> 3D Printing Materials

3D printing materials

3D printing offers us the ability to produce designs, prototypes and complex parts with a creativity and speed never seen before. And to get the best results, it is just as important to choose the right printing process as it is to choose the right 3D printing materials.

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If we have to choose a 3D material, we would say that plastic is the most common, versatile and cost-effective.
  • The plastic is presented in filament spools of different colors and textures.
  • It is also firm, soft and easy to shape.
  • Among which PLA and ABS stand out.
  • It is perfect for all kinds of accessories and even toys.
  • There are basically two main types of plastics: thermoplastics and thermosets.
Thermoplastics: 3D printing materials

Various materials are used in 3D printing, such as plastics, resins or metals, among others. In the FDM technique, thermoplastics are used, which are a type of material that becomes liquid when reaching high temperatures, facilitating its extrusion. Once cooled below its temperature, this material solidifies.

Most common 3D printing materials

We tell you about the characteristics and applications of each one!

PLA (Polylactic Acid)
  • It is the easiest fused deposition modeling material to print.
  • PLA does not require high melting temperatures.
  • Less resistant to heat and chemicals.
  • Biodegradable.
  • Odorless.

Applications

  • Decorative elements
  • Gadgets
  • Toys
  • Prototypes and molds
  • Films and films
  • Plastic bottles
PETG (Glycolized Polyethylene Terephthalate)
  • Supports lower printing temperatures for faster production.
  • Greater durability and impact resistance than PLA.
  • No strong odor.
  • PETG does not warp or shrink.
  • Translucent color option.
  • UV resistant.

Applications

  • Industrial parts
  • Outdoor parts
  • Tools, prostheses and parts in medical or food sectors
  • Support parts
  • Drones
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
  • Tough and durable.
  • Impact and heat resistant.
  • Needs a heated platform for printing.
  • Needs ventilation.
  • Easy machining.

Applications

  • Parts for the automotive and marine industries
  • Electronic housings and components
  • Interior paneling
  • Lever elements
  • Toys
  • Sports equipment
  • Office supplies
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
  • Flexible and soft to the touch.
  • Best for lighter and more flexible products.
  • Good impact resistance.
  • Soft and flexible.
  • Good tear and abrasion resistance.
  • Excellent vibration damping.

Applications

  • Flexible products and ergonomic parts.
  • Parts for the automotive industry, such as gaskets, inner liners or seals.
  • Household products such as kitchen utensils, tool handles…
  • For soles, insoles or heels in the footwear industry.
  • In containers and packaging.
How to choose the right 3D printing material

As we can see there are many 3D printing materials perfect for every project.
But how do we know which one is right for us?

Choose your 3D material with these 2 guidelines

▶︎ We offer a 2-step plan on how to choose your 3D printing material:

1
Depending on the type of performance you need
  • Low yield: PLA
  • Moderate performance: ABS
  • High performance: plastic composite materials and particle or fiber filler.
2
Requirement for each material

In Winkle you will find all the requirements of each filament within its technical data sheet and in each category.
So, for example, if what you need is resistance to breakage, your filament is PLA. And if you need impact resistance, you should opt for ABS.

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