3D Printing Filaments to Purchase
What kind of material would work best for your job? Well, that's not easy to answer, but your print quality will improve in proportion to your familiarity with the available options and the properties of different materials. Doing some preliminary study on materials will pay off in the end since they will constitute the majority of your 3D printing investment. 3D printing makes use of a vast array of materials. Anyone interested in 3D printing can find what they need in this comprehensive guide.
What are the Most Common Materials Used for 3D Printing?
When it comes to 3D printing, plastic is by far the most popular material. Toys and 3D-printed home fixtures are only two examples of the many uses for plastic. Aside from being transparent, plastic 3D printing material is available in a rainbow of hues. Glossy and matte are the two most common spool textures for plastic 3D printing filaments.
1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS's strength and longevity have made it a popular choice among 3D printers. Lego bricks, phone covers, and bike helmets are just a few examples of the many products that rely on this petroleum-based plastic. Because of its durability and resistance to heat and impact, it finds widespread use in many consumer and industrial goods.
ABS has a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio and is inexpensive compared to other materials. But it tends to warp unless printed in a hot, confined build room, which makes it difficult to work with. Furthermore, enough ventilation or a sealed printing chamber is required since ABS releases powerful fumes and possibly dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when printed.
Purchase link:Amazon
Price: $35.99
2. ASA (Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile)
With greater mechanical qualities, increased chemical resistance, and better thermal resistance, ASA is a preferable option to ABS. The fact that it doesn't fade or fade out when exposed to sunlight for lengthy periods is one of its most notable qualities, which makes it perfect for use in outdoor settings. ASA is easier to print with than ABS since it shows less warping. Because of its resilience and longevity, it can withstand the rigors of outdoor fixtures, automobile components, and any other use subjected to the environment for an extended time.
Purchase link: Amazon.
Price: $23.99
3. Polypropylene (PP)
Because of its long lifespan and high resistance to chemicals, polypropylene is a popular material. Aside from 3D printing, this semi-crystalline plastic has numerous other applications. Living hinges and components that see frequent flexing can benefit from PP's resilience to fatigue. However, printing with polypropylene is challenging because the material warps easily and doesn't stick well to the build plate. In spite of these drawbacks, the material's exceptional qualities render it highly desirable for niche uses, such as in the packaging and automotive sectors.
Purchase Link: Amazon.
Price: $18.99
4. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Easy to work with and kind to the environment, PLA has quickly become the go-to filament for 3D printers. Produced from sustainable sources such as sugarcane or maize starch, PLA can be broken down in industrial composting facilities. For novices or those constructing prototypes or low-stress components, its low printing temperature (190-215°C) and lack of warping make it a great choice.
PLA comes in a rainbow of hues and varieties, from silky smooth to lightweight to recycled versions that incorporate wood. Nevertheless, PLA's lack of heat resistance and durability makes it unsuitable for outdoor or utilitarian uses.
Purchase link: MatterHackers
Price: $51.22 - $195.00
5. Carbon Fiber
Composite carbon fiber filaments combine carbon fibers with common PLA, ABS, or PETG filaments, among others, for 3D printing. Adding carbon fibers makes the material much stronger and stiffer while also making it lighter. Carbon fiber filaments are perfect for producing high-strength components utilized in aerospace, automotive, and other performance-oriented industries because of this. Hardened steel nozzles can be used for printing carbon fiber composites, as the abrasive carbon fibers can rapidly wear out regular 3D printer nozzles.
Purchase link: Amazon.
Price: $24.99
6. Nylon
Durable, adaptable, and resistant to impact and wear and tear, nylon (also known as polyamide) has many uses. Engineering gears, jigs, fixtures, and tooling are among its many uses. Reinforcing nylon using carbon, glass, or Kevlar improves its mechanical characteristics. Nylon is a popular choice for functional and industrial parts despite being more difficult to print than other materials owing to its propensity to absorb airborne moisture and its need for high printing temperatures. To get high-quality prints using nylon, make sure to store it in an airtight container and let it dry before using it.
Purchase link: MatterHackers.
Price: $58 to $335
7. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
The combination of polystyrene and polybutadiene rubber produces the robust and malleable filament known as HIPS. It is a great support material for dual-extrusion 3D printing since it is comparable to ABS but has superior impact resistance and can be smoothed using limonene. The exceptional durability, paintability, and machineability of HIPS make it a popular choice for many applications.
It is also used in food processing and meets FDA standards. The fact that HIPS dissolves in limonene makes it possible to remove even the most intricate support systems without ruining the printed object.
Purchase link: 3dxtech
Price: $24.95 to $128
8. PC or polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is an extremely long-lasting, see-through polymer with excellent heat and impact resistance. Because of its high glass transition temperature of approximately 150°C, it is well-suited for use in environments with elevated temperatures. Polycarbonate can endure enormous force without shattering due to its inherent flexibility.
Printing problems like warping or layer separation might occur because it is hygroscopic and absorbs airborne moisture. Therefore, dry polycarbonate filament thoroughly before using it and store it in an airtight container. Protective covers, lenses, and mechanical components are just a few of the many uses for polycarbonate. This material causes printing issues but is otherwise perfect due to its transparency and strength.
Purchase link: 3dxtech
Price: $37.99 to $184
9. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
One of the most common uses for PVA in 3D printing is as a support material. Its solubility in water makes dissolving the support structures in warm water a simple way to remove it. For complicated geometries with overhangs and interior cavities, which would be challenging to support with other materials, PVA is the perfect choice.
The biodegradability and suppleness of PVA make it unsuitable for producing independent items. Store it correctly so it doesn't absorb moisture, which can cause nozzle clogs and poor print quality. Despite these restrictions, the solubility and convenience of PVA make it a promising material for dual-extrusion 3D printing.
Purchase link: MatterHackers
Price: $44
10. Resins
Many different types of 3D printing rely on resins, including stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and liquid crystal display (LCD). Their flawless surface finishes and attention to detail make them perfect for building complex models and prototypes as well as working components. Injection molds made of high-temperature resins, tough resins with ABS-like characteristics, elastic parts made of flexible resins, and medical applications involving biocompatible polymers are just a few examples of the many resin types available.
Jewelry, dental, and medical device manufacturers can't do without resins due to their high-precision components. Yet, these materials can be pricey and require post-processing, like curing under UV radiation.
Purchase link: Amazon
Price: $22
Having looked at the 3D printing material lists, it’s also important to have a look at the best 3D printing software that you can use to create your files and prepare them for 3D printing. There are many available, but we recommend using SelfCAD. It is an easy-to-use 3D design software that you can use to create both simple and complex 3D models.
In addition to the ability to create files from scratch, you can also import files created in other programs and modify them in SelfCAD based on your needs. For example, you can import STL file and color it, as shown below.
It also comes with an in-built online slicer that you can use to slice your files and generate the G-code to send to your 3D printer.
Find the Perfect Material for Every Project!
Because of the wide variety of materials available, 3D printing is becoming an increasingly useful technique in many fields and tasks. It's important to know what each one can and can't do to choose the right material for your project. If you want higher-quality prints from your next project, this short guide will help you select the ideal material, whether that's resin or filament.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.