3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that creates a three-dimensional object from a computer-aided design (CAD) model or a digital 3D model. The object is created by successively adding material layer by layer which is why it is also called additive manufacturing.
There are many different materials that can be used for 3D printing, but they can generally be divided into two categories: thermoplastic filament and composite materials. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the most common types of Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing filament to help you choose the right one for your project.
Thermoplastic filament
Thermoplastic filament is the most common type of 3D printing material. Thermoplastic materials are polymers that can be melted and solidified repeatedly without degradation. This makes them ideal for 3D printing because they can be easily melted and extruded through a nozzle to create a three-dimensional object. Common thermoplastic filaments include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PLA (polylactic acid), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), and nylon.
ABS: is a common thermoplastic filament that is often used for 3D printing. It is made up of three different monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. ABS is a tough and durable plastic that can be printed in a wide range of colors. It has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for printing objects that need to withstand high temperatures. ABS is also biodegradable and can be recycled.
PLA: is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources, such as corn starch. It is often used for 3D printing because it has a low melting point and can be printed in a wide range of colors. PLA is also bio-compatible, which means it is safe to use in contact with human skin.
PETG: is a thermoplastic filament that is made from polyethylene terephthalate and glycol. It has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for printing objects that need to withstand high temperatures. PETG is also bio-compatible, which means it is safe to use in contact with human skin.
Composite materials
Composite materials are another type of 3D printing material that consists of two or more different substances that have been combined to create a new material with unique properties. Composite materials are often used for 3D printing because they offer improved strength, stiffness, and durability compared to traditional thermoplastic materials. Common composite materials include carbon fiber, metal, and wood filament.
3D printing is a versatile manufacturing process that can be used to create objects from a variety of different materials. Thermoplastic filaments are the most common type of 3D printing material, but composite materials are also widely used thanks to their improved strength, stiffness, and durability. When choosing a 3D printing material, it's important to consider the specific properties that you need for your project.
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