Finally,
glucose fermentation produces L-lactic acid, the basic component of
PLA. This results in an environmentally friendly and renewable
material that, depending on temperature and humidity conditions, can
become biodegradable.

PLA in 3D Printing
PLA is considered a semi-
crystalline polymer with a melting
temperature of between 170-
180°C, which is relatively low
compared to ABS filament which
melts at a temperature between 200
260°C. This avoids the need to use
a heated tray and an enclosed
printing chamber. At the same time, the filament offers good
performance by combining high printing speed with fairly sharp
edges, provided the material is properly cooled. Also, the resulting
parts tend to have a very low deformability. That being said, it should
be noted that PLA has a higher viscosity than other standard
thermoplastics, which can lead to clogging if care is not taken.
Additionally, the filaments have a shelf life of at least 1 year if stored
at 15 to 25°C.
Main Manufacturers and Price
As it is one of the most widely used thermoplastics in FDM/FFF
printing, almost all material manufacturers offer PLA filaments or
pellets in their product range. These include Polymaker, Recreus,
Smart Materials or BASF through its Forward AM brand. It is also
worth noting that FDM 3D printer manufacturers often offer their
own filaments. There are many PLA manufacturers, such as
UltiMaker, Stratasys, Prusa or Zortrax, among others.
As for the price of PLA filament, it can currently vary depending on
the colors and characteristics sought. Hybrid filaments such as wood
filament or fiber reinforced filaments increase the price considerably.
Nevertheless, the price of a standard filament is generally between
1790 and 6270 rupees per kilogram. Finally, as mentioned above,
there are also 3D printers that can print from pellets, a form of
material that is more affordable than filament, especially because it
has not been processed.
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2) ABS for 3D Printing

ABS or Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene is
a thermoplastic polymer that
is quite common for industrial
applications. It is known
especially for its high impact
resistance at low temperatures
and for creating lightweight
parts. Adding to that, ABS
plastic is also very popular in
the 3D printing market – as it is one of the most widely used
materials in this sector along with PLA.

The Production and Characteristics of ABS

ABS was one of the first plastics to
be used with industrial 3D
printers and was developed around
1990. This thermoplastic polymer
is what is called a ‘terpolymer’,
defined as a polymer that has been
synthesized from three different
monomers. In this case, it is
obtained most often by
polymerization of acrylonitrile and
styrene in the presence of polybutadiene – generally 20%
acrylonitrile, 25% butadiene and 55% styrene, giving it the name
ABS. Furthermore, manipulating these proportions can therefore
modify the properties of ABS; styrene, for example, is the element
that gives ABS its rigidity and brilliance, while butadiene gives it its
impact resistance and low temperature properties.
3D Printing with ABS
It is available in the form of filaments
with a diameter of 1.75 mm or 2.85
mm and in several colors. Although it
is more difficult to print than PLA,
ABS remains a very popular material
for 3D printing professionals due to its
resistance to impact and high
temperature (between -20°C and
80°C). It is opaque, offers smooth and
matte surfaces and can be treated with
acetone to make it shiny.
ABS has a melting temperature of around 200°C, as such it is recommended that
the extrusion temperature be between 230 and 260°C. Furthermore, the use of a
heated print bed (between 80 and 130°C) is mandatory. This is because it is a
plastic that shrinks on contact with air, thus if it is not on a heated print bed, it will
be prone to shrinking (or warping) and detaching itself from the plate. For large
parts, it is even advisable to use a special adhesive such as Kapton or an adhesive
lacquer. Finally, a 3D printer with a closed enclosure is recommended for two
reasons: For user safety as ABS plastic emits particles that can be dangerous for
the user, but also because temperature control is critical when working with ABS.
In order to print successfully and avoid issues with warping, cracking and
delamination (the separation of layers) especially, having that heated chamber will
help keep the temperature constant.

The Main Manufacturers and Price

As one of the most popular 3D printing filaments, it is safe to say that many
major 3D printing material manufacturers currently offer ABS filaments; among
the main ones are the well-known supplier Stratasys, the Chinese Esun but also
UltiMaker, FormFutura, Innofil3D, etc. Furthermore, ABS is available in a wide
selection of colors, with prices ranging from 1240 to 4130+ rupees depending
on the brand as well as the characteristics of the filament itself.
Be aware that there are loaded filaments where additives are added to ABS: for
example, ABS based on carbon fibers or aramid fibers, better known as Kevlar.
These fibers, for example, reduce the warping phenomenon of ABS and
therefore provide greater precision. Carbon, on the other hand, reinforces the
initial mechanical properties of the material. These more technical materials are
generally more expensive and have different printing parameters.

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3) PETG for 3D Printing

PETG, or Polyethylene terephthalate
glycol, is a thermoplastic widely used
in additive manufacturing, combining
both the simplicity of PLA 3D
printing and the strength of ABS. It is
an amorphous plastic, which can be
100% recyclable, with the same
chemical composition as polyethylene
terephthalate, better known by its
acronym PET. Glycol has been added
to reduce its brittleness and therefore its
fragility. Today, we review the characteristics of PETG for 3D printing, its
parameters and its main applications.
PET itself is a well-known material in the industry because it has been used in the
manufacture of our food bottles and packaging since the 1990s, replacing PVC. It
also allows the production of synthetic fibers for clothing. Not only that, but PETG
is one of the most widely used polymers on the market, accounting for 18% of
global plastic production worldwide. It is known for its good impact resistance,
transparency and dimensional stability. On the other hand, there are some issues
with overheating when used for 3D printing – that’s why PETG is used instead.

Characteristics of PETG
PETG is therefore a copolymer,
combining the properties of PET and
glycol. The addition of the latter reduces
the overheating issues of PET and
therefore its brittle appearance. Among
the main characteristics of PETG are its
hardness, impact and chemical resistance,
transparency and ductility. It is an easily
extruded material with good thermal stability. It is particularly appreciated for
its food compatibility. On the downside, note that it requires a heating plate to
avoid the warping effects found in ABS 3D printing – even if the warping rate
is low, it is better to use a BuildTak sheet to make sure the material grips. It is
also more prone to scratches than PLA. Finally, it can quickly take moisture and
will keep better in a cool and dry environment.
Regarding printing parameters, PETG has an extrusion temperature between
220° and 260°C and we advise you to heat your tray – not more than 80°C. The
printing speed is 40-60mm/s. If you need printing supports, they are not very
suitable because the PETG has a sticky appearance which will make them
difficult to remove.

The Main Filament Manufacturers

Most filament manufacturers nowadays offer this material: Formfutura,
ColorFabb, 3DXTech, Innofil3D or even proprietary brands such as Zortrax. In
terms of format, like other filaments, there are 1.75 or 2.85 mm diameter spools,
with different weights according to needs. Note that PETG is often reinforced
with carbon fibers, which increases the rigidity of the part while optimizing its
final weight. Nanovia, for example, offers this solution in its range of filaments.
It has also developed an aramid-fiber reinforced PETG that reduces the fragile
appearance of the PETG while increasing its stiffness.
Finally, on the price side, be aware that it is a little more expensive than PLA: it
costs between 2485 and 3313 rupees for a classic 750 grams PETG spool – of
course, some brands will be more or less expensive. A carbon fiber reinforced
PETG will increase the price of your spool for example.

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4) Nylon for 3D Printing
Nylon, also called Polyamide (PA) is a widely
used polymer in the additive manufacturing sector.
This thermoplastic is available in powder or
filament form for technologies such as SLS, Multi
Jet Fusion or FDM.  These plastics are classified
according to their chemical composition, and in
particular according to the number of carbon
atoms they contain – the most well known on the 3D printing market are
undoubtedly PA12 and PA11, as well as PA6 for FDM.

Production and Characteristics of Nylon

Nylon first appeared in 1935 in the form of
nylon 6.6. It was developed by Wallace
Carothers who then worked for the chemist
DuPont. This first material was patented in
1937, commercialized in 1938 and remains
the most widely used today. Nylon is mainly
found in the textile industry thanks to its
flexibility and resistance. It was used in 1940
for the first time in the production of
women’s stockings. Even in 3D printing, one
of the most interesting characteristics of this
material is its flexibility. Nylon 6, on the
other hand, was first produced by Paul
Schlack in the laboratories of IG Farben and
patented in 1941.
When it comes to 3D printing, it is
important to note that nylon in powder
form can be reused for multiple prints. In
particular, the HP Multi Jet Fusion process is known to use polyamides such as
PA12 and PA11, and to have a higher refresh rate compared to SLS technology.
About 70% of the powder is not used during 3D printing, but is mixed with new
powder to minimize waste .
Nylon in 3D Printing
If we look at filaments, nylon is most
often available with 6 carbon atoms,
more commonly called PA6. It is a
filament that has many interesting
characteristics, including great
flexibility, resistance to impact or
abrasion. Additionally, its mechanical
properties are quite close to ABS.
However, note that nylon will require the
presence of a heated plate inside the 3D printer (that can reach around 80°C) due to
adhesion issues. It will also be necessary to take care of storage because it quickly
absorbs the surrounding humidity (hygroscopic material) which could impact
printing later. In terms of extrusion temperature, the 3D printer will have to rise to
250°C, or even 220°C for certain types of nylon. Nylon filaments are a good
alternative to polycarbonate, as they are easier to print, more durable and ideal for
printing parts requiring strength.

The Main Manufacturers and Material Price

Major manufacturers of nylon filaments
include Taulman3D, XStrand, Neofil3D,
Volumic, Polymaker and machine
manufacturers such as Zortrax,
UltiMaker and Markforged. Note that
nylon can be reinforced with carbon fiber
or fiberglass for a higher performance
composite material. In terms of price, for
a hould count between 2070 and 3313
rupees depending on the brand; iclassic spool (500 grams, 1.75 mm diameter)
you sf you choose a composite material, the price can quickly climb to around
4969-5798 rupees . As far as nylon powder is concerned, the French chemical
group Arkema is probably the largest producer of PA11 powder, marketed
under the name of Rilsan PA11, since the 1950s. The German company BASF,
which also produces PA6 and PA6.6, is also an important player in this market
with its Ultrasint brand, which is compatible with HP Multi Jet Fusion machines
and some SLS printer models.
For PA12, the manufacturers are Arkema and Evonik, while EOS, 3D Systems
or Farsoon offer their own powders developed in collaboration with chemical
companies.
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5) TPU for 3D Printing

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is an
elastomer (synthetic plastic) that is
characterized by its high flexibility and
resistance during further processing and
combines the properties of thermoplastics
and elastomers. It can withstand much
higher compressive and tensile forces than
other common materials such as PLA and ABS. The reason for the variation in
its softness and hardness is due to its chemical composition: Depending on the
proportion of hard and soft segments, the hardness and flexibility of the material
also changes. A lower filling quantity can also result in a more flexible 3D-
printed part. This affects the transparency of the final parts, the softness to the
touch or the adhesion of the parts. TPU is a very versatile polymer that imparts
a very multi-layered set of properties to parts. TPU also offers greater resistance
to all greases and oils.

Production and Characteristics

Although we usually talk about TPU filaments, we can also find them in powder or
resin form. In terms of the properties of these polymers, they have many benefits,
including their high impact-, wear-, abrasion- and cut-resistance. They also have a
relatively high layer cohesion, which results in excellent mechanical homogeneity
of the manufactured parts and makes them isotropic.
However, there are certain limitations to this type of material that must be
considered. TPU does not adapt well to hot environments. This factor is
noticeable because they cannot withstand high temperatures despite their large
working range. In addition, print settings should vary depending on the
technology and 3D machine used. Compared to TPE, another flexible filament,
TPU is easier to print and retains its elastic properties better at lower
temperatures. TPU material offers better resistance to abrasion, oil and grease.
Unlike stiffer thermoplastics, TPU filament has properties such as flexibility
and conformability and has no problems with deformation and delamination
during the 3D printing process.
3D Printing with TPU Filaments
When printing parts with TPU using an FDM printer, we recommend applying a
thin layer of adhesive to the print bed, which helps the material to stick. Also, the
extrusion nozzle should reach a temperature between 210 °C and 235 °C to
properly melt the filament (although this depends on the manufacturer). However,
these are only general tips. The success of printing with TPU depends on the
configuration of each 3D printer and proper calibration. Therefore, it is
recommended to perform small tests with this material before starting more
complex prints. It is important to note that the extrusion system must be able to
process flexible and compressible materials at a constant temperature of 250 °C.

Main Manufacturers and Price

There are many major companies who offer TPU for 3D printing to enable users
to make flexible parts. UltiMaker has a filament called TPU 95A that is
compatible with its Ultimaker S5, Ultimaker 3, Ultimaker 2+ and the
manufacturer’s newest printer, the UltiMaker S7 3D printers. According to the
company, the material supports up to 580% elongation at break. In addition, the
filament is available in 4 different colors.
Another major company is Formlabs, which last year introduced its so-called
“Elastic Resin” for SLA technology. This resin has a Shore Hardness of 50A, as
well as high elongation and energy return. “Shore” refers to the hardness of the
material used, or in other words, how resistant a material is to indentation.
Lower numbers mean less resistance and softer materials. The elasticity and
strength of this material allows it to be used in multiple cycles . The price of
TPU filament is around 2484-3312 rupees per kilogram.
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Popular FDM 3D Printing Materials