3D Printing News Which filament should I choose for my 3D printer?

Due to its ease of use, accessibility, and performance, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is one of the most widely used 3D printing processes on the market. It is well known that it is compatible with various thermoplastics, that is, a material that can soften under the action of heat but return to its original shape when cooled. In order to be extruded by a 3D printer, these thermoplastics are converted into filaments, which can then be driven and melted by the extruder. Nowadays, most plastics in the industry can undergo this transformation, thus expanding the field of possibilities. But how do you choose consumables for 3D printers? What characteristics need to be considered?

Before continuing to study the different filaments that exist in the additive manufacturing market, it is important to understand how plastics are classified. This is a critical first step to help you better understand the materials available and their characteristics. Today, there are so-called amorphous or semi-crystalline plastics: these adjectives define the intermolecular structure of polymers based on how they react when they solidify after fusion. Specifically, amorphous plastic chains will entangle and remain disordered during the solidification stage. In contrast, semi-crystalline plastic chains will organize and arrange each other. This results in different properties; for example, amorphous materials are generally more transparent and have lower dimensional stability. Finally, another important point for ordering plastic series is the melting temperature: the temperature of standard plastics will be lower than the so-called technical materials. On the other hand, high-performance polymers require more advanced thermal management, with melting temperatures close to 572°F (300°C).

FDM is one of the most widely used processes in 3D printing. It is compatible with plastic filaments.

PLA or polylactic acid is a semi-crystalline material derived from a renewable resource-usually corn starch. Unlike most plastics in the petroleum industry, PLA is considered more environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable under appropriate conditions. This kind of 3D printer consumables is very easy to use, which is why it is very popular in the 3D printing market. It is compatible with food contact, and its extrusion temperature is usually 180°C. It has good geometric stability and generally does not warp. It is mainly used in prototyping, tool making, decorative parts or medical fields. PLA is available in a variety of colors and is usually used as a matrix for composite materials.

PP is one of the most widely used materials in plastic injection molding. It is known for its lightness, resistance to chemicals and fatigue, and good electrical insulation. It also exists in the form of filaments for 3D printers, with good impact resistance, air tightness and semi-rigidity. But please note that it is difficult to print because it does not adhere to the printing plate. It has a very precise melting point and requires excellent thermal management. In terms of application, PP filament is most suitable for packaging, clips and fasteners, liquid containers, etc.

3D printed parts made of PP (photo source: Materialise)

This time, we continue to discuss the amorphous structure: ABS is a filament known for its low-temperature impact resistance and lightness. It is not always easy to classify this material: for example, it is sometimes in the technical part of the pyramid and is not as easy to process as PLA. In 3D printing, it will warp, requiring the use of a heating plate. Its characteristics make it an ideal material for producing functional prototypes, frequently needed tool parts or manufacturing molds. ABS is still an affordable 3D printer consumable with many options.

Nylon, also known as polyamide (PA), used in powder form for SLS technology is more common in the additive manufacturing market. However, it can exist in the form of a filament, with 6 carbon atoms, so it is PA6. The latter is similar to ABS and also requires a hot plate because its adhesion is not the best. PA6 is known for its impact and abrasion resistance and flexibility. It has a long service life and is very suitable for the production of parts such as hinges, machine parts and tools. It can be reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber. Please note that nylon is a hygroscopic material, so it is important to store it in a dry place.

For PA6, humidity control is essential (photo source: Sharebot)

PET is a well-known material in the industry because it constitutes today's plastic bottles. In 3D printing, the most well-known form of PETG is the addition of ethylene glycol to reduce its brittle appearance. It is mainly known for its transparency and compatibility with food contact. For example, many packages and containers are printed with PETG. It is a good substitute for PLA or ABS.

Polyoxymethylene or POM is a semi-crystalline material that is becoming more and more popular in 3D printing. It has excellent chemical properties, heat resistance, impact resistance and wear resistance, and has good sliding properties. POM can be used for 3D printing various applications, such as backpack buckles, components that need to withstand heat for a long time, or gears. However, this is a filament that is still difficult to print because it requires good thermal management-platen, extruder and chamber. Please also note that compared with materials such as PLA or ABS, there are few manufacturers of such 3D printer consumables.

POM is becoming more and more common in 3D printing (photo source: POM)

Polycarbonate (PC) is mainly used for its strength and transparency. It is not an easy-to-print thermoplastic, because it requires a higher extrusion temperature and heating plate. It is particularly popular in the optical industry because it has a lower density than glass and can withstand temperatures from -238°F to 284°F (-150°C to 140°C). Generally, protective screens or optical parts can be 3D printed with polycarbonate. In any case, such 3D printer filaments are becoming more and more common in the range of products offered by manufacturers in this industry.

As we all know, the last type of polymer is more demanding: its thermoplastics require high melting temperatures and have properties close to those of certain metals. In additive manufacturing, these are filaments that require high extrusion temperatures, heating plates, and closed casings. Thermal management is essential for such materials.

HPP is a very demanding material and requires excellent thermal management (photo source: 3DGence)

PEEK is probably the most common 3D printer consumable in this category. It belongs to the PAEK series. It requires an extrusion temperature of approximately 752°F (400°C), a plate that can reach 446°F (230°C), and a shell heated to 248°F (120°C). PEEK is known for its weight/strength ratio and can withstand high temperatures. It can be sterilized, which makes it the material of choice for printing custom implants. It is a filament used in 3D printers. The requirements are still very high. It requires a certain grasp of the 3D printing process and is still quite expensive.

PPS is also a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic, known for its chemical resistance and mechanical properties. It is mainly used in the automotive, oil and gas and electronics industries. Its extrusion temperature is closer to 572°F (300°C); it also requires a heating plate and a closed chamber.

PEEK is commonly used for 3D printing custom implants (photo source: FossiLabs)

In this category, we can first mention PEI, a filament for 3D printers, now sold by SABIC under the ULTEM brand. It is cheaper than PEEK and meets fire/smoke standards, making it an ideal material for the aerospace industry. PEI is also resistant to automotive fluids, hydrocarbons, alcohol and aqueous solutions. It can be sterilized and is compatible with food contact.

Finally, we must not forget the sulfone family, especially PPSU and PSU. These are very interesting thermoplastics in terms of thermal performance and fire/smoke characteristics. They also have good electrical insulation and dielectric properties. They are popular materials in the transportation industry, including railways, aerospace, and automobiles.

Finally, it is important to mention composite filaments and elastic materials. Composite materials are materials composed of a matrix—PLA, nylon, polycarbonate, etc.—and reinforced with fibers, the most common being carbon. Glass, aramid, etc. can also be used. These will increase the strength of the filament while optimizing its weight. There are different ways to place the fibers, but usually they are more or less long.

Finally, flexible filaments like TPU are part of FDM material products. These are flexible materials known for their wear resistance and impact resistance. They are particularly interesting in the production of clamps or orthopedic insoles. However, they are very sensitive to high temperatures.

TPU is a flexible material (photo source: ALSIMA)

Which 3D printing consumables do you use? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages! Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here to send the latest 3D printing news directly to your inbox!

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Need to be corrected. Polypropylene is not a standard printer consumable, and POM is almost impossible to print. PETG is a standard filament that is easy to print.

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