Types of plastic for 3d printers: which plastic is the best

For 3D printers, special plastic is used. It allows you to create objects of various sizes. This material is selected because it becomes ductile and melts when heated. This allows you to create products that are complex in design and shape.

What is plastic for 3d printers

There are certain criteria for plastic. It is they who underlie the choice of material. Among the main criteria are:

1. Strength and durability.
2. Flexibility.
3. Resistance to mechanical damage.
4. Resistance to chemical damage.
5. Moisture resistance.
6. Security.

Types of plastic for 3d printers

Most often for 3D printers use ABS, PLA and Flex plastic. These materials work well and are durable at the same time. They have many different shades. Let's look at each one separately.

ABS

Thanks to this plastic, you can do very durable things. It is steady against mechanical damages, defects do not appear on it. Made from petroleum products. Heart characteristics can be distinguished:

1. Very hard.
2. It is steady against increase in temperature. Able to withstand temperatures above 100 degrees.
3. Resistant to chemicals.
4. The product made on the printer can be processed.

PLA

This material is made from organic waste. For example, corn or sugar beets. Thanks to this, the material becomes safe for both people and animals. It does not contain toxins. And if ABS emits an unpleasant odor when heated, this does not happen to him. Therefore, it can be used by children. The characteristics are as follows:

1. It melts at temperatures above 150 degrees.
2. You can create complex shapes and sharp corners.
3. During printing, the plastic does not deform.

Flex

The distinguishing feature of this is that it is flexible. Therefore, plastic is best for creating complex objects. It is used in many industries. Among the advantages can be identified:

1. Finished products are very durable.
2. Not exposed to aggressive substances.
3. Resistant to mechanical damage.

PET

A plastic based thread with good strength. It is higher than that of PLA. Good for creating food containers or drawers for household items. The benefits are as follows:

1. Studies have shown that the material is safe.
2. It can interact with food.
3. It does not deform when printed.
4. No unpleasant odors.

ASA

It is an alternative to ABS. It has additional properties. Among them:

1. Resistance to sunshine. The latter can cause yellowing of the material.
2. It is not damaged by temperature changes.

Reference! Can be used for things that need to be stored outside.

TPU

Used in industry. It makes shoes, air mattresses, medical supplies, sports equipment, car panels and drive belts. Also used in the manufacture of cases for phones. Among the advantages you can whiten:

1. Resistance to wear.
2. Resistance to oils.
3. Elasticity.
4. Strength.

LAYBRICK

The appearance of the material is similar to a gray stone, but its properties are similar to that of plastic. Due to this, it is used to create landscape and architectural designs. The benefits are as follows:

1. Easy to paint.
2. It lends itself well to processing.
3. If the printing temperature is elevated, the product will have a rough surface and a sandy structure.
4. If the temperature is below 200 degrees, the picture will be even and smooth.

Attention! In addition to these, there are dozens of other, less common materials that have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on which product you need to make.

Which plastic is the best

The choice of plastic depends on the operating conditions of the finished product. Another important point is who will use the printer. If these are children, it is better to focus on organic material. It does not harm health. If you need to create layouts, souvenirs or three-dimensional models, Flex is better. ABS is used in industry and laboratories. It is used to create volumetric models in the research process. LAYBRICK is suitable if you need to roughen the surface.