3D printing is a technology for manufacturing a model of a product, built on the method of layer-by-layer building up of a volumetric object, during which various consumables for a 3d printer are used – ABS plastic, PLA plastic, photopolymers, etc.

The list of materials suitable for printing on a 3d printer is constantly updated and today includes several dozen types.

These are plastics, nylon, paper, wood fiber, gypsum, acrylic, photopolymers, metal and even chocolate.

Consider the features of the most commonly used materials for 3d printing.Materials for 3D printing

ABS plastic

ABS plastic – is one of the most famous and sought-after consumables. This type of materialcan withstand even strong external mechanical stress, impact-resistant, rigid and durable. In addition, ABS plastic can withstand temperatures up to 100 C°.

This “consumable” is used when applying electroplating, as well as when soldering contacts, it is excellent for both precision casting and welding. Objects made of ABS plastic have a shiny surface. The material itself is translucent, with a yellow tint, and can also be dyed in various colors. Another advantage of the material is its high resistance to acids, alkalis, gasoline, grease, hydrocarbons, etc.

The main disadvantage of the material – is its sensitivity to atmospheric precipitation and ultraviolet radiation. ABS has a low level of electrical insulation and practically does not absorb moisture, it is non-toxic. The material is available, the price is almost two times lower than that of the main competitor – PLA plastic.

ABS plastic

ABS plastic is used to create such products as:

  • sports equipment;
  • body of the device, parts of electrical equipment and other types of equipment;
  • disposable tableware;
  • auto parts;
  • stationery;
  • children’s constructors and toys;
  • furniture fittings;
  • bank and discount cards, smart cards, etc.

PLA plastic

PLA plastic (polylactide) – is the most environmentally friendly plastic for a 3d printer and the best consumable. Polylactide is produced on the basis of biological waste (corn silage, sugar beet).

Objects created using PLA have a high level of slip, which is ideal, for example, for the manufacture of plain bearings.

PLA plastic

Most often, children’s toys, medical supplies and food-grade plastics are made from PLA, since the material has a minimum level of toxicity compared to other materials.

Polylactide is easy to finish, polishing or other methods can be applied to the finished product, which do not require specialized equipment.

The only drawback of the material – is its gradual decomposition and, as a result, its fragility, in addition, this material is quite expensive.

PVA plastic

PVA – polyvinyl acetate or the well-known PVA glue. The main advantage of this consumable – is its excellent solubility in water, while in other cases this is the main drawback of the material.

The purpose of polyvinyl acetate – is a supporting role in the manufacture of objects of unique design and complex geometry. PVA plastic is also quite often used as a separator for parts printed on a 3D printer. One of the disadvantages of the material is its high cost.

PVA plastic

Photopolymers

Photopolymers are quite a popular material today.

The material has a large number of varieties, but each of them changes its shape under the influence of sunlight.

3D printing with photopolymers

Photopolymers can be either solid or liquid. Objects created on the basis of photopolymers – are durable, resistant to moisture and sunlight.

Metal powder

Metal powder can be obtained from metals such as aluminum, copper, gold and silver, or alloys of these metals. Objects made on the basis metal powder, are distinguished by a special metallic luster, which cannot be obtained using even ABS plastic. This material has found wide application in jewelry and jewelry making. The resulting models are very durable. The cost of the powder depends on the metal on the basis of which it is obtained.

3d printing with metal powder

Nylon

Nylon is very similar in its properties to such material as ABS plastic. Butit has great resistance to high temperature and absorbs moisture. Resistant to various chemicals and solvents. The main disadvantage of nylon – is the long period of solidification of the material, as well as the need to pump air out of the extruder.

3d printing nylon

Nylon – is a toxic material. It is mainlyused in the production of levers, gears, medical equipment parts. And also for the manufacture of prostheses, the creation of molds, the manufacture of nylon strings for musical instruments.

All of the above materials for 3d printing have the necessary set of properties and sufficient strength. The most popular today are ABS or PLA plastic. However, they do not always meet all the requirements, then manufacturers resort to other equally high-quality materials.


KLONA, equipped with modern equipment and having accumulated considerable experience in the field of 3D technologies, will, if necessary, print 3D models of any complexity for you.