3D printing is a revolutionary technology that has revolutionized the way we fabricate objects. From a small figurine to a house, anything is possible with 3D printing. But it’s not only the technology that makes 3D printing so impressive – but it’s also the wide variety of 3D printing materials available. From PLA and ABS plastic to metals, ceramics, and composites, there are a variety of materials to choose from.
Each material has its own unique properties and benefits that make it ideal for specific applications. In this article, we’ll explore the different 3D printing materials available, their properties, and their common applications. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which materials are best suited for your 3D printing project.
What is 3D printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of fabricating three-dimensional objects from a digital model using a specialized machine. The printers first create a “bottom-up” by laying down successive layers of material. These layers are built on top of each other until the 3D object is complete.
While there are several types of 3D printing, we’ll be focusing on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED). FDM 3D printing is one of the most common 3D printing technologies on the market. It uses a spool of filament to create objects by extruding molten plastic onto a build plate.
The DED process uses a high-powered laser to melt particles together to create an object. This process is also known as laser sintering.
Types of 3D printing materials
When it comes to 3D printing materials, there are a variety of options to choose from. Generally, you’ll find plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites. You may also come across bioprinting materials like PLA and Bio-based polymers. PLA – Polylactic acid is a biodegradable, plant-based plastic that’s great for 3D printing projects. It’s less brittle than ABS, making it a good fit for uses like kids’ toys, figurines, and jewelry.
ABS – Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a synthetic plastic that’s commonly used in 3D printing. It’s strong, water-resistant, impact-resistant, and easy to work with. ABS is best for functional parts and structures. Nylon – This synthetic polymer is a good all-around material that’s strong and easy to work with.
It can be used in functional parts but is also great for items that need to be flexible, like fabric. Polycarbonate – This is a tough, impact-resistant material that’s commonly used in things like helmets, safety glasses, and sports equipment. It’s also great for making circuit boards.
Properties of 3D printing materials
When it comes to 3D printing materials, it’s important to keep in mind their properties. This will help you select the right material for your 3D printing project. Strength – How strong is the material? If you’re creating a functional part, you’ll want one that’s strong enough to stand up to the stress it will be under.
Flexibility – How flexible is the material? You don’t want the part to break, but it also needs to be able to withstand movement and wear. Hardness – How hard is the material? You want it to be strong enough to do the job, but not so hard that it’s difficult to work with and creates a lot of waste.
Toughness – How tough is the material? This is the combination of strength, flexibility, and hardness. It tells you how well the material will stand up to wear and tear.
Common applications of 3D printing materials
– 3D printing materials can be used in a wide variety of industries. Some of the most common applications include the following: – Aerospace and defense – These industries are always looking for ways to reduce the weight of aircraft and spacecraft. 3D printing is a great way to do this without sacrificing durability.
– Architecture and construction – Architects and contractors use 3D printing to create models that show off their designs. They also use it to fabricate building materials, like concrete, bricks, and structural panels. – Automotive – 3D printing is commonly used to make prototypes, molds, and car parts. The most common materials used in automotive 3D printing are ABS, nylon, and polycarbonate.
– Consumer goods – If you’ve ever bought a toy, sporting equipment, or a household item made with a special design, then you’ve probably come across a product created with 3D printing. Toys and sporting equipment are often created with custom designs, while household items are made with unique colors, textures, and patterns.
Plastic 3D printing materials
When it comes to plastic 3D printing materials, you’ll find a variety of different options. Generally, you’ll see flexible and semi-rigid materials like ABS, nylon, and polycarbonate. Rigid materials like PC and PETG are less common. ABS – Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a synthetic plastic that’s commonly used in 3D printing. It’s strong, water-resistant, impact-resistant, and easy to work with. ABS is best for functional parts and structures.
Nylon – This synthetic polymer is a good all-around material that’s strong and easy to work with. It can be used in functional parts but is also great for items that need to be flexible, like fabric. Polycarbonate – This is a tough, impact-resistant material that’s commonly used in things like helmets, safety glasses, and sports equipment. It’s also great for making circuit boards.
Metal 3D printing materials
When it comes to 3D printing with metal materials, you’ll find a variety of different options. Generally, you’ll see pure metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. You’ll also see alloys like cobalt chrome, steel, and nickel-chromium-aluminum. Alloy materials are common in 3D printing since they have the strength and hardness of pure metals without being so brittle.
The most common metals used in 3D printing are aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. They’re easy to work with and don’t need to be altered to be printed, unlike other metals like cobalt chrome steel, and nickel-chromium-aluminum. The following are some of the most common metal 3D printing materials.
Aluminum – Aluminum is a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant metal. It’s commonly used in airplanes, cars, and sporting equipment. Stainless steel – Stainless steel is durable, corrosion-resistant, and flexible. It’s commonly used in kitchen appliances, medical devices, and jewelry. Titanium – This is a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant metal. It’s often used in sports gear, jewelry, and medical devices.
Ceramic 3D printing materials
Ceramic 3D printing materials are some of the toughest materials available. They’re also a bit more difficult to work with since they’re fired in a kiln at high temperatures. The most common ceramic 3D printing materials include alumina, mullite, and silicon carbide.
Alumina – This is a very tough material that’s commonly used in furnace parts, furnace linings, and other high-temperature applications. Mullite – It’s often used in high-temperature applications, like kilns and furnaces. Silicon carbide – This is a hard ceramic that’s a good electrical insulator. It’s used in abrasives, ceramics, and circuit breakers.
Composites 3D printing materials
A composite material is made up of two or more materials. It can be created by combining two materials with a special adhesive, or by adding a filler to existing material. Composites are great for 3D printing because they can be made with a variety of materials. This makes it easy to match the properties of different materials to the specific needs of a project. The most
