3D Printing Material Guide – Properties and Applications
Polylactic acid
PLA
PLA is an easy to use, environmentally friendly choice for 3D Printing. It also has good strength properties. It comes in all colors. This is the most commonly used plastic for 3D Printing.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane, Elastomer
TPU/TPE
This plastic comes in all sorts of different properties in flexible materials and colors.
Nylon
Nylon
Nylon is a material that is widely used in the plastics industry. This plastic has very good properties for strength and wear properties, but with somewhat more difficulty in manufacturing due to its absorption of moisture.
Polyethylene terephthalate
PETG/PET
PETH/PET is known for its ease of handling and ability to hold liquids. It is also very durable.
Polycarbonate
PC
Polycarbonate is known for its strong and durable properties. It withstands heat and pressure better than many other plastics.
Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate
ASA
ASA is known for its high UV, temperature, resistance. With some difficulties to print, but completely possible.
Pla and wood shavings
Three fills
This material is often a combination of PLA and wood filler, which creates a unique feel and appearance to the part that mimics wood.
Metal dust
Metal filling
This is a material that is a mixture of plastic and metal dust, ranging from Copper, Bronze, Brass and Stainless Steel. This gives it a unique weight, hardness and appearance.
