Understanding The Different Types Of 3D Printing Plastics

Three-dimensional printing has revolutionized the manufacturing and prototyping process, thanks to its ability to use various materials for creating parts. Among these materials, 3D printing plastics are the most commonly used due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to deliver high-quality results. There are several types of plastics, each with unique properties suited for specific applications, ranging from functional prototypes to end-use parts. 

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is one of the most popular 3D printing plastics due to its user-friendly nature and environmental benefits. It is made from sugarcane, corn starch, and other renewable resources, making it a biodegradable material that is ideal for eco-conscious projects. PLA is easy to print with, which makes it a top choice for beginners and hobbyists looking to create prototypes or low-volume production parts.

PLA is not as durable or heat-resistant as other plastics, limiting its use for functional parts that are exposed to high temperatures or significant wear. Despite this, it remains an excellent option for projects that do not require heavy-duty performance, such as models, educational tools, or decorative items. The material also has a smooth finish, making it well-suited for aesthetic purposes, where visual quality is a priority.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a widely used thermoplastic known for its toughness, ability to withstand significant impact, and heat resistance. This makes it an excellent material for creating functional parts, such as automotive components, tools, or consumer products that need to endure regular wear and tear. ABS is also highly versatile, allowing for post-processing options such as sanding, painting, and bonding, which enhances its appeal for professional applications.

One of the challenges of using ABS is that it requires a heated print bed to reduce warping during the printing process. Additionally, ABS can release fumes when heated, so it is important to use it in well-ventilated areas or with a printer that has proper ventilation. While it may require more attention during printing, its robust properties make it a go-to choice for parts requiring strength and durability.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

PETG combines the best of both PLA and ABS by offering ease of printing, durability, and chemical resistance. This plastic is known for its flexibility and strength, which makes it ideal for parts that need to absorb impact while maintaining structural integrity. PETG is widely used for creating functional prototypes, containers, and protective covers, as it offers a balance between strength and flexibility.

Unlike ABS, PETG does not emit fumes during printing, making it safer to work with. It also has better adhesion between layers, reducing the likelihood of warping, which makes it easier to print compared to other plastics. This feature makes it a popular option for those who need to produce high-quality prints with less hassle and post-processing.

Nylon (Polyamide)

Nylon is a highly durable and flexible 3D printing plastic often used for engineering applications. It is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which allows it to withstand stress and impact without breaking. Nylon is often used to produce parts like gears, bearings, and mechanical components that require flexibility and resilience in demanding environments.

While nylon prints with good mechanical properties, it can absorb moisture from the air, which can affect the quality of prints if not properly stored or dried before use. It is important to use a filament dryer or desiccant to keep the material dry during the printing process. Despite this challenge, its durability and flexibility make it a preferred material in industries like automotive, aerospace, and robotics.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is a flexible, 3D printing plastic that is highly valued for its durability and elasticity. It is often used in applications that require parts to bend, stretch, or compress, such as phone cases, seals, and soft-touch components. TPU's ability to retain its shape and absorb shock makes it ideal for products that must withstand frequent use without breaking or tearing.

This material is more challenging to print with compared to PLA and ABS due to its flexible nature. It requires slower printing speeds, careful temperature control, and precise settings to achieve optimal results. Despite these challenges, TPU offers exceptional performance for parts that require flexibility and resilience, making it an ideal choice for industries that need durable, shock-absorbing components.

Resins (Photopolymer)

Resins are specialized materials used primarily in SLA (Stereolithography) printers. Unlike thermoplastics, resins are liquid before being cured by UV light during the printing process, allowing for high precision and fine details. Photopolymer resins come in various formulations, such as standard, tough, flexible, and castable, each catering to different needs based on the desired print characteristics.

Resins offer the advantage of creating intricate, highly detailed prints with a smooth surface finish, making them a popular choice in industries like jewelry design, dental, and rapid prototyping. While resins produce excellent visual quality, they tend to be more brittle than other plastics, limiting their use for parts that need to endure mechanical stress. However, tougher resin formulations have been developed to increase their strength and impact resistance.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is one of the toughest 3D printing plastics available, known for its strength, transparency, and heat resistance. It is commonly used in applications where parts need to withstand high temperatures or impacts, such as in automotive or aerospace industries. Polycarbonate’s ability to resist deformation under stress makes it ideal for producing structural parts that need to endure harsh environments.

The material has a higher printing temperature compared to PLA or ABS, which requires a more controlled printing environment. Polycarbonate can be challenging to work with because it requires a heated bed and enclosed printing space to avoid warping. However, its exceptional strength and thermal stability make it a reliable material for parts exposed to heat or mechanical stress.

Polycarbonate’s high transparency also makes it suitable for creating clear, durable parts, such as light covers or protective casings for electronic devices. Its ability to resist scratches and maintain structural integrity under pressure makes it valuable in industries where both strength and clarity are important.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

HIPS is commonly used as a support material in 3D printing, especially when printing with ABS. It is soluble in limonene, a citrus-based solvent, allowing it to be easily removed after printing. This makes it an ideal material for creating complex parts with intricate geometries that would be difficult to print with a single material.

Although it is often used as a support material, HIPS is also versatile enough to be used for creating functional parts. It has good impact resistance, making it a solid option for low-cost, low-impact applications. When used as a support material, HIPS allows for the printing of multi-material models, where one material supports the other, then dissolves away.

HIPS is especially useful in creating detailed prototypes or parts with undercuts or hollow spaces that need support during printing. By using HIPS as a support material, manufacturers and designers can create more complex geometries that would be challenging to achieve with other materials.

Choosing the Right 3D Printing Plastics for Your Projects

Selecting the right 3D printing plastics depends on your project’s specific needs, including strength, flexibility, durability, and ease of use. Materials like PLA and ABS are great for beginners and prototyping, while tougher options like nylon and polycarbonate are ideal for functional parts that must endure wear and high stress. Additionally, post-processing services can help enhance the final quality of your prints.

If you are ready to take your 3D printing projects to the next level, consider using RMA Engineering's online 3D printing services. Our team can help you select the right materials and make sure that your prints meet your exact specifications. Contact us today for a consultation and to start bringing your ideas to life.