Types of Plastic for 3D Printing
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1. Comparison of Common Types of 3D Printing Filament
| Plastic | Melting point, °C | Strength | Flexibility | Thermal stability, °C | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | 220 – 250 | high | average | 90 – 100 | average |
| ABS+ | 230 – 260 | high | average | 90 – 110 | average |
| PLA | 180 – 220 | average | low | 55 – 60 | very easy |
| PLA+ | 200 – 230 | average | low | 60 – 65 | easily |
| HIPS | 230 – 260 | high | low | 90 – 100 | average |
| ASA | 230 – 260 | high | average | 100 – 110 | average |
| PETG | 230 – 250 | high | average | 70 – 80 | easily |
| PCTG | 230 – 260 | high | average | 75 – 85 | easily |
| TPU | 210 – 250 | average | high | 60 – 80 | difficult |
| TPE | 220 – 260 | low | very high | 50 – 70 | difficult |
| TPR | 230 – 270 | average | very high | 50 – 70 | difficult |
| Nylon | 250 – 300 | high | average | 100 – 120 | difficult |
| Flex | 190 – 260 | average | high | 80 – 100 | difficult |
| BVOH | 210 – 220 | low | low | 40 – 50 | very easy |
| Photopolymers | UV curing | high | low | 60 – 80 | average |
More details about all the common types of plastics for 3D printing are given below.
2. Guide to Key Types of 3D Plastics
2.1. ABS/ABS+
ABS plastic is everywhere around us - it is used to make a wide variety of products: office supplies, mobile phone cases, children's's toys, construction sets and much more. In terms of 3D printing, ABS filament has also become widespread. The acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene material is characterized by high strength and impact resistance, is not afraid of moisture and has good durability. The surface of ABS plastic is glossy, it is opaque and can be of any color. The operating temperature range of products made of this plastic is from -40 ° C to + 90 ° C, or even more.
The melting point of ABS plastic is between 220 and 250 °C. Since the material tends to deform and shrink when cooling, it is advisable to use a heated platform during printing. To avoid the influence of temperature changes, such plastic is often used on printers with closed chambers. Other nuances of ABS filament include sensitivity to direct sunlight, as well as an unpleasant and pungent odor during 3D printing. However, the latter problem can be solved by properly ventilating the room. However, it is not recommended to use a blower when printing with this plastic - remember that the material can deform and crack when cooling.
Some of the shortcomings of the original ABS technology have been eliminated in the improved ABS+ plastic formula. The specific features of such filaments depend on the manufacturer - some compositions are positioned as more elastic and less prone to deformation compared to regular ABS, others are more resistant to direct sunlight. These details should be clarified separately in each case.
2.2. PLA/PLA+
Polylactide PLA belongs to the category of "natural" materials from environmentally friendly raw materials. This 3D plastic is made from corn starch or sugar cane, is biodegradable, does not emit pungent odors and harmful substances when heated. To print with PLA plastic, you will need an extruder temperature of about 180 - 220 ° C, and the material practically does not stick to the surface of the printing table. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage at once - during the printing process, it may be necessary to add a border and glue to the surface of the table, or you will need to use a textured PEI plate.
PLA filament is suitable for printing decorative items, prototypes and models that do not require high strength or heat resistance. However, the material is quite fragile - it is not recommended for use in creating parts that will potentially be subject to mechanical stress. Another noticeable disadvantage of PLA plastic is the aforementioned biodegradability, which reduces the durability of products made from it.
Improved modifications of PLA+ plastic contain special additives that impart additional properties to the printed material: improved interlayer adhesion, excellent sintering of layers, high tensile and bending strength, reduced mechanical fragility. The specific formula of additives may vary depending on the type of plastic and the manufacturer of the raw materials. Depending on the inherent properties, the melting temperature of PLA+ plastic also varies - as a rule, it ranges from 200 °C to 230 °C.
2.3. HIPS
High Impact Polystyrene can be used as a base material for 3D printing, as well as supports for creating complex models - HIPS plastic easily dissolves in limonella. In terms of properties, the filament is something between ABS and PLA plastics. It combines high strength and flexibility, withstands high impact loads, and is easily post-processed.
The melting temperature of the material is within 230 – 260 °C. HIPS plastic does not exhibit toxic properties, products made from it are not afraid of moisture, are reliable and durable. When printing, HIPS can produce toxic fumes.
2.4. ASA
Thermoplastic Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate is positioned as an improved substitute for ABS filaments with resistance to atmospheric influences. First of all, this type of plastic exhibits excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation - products made of ASA filament can be used outdoors for a long time under the scorching sun. At the same time, the material has high impact strength, easily withstands mechanical impacts, and lends itself to various post-processing methods.
The plastic melts at temperatures from 230 °C to 260 °C. Its improved characteristics come at a corresponding price - ASA filament is an order of magnitude more expensive than traditional ABS thermoplastic.
2.5. TPU/TPE/TPR
A group of elastic thermoplastics for 3D printing of flexible and elastic parts. Thermoplastic polyurethane TPU has an extrusion temperature of up to 250 °C. In terms of tactile sensations, finished products made of this plastic resemble shoe soles. In fact, shoe soles can be made from it, as well as covers for mobile devices, various seals, gaskets, etc. In addition, thermoplastic polyurethane is characterized by chemical resistance to gasoline, motor oils, alcohol and other solvents.
TPE filament (thermoplastic elastomer) combines the properties of plastic and rubber. The material is used to create flexible and elastic parts that can be deformed under pressure and return to their original shape. Its maximum melting temperature reaches 260 °C. TPE plastic is quite difficult to handle and requires a slow printing speed, and its high adhesion causes sticking to the nozzle.
Finally, thermoplastic rubber TPR is characterized by high wear resistance and increased mechanical strength compared to the above-mentioned TPU and TPE. The plastic has an extrusion temperature of 230 to 270 °C.
2.6. PETG/PCTG
PETG is an improved version of PET polyethylene filament. The “G” symbol in its abbreviation denotes glycol additives to reduce brittleness and simplify 3D printing. The material combines the strength characteristics of ABS plastic and the versatility of PLA filament. The printing temperature of PETG is 230 – 250 °C.
The plastic has good interlayer adhesion, is notable for its resistance to mechanical impacts and chemicals, and has low shrinkage and deformation. The filament is suitable for making food containers. In terms of price, PETG is often cheaper than other thermoplastics. The main disadvantage of the material is its hygroscopicity, i.e. the ability to absorb and accumulate moisture. Therefore, it is important to maintain dry conditions for proper storage of this thermoplastic.
2.7. Nylon
PA plastic or nylon has been used in 3D printing relatively recently, which is why it is less common than other filaments. Nylon is used to create parts that experience constant mechanical loads: gears, moving joints and mechanisms. The key features of the plastic include resistance to abrasion, durability and wear resistance. The material also withstands high operating temperatures and has excellent tensile strength.
The stumbling block to the widespread use of nylon is the difficulty of handling. The thermoplastic requires high melting temperatures (up to 300 °C), emits many harmful substances and tends to absorb moisture from the air. Working with nylon requires proper experience and a closed printing chamber, but the results obtained exceed expectations due to the mechanical strength and durability of the finished products.
2.8. Flex
Flex in English means "flexible". Accordingly, this plastic is used to print flexible or elastic products. In terms of properties, it is as close as possible to solid silicone - Flex filament is not afraid of impacts and exposure to aggressive liquids (such as oils and gasoline), exhibits wear resistance and durability.
Finished Flex plastic crafts can withstand operating temperatures of up to approximately 100 °C. The filament itself has an extrusion temperature of 190 – 260 °C, depending on the specific grade. The plastic is used to manufacture various seals, gaskets, dampers, straps, anti-slip pads and elements.
2.9. BVOH
One of the popular types of auxiliary plastic for 3D printing. BVOH is an abbreviation for Butenediol Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer. The filament easily dissolves in ordinary warm water, and it is supposed to be used as supports when creating complex multi-component models. Support elements made of BVOH plastic help to maintain the geometry of the “printed” structure without damaging the main structure of the product.
The material is compatible with popular thermoplastics ABS, PLA, PETG and Nylon. The optimal extrusion temperature for this filament is in the range from 210 to 220 °C.
2.10. Photopolymers
Liquid polymer materials that harden under the influence of ultraviolet light. The key feature of photopolymers is that they do not require heating for use. However, these filaments are used in specific types of 3D printers with printing using SLA, DLP, MJM technologies. There is a wide variety of such materials that differ in viscosity, solidification speed, sensitivity to light and practical features (the solidified resin can have the properties of different materials).
Photopolymers allow for high printing speeds, but they are significantly more expensive than traditional thermoplastics.
3. Answers to frequently asked questions
3.1 Which plastic is best for beginners?
The most convenient and predictable filament for learning the basics of 3D printing is PLA-type plastic. Also quite easy to handle are PETG thermoplastics, which ensure the production of more durable products.
3.2 What plastic to use for flexible parts?
TPU, TPE and TPR filaments are suitable for creating flexible parts - they actually have the properties of plastic and rubber. This also includes Flex-type thermoplastics, a priori sharpened for the production of elastic parts.
3.3 How to store 3D plastic?
Different plastics require different storage conditions. Generally speaking, the best storage conditions are plastic or glass containers with a hermetically sealed lid. They should be placed at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, to prevent the destruction of the plastic structure and color fading. Hygroscopic filaments (PETG, Nylon) should be protected from moisture - it is advisable to pack them in vacuum bags or use silica gel to remove excess moisture. And of course, keep the thermoplastic clean.
3.4. Is it possible to combine different plastics in one product?
Combining thermoplastics is a common practice in 3D printing. A striking example is the use of auxiliary water-soluble filament such as BVOH, which is a priori designed to create temporary supports for the components of the main structure of the product. Other types of plastics can also be combined to create different textures of the object (for example, a combination of transparent and opaque filaments, rigid and flexible elements).
Note that thermoplastics differ in melting temperature and nozzle feed rate - this requires appropriate settings of printing equipment. Also, different materials may not adhere well to each other. For example, a conventional PLA filament does not adhere well to ABS or Nylon plastics.
3.5. Which plastic can withstand high temperatures?
In terms of melting point, Nylon requires the greatest heating - up to approximately 300 °C. It also has high heat resistance - finished products made of this plastic are designed for use at temperatures up to 120 °C. Flex filament easily withstands temperatures up to 100 °, and ASA plastic up to 110 °C.
3.6 Why does plastic crack or deform when printing?
There may be various reasons for this. The most common is a large temperature difference between the layers of extruded plastic, which creates stress in the model. The problem can be partially solved by using a heated bed. Cracks also occur due to insufficient extruder temperature and excessive cooling of the product.
Deformations are caused by too low or too high filament feed speed, instability of material feed due to uneven filament diameter, and high moisture content in 3D plastic.
3.7. Is it possible to print with plastic waste?
Quite acceptable, but with certain reservations. The fact is that 3D plastics are subject to thermal degradation - heating potentially worsens their properties. Physical degradation is aggravated by repeated cycles of heating and quenching the filament. To mitigate the problem, a certain percentage of virgin plastic is added to the formula of recycled filaments for 3D printers. This makes it possible to achieve properties comparable to new material.
The market offers 3D plastics made from recycled materials from manufacturers Reflow, ReFuel and Filamentive. However, filament can be recycled independently - for this you will need to acquire plastic grinding systems and a filament extruder. The quality of 3D printing from recycled materials largely depends on the settings, printing conditions and equipment on which the plastic was made.
3.8 What plastic is suitable for printing gears or mechanical parts?
The most suitable thermoplastics for this purpose are Nylon and PETG/PCTG. However, the latter two are suitable for making gears or mechanical parts that experience relatively low loads.
3.9 How do I know what temperature is right for my plastic?
The optimal melting temperature is usually indicated on the filament packaging. In general, the extrusion temperature ranges for popular types of 3D plastic are clearly presented in the table above (at the very beginning of the article).
3.10. Why do my products look untidy (sagging, threads, roughness)?
Filament sagging is caused by the extruder being too hot, printing at too high a speed, and not using supports.
The filament also stretches due to the high temperature of the nozzle or due to the slow printing speed.
Roughness and unevenness of surfaces occur due to poor sintering of layers and incorrect settings for feeding the printed material.
