Material Summary for 3D Printing
We offer a variety of materials for 3D printing, each with unique properties and ideal applications. Here’s a summary of the materials we currently use:
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- Properties: PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. It’s known for its ease of printing, good layer adhesion, and relatively strong tensile strength. It offers good detail and a glossy finish. However, it has lower temperature resistance compared to other materials and can become brittle over time.
- Example Usage: Ideal for prototypes, toys, figurines, and everyday objects.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Properties: ABS is an oil-based thermoplastic known for its high impact resistance, good chemical resistance, and high strength. It’s more durable and heat-resistant than PLA. However, it requires higher printing temperatures and a heated bed to prevent warping. It also emits fumes during printing, so proper ventilation is recommended.
- Example Usage: Suitable for durable parts, functional prototypes, automotive parts, and interlocking pieces.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- Properties: PETG combines the best of both PLA and ABS. It offers good impact resistance, good layer adhesion, and high transparency. It’s also more flexible and durable than PLA and easier to print than ABS. It has good chemical resistance and is food-safe (check specific filament certifications).
- Example Usage: Used for bottles, packaging, transparent enclosures, mechanical parts, and parts requiring flexibility and durability.
Summary Table:
| Material | Properties | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Biodegradable, Good layer adhesion, Relatively strong, Easy to print | Prototypes, Toys, Figurines, Everyday objects |
| ABS | High impact resistance, Good chemical resistance, High strength, Durable | Durable parts, Functional prototypes, Automotive parts, Interlocking pieces |
| PETG | Good impact resistance, Good layer adhesion, High transparency, Flexible, Durable | Bottles, Packaging, Transparent enclosures, Mechanical parts |
If you have any questions about which material is best suited for your project, please don’t hesitate to contact us.