In 3D printing, there are a large variety of printing materials to choose from. Each material/filament has its own unique properties and uses. In this article, we are going to walk you through the most commonly used filaments in 3D printing and present the uses of each one.
#1 PLA
What is PLA?
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the most popular type of 3D printer filament, it is easy to print with, has a lower printing temperature, and doesn’t warp easily. Besides, it’s generally considered an odorless filament. PLA comes in many different colors and styles. Moreover, PLA is more environmentally friendly than many 3D printer filaments.
Properties
Strength: Medium | Flexibility: Low | Durability: Medium
Print temperature: 180 – 230°C
Print bed temperature: 20 – 70°C
Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
Uses
Generally, PLA can be used in common prints, such as models, prototype parts, and containers. However, PLA is brittle, so avoid using it when making items that might be bent, twisted, or repeatedly dropped, such as phone cases, or tool handles.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Easy to print, wide variety of colors/styles, biodegradable
Cons: Brittle, lackluster mechanical properties
Generally speaking, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is better than PLA in terms of durability and capacity to withstand stress and high temperature. However, it’s slightly more difficult to print with, warping is more likely to occur without a high-temperature bed and bed adhesive.
Properties
Strength: High | Flexibility: Medium | Durability: High
Print temperature: 210 – 250°C
Print bed temperature: 80 – 110°C
Shrinkage/warping: Considerable
Uses
The properties of ABS make it suitable for items that are usually handled, dropped, or heated such as phone cases, tool handles, and automotive components and electrical enclosures.
Pros & Cons
Pros: High strength, high durability, resistance to high temperatures
Cons: Warps easily, hazardous fumes, requires a high-temperature print nozzle
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is naturally clearer and less brittle. For this reason, PETG is often considered an excellent middle ground between ABS and PLA, – it is more flexible and durable than PLA and easier to print than ABS.
PETG is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This issue can lead to stringing problems in printing, thus it’s recommended to store the filament in a dry environment. In addition, PETG is sticky when printed, this can make it a poor choice for support structures. Despite PETG is not brittle, it scratches more easily than ABS.
Properties
Strength: High | Flexibility: Medium | Durability: High
Print temperature: 220 – 250°C
Print bed temperature: 50 – 75°C
Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
Uses
PETG is ideal for mechanical parts, printer parts, and protective components.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Flexible, durable, easy to print
Cons: Susceptible to moisture, surface scratches easily
The most unique characteristic of Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament is the softness and high flexibility, also, it can withstand high stress before it breaks or deforms. However, TPU can be difficult to extrude while printing.
Properties
Strength: Medium | Flexibility: Very High| Durability: Very High
Print temperature: 210 – 230°C
Print bed temperature: 30 – 60°C
Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
Uses
TPU is generally suitable for any kind of flexible prints, such as wearables (wristbands), toys, phone cases, etc.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Extremely flexible, perfect for parts that bend or compress
Cons: Difficult to print, requires tight filament path and slow print speed
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