Which plastic is better for a 3D printer

Plastic for 3D printer (filament) is a hermetically sealed thermoplastic thread. The filaments are distinguished by their chemical composition, which makes it possible to create the final product of very different functionality.

Types of plastic for 3D printer

Conventionally, the materials are divided into three groups:

1. Standard;
2. Flexible;
3. Composite

Standard plastic is easy to use and has versatile physical properties. In this category, there are 6 types that are most demanded by users: PLA, ABS, Nylon, PET, ColorFabb nGen, ASA. They are used to create products with different indicators of strength and durability in many industries. For example, disposable tableware for the food industry and surgical threads for the medical are made from PLA plastic.

Flexible plastic is similar to rubber in its properties. It is used for printing products with high flexibility. The most famous in this group are TPE / RUBBER, TPU, FLEX.

Composite plastics allow you to create unusual products with the properties of plastic. They are based on standard filaments PLA, ABS and others. LAYBRICK, popular in this group, is used for the manufacture of products imitating natural stone. Widely used in landscape design. Changing the temperature regime, you can get a surface of two types: smooth and rough.

A separate group of composites is represented by exotic plastics imitating wood, metal, conducting electric current, glowing in the dark, changing color depending on temperature.

Reference! Filaments for 3D printing are presented in the form of threads with a diameter of 1.75 mm and 3 mm in a wide color range.

How to choose plastic for a 3D printer

Plastic is chosen according to its characteristics, providing the properties of the final product:

1. Strength. May vary by species. Estimated on a 4-point scale. The maximum strength (4) is, for example, polycarbonate PC. Minimum (1) - flexible TPU, very flexible FPE.
2. Flexibility. According to the same 4-point system, flexible plastics have (4), minimum flexibility (1) can have both the most durable types - Carbon, Ceramic, and medium strength - PLA.
3. Durability. Most materials have good durability in the range (3-4). An exception is Ceramic for ceramic printing with an indicator (1).
4. Print temperature. The amount at which the material acquires the flexibility necessary for extrusion. Depends on the chemical composition of the feedstock. Fluctuates within 180-260 ° С.Each printer model supports a specific temperature regime, which should be considered when choosing plastic.
5. The temperature of the table for printing. Almost all types under rapid cooling undergo deformation (shrink), so the printing table should be in a heated state to a temperature of 20-110 ° C, depending on the type of thread.
6. Complexity of use. May be low, medium and high. Depends on a combination of factors. PLA has low printing complexity (it does not emit odor, does not lend itself to deformation, and can print without heating the platform).
7. Environmental Safety. Depends on the chemical composition. Materials based on renewable biological resources (corn, sugarcane waste) that require less energy for extrusion are considered safe. Processing plastic based on petrochemicals is more energy-consuming plus is accompanied by unsafe fumes.

Reference! When choosing plastic for 3D printing, additional considerations can be taken into account: the degree of shrinkage (deformation) during cooling, solubility, adhesion, transparency, and weather resistance.

The choice of plastic is made by analyzing the listed properties. For example, PLA with low flexibility is not suitable for the production of phone cases, and a filament from the same ABS group with medium flexibility and high strength is considered an excellent choice.

The best plastic models

PLA (polylactic acid) is the most popular thread for today, the printing of which does not require special conditions. For work, a temperature of 180-230 ° C is recommended, although 210 ° C is considered optimal. It can work without heating the table; when heated to 20-60 ° C, adhesion to the platform improves. The best supplies for 3D printing at home.

Reference! PLA is considered the ideal raw material for the manufacture of products with a minimum service life.

Main advantages:

• high quality prints;
• high speed printing;
• lack of shrinkage (up to 1% maximum);
• not soluble in alcohol and water.

Disadvantages:

• low strength (compared to ABS);
• deformation with minimal effort;
• hygroscopicity, leading to the accumulation of moisture, reducing the shelf life of products.

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) - before the advent of PLA, it was the leader in demand. Lost due to more difficult printing conditions - operating temperature - 210-250 ° С, platform heating - 80-110 ° С. Plus slow cooling due to possible deformations is required.

Benefits:

• long service life of products;
• resistance to shock and high temperatures;
• good flexibility.

Reference! ABS is considered a universal material for the production of products that undergo frequent installation / disassembly, heating, falls (phone cases, electrical appliance cases, Lego bricks, plain bearings, motorcycle helmets).

Disadvantages:

• more complex printing;
• cooling compression;
• harmful fumes to humans during printing, requiring room ventilation.

ColorFabb nGen is a good option for 3D lay printers. It prints at different speeds, even at a temperature of 260 ° C it does not emit vapors and has high thermal stability. Products have a beautiful appearance.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the most used plastic in the world. In terms of strength, it belongs to the professional class. Has a low complexity of use. It does not compress, does not emit harmful fumes. It is used for the production of food containers, tool boxes, individual parts and cases.