FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) type 3D printers use technology that creates objects by melting thermoplastics and layering them on top of each other. The filaments used in these printers are typically made from thermoplastic materials, and each filament has unique characteristics, durability, and usage areas. FDM printers are compatible with a wide range of filaments, but each filament requires specific settings and careful attention during the printing process. In this blog post, we will examine the common types of filaments used in FDM printers and which projects they are suitable for.
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic material and one of the most commonly used filaments in FDM printers. It is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, making it an environmentally friendly option.
- Applications: Typically used for prototyping, decorative objects, and general 3D printing tasks. It is ideal for educational prints and hobby projects.
- Advantages: Easy to print, requires low printing temperatures, and does not emit unpleasant odors. Additionally, PLA comes in a wide variety of colors.
- Disadvantages: Its durability and heat resistance are lower than other filaments, making it unsuitable for mechanical parts or outdoor use.
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a plastic known for its durability and flexibility. It is commonly used in automotive parts, toys, and consumer electronics.
- Applications: Preferred for mechanical parts, durable prototypes, and outdoor applications.
- Advantages: High durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat. It can be sanded for finishing and can be smoothed using acetone.
- Disadvantages: Requires high temperatures to print and may emit unpleasant odors during printing. It can also experience issues such as warping and cracking, so a heated print bed and enclosed printing area are recommended.
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG offers a balance between PLA and ABS, providing both flexibility and durability. PETG belongs to the PET plastic family, commonly used for transparent products, but with the addition of glycol, it becomes more flexible and has improved impact resistance.
- Applications: Used for transparent or semi-transparent products, durable prototypes, mechanical parts, and products suitable for food contact.
- Advantages: Easy to print, durable, and flexible. It is also resistant to water and chemicals.
- Disadvantages: Requires proper settings to achieve good adhesion on the first layer and may experience warping. However, it has fewer odor issues compared to ABS.
4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a flexible, rubber-like material. It is known for its high flexibility and durability, making it ideal for producing flexible objects.
- Applications: Suitable for phone cases, flexible hinges, shoe soles, and flexible prototypes.
- Advantages: Flexible and durable, ideal for producing impact-resistant prints.
- Disadvantages: Prints more slowly than other filaments and requires attention to ensure smooth feeding of the filament during printing.
5. Nylon (Polyamide)
Nylon is an extremely durable, flexible, and abrasion-resistant filament. It is widely preferred for producing mechanical parts and products that will be used in challenging environments.
- Applications: Used for gears, hinges, durable prototypes, and technical parts.
- Advantages: High flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance. It is resistant to wear and friction.
- Disadvantages: As a moisture-absorbing material, it needs to be kept dry. Additionally, it requires high printing temperatures, necessitating advanced printing environments.
6. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
HIPS is often used in conjunction with ABS. It is typically used as a support material and can be easily dissolved in a solvent called limonene.
- Applications: Used as support material in complex models and can also be used for durable prototypes.
- Advantages: Works well as a support material and dissolves easily in limonene. Performs well with ABS.
- Disadvantages: Requires high temperatures for printing and can be prone to warping, like ABS.
7. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
PVA is a water-soluble filament type and is commonly used as a support material in complex models. PVA is a support material that can be used independently of the main filament.
- Applications: Primarily used as a support material in complex models, especially with dual-extruder printers.
- Advantages: Dissolves in water, making it easy to remove support structures, which is advantageous for models with complex geometries.
- Disadvantages: PVA can degrade quickly in humid environments, so it should be stored in a dry place. It is also relatively expensive.
8. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Filaments
Carbon fiber-reinforced filaments are used to produce stronger and more durable models. These filaments consist of PLA, ABS, or Nylon infused with carbon fiber particles.
- Applications: Used to produce durable, lightweight, and strong parts, particularly favored in the aerospace and automotive industries.
- Advantages: Offers high stiffness, lightweight properties, and durability.
- Disadvantages: The carbon fibers in the filament can wear down the printer’s nozzle, so a durable nozzle is recommended.
