The thermoplastic materials used in 3D printers are called filaments, and they come in different types. Each type has its own set of functions for varying kinds of needs. The material known to come in two standard diameters and offers a wide variety of colorful hues.
Through the simple process of heating, extruding of plastic, and cooling, filaments are created. Once those three are done, the plastic comes out transparent and the coloring is the last step before being complete and ready to be sold. If you are pondering upon which one you should get, read on to discover the different kinds of 3D printer filament and its many uses.
Before purchasing one, you should know the difference between them and their attributes. This is done so you can decide which one will best suit your project. Buying the wrong type will not only cost more money, it will be a waste of the material as well.
ABS is considered the most popular, and is also the standard. ABS means acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and is known for its strength and longevity. This filament is also known to being very impact resistant, which means being incredibly tough. A key attribute is, even while being tough, the material is able to maintain its elasticity.
Polylactic acid, or PLA is also known for its elasticity and endurance. Because of this, PLA is often being compared with ABS. But one the main difference, is that renewable resources are used to make them. This means it is very low toxic and as a result, has no odor and no longer has to be heated during the printing process.
PET means polyethylene terephthalate and is the most Eco friendly material in the market today. Apart from being completely stable, odorless, and being transparent when at its initial state, PET isalso produced from recycled plastic bottles. Because of its vapor barrier and strength, PET is often utilized in packaging products, like phone and laptop cases.
High impact polystyrene or HIPS for short, is a biodegradable filament. Its best feature is it apparently does not give any side effects when coming into contact with humans and animals. This material is often utilized in packing CD disks and producing medicinal trays due to the chemicals involved in fabricating it.
Another type of plastic that is commonly found in toys, tools, bearings, and machine parts is called polyamide. If this does not ring a bell to you, it is more commonly called nylon. Nylon is a popular choice amongst those who want to have more bang for their buck. Apart from being considerably cheaper, it is wear resistant, lightweight, and possesses a great deal of elasticity as well.
These are just a few of the varying kinds of filaments used in 3D printers. There are many more, but these are the standard and most popular of the bunch. Be aware though, that the best material should be the one that will correspond with the kind of project you will be conducting. Before purchasing one, weigh out the pros and cons first to avoid wasting materials and money.
Through the simple process of heating, extruding of plastic, and cooling, filaments are created. Once those three are done, the plastic comes out transparent and the coloring is the last step before being complete and ready to be sold. If you are pondering upon which one you should get, read on to discover the different kinds of 3D printer filament and its many uses.
Before purchasing one, you should know the difference between them and their attributes. This is done so you can decide which one will best suit your project. Buying the wrong type will not only cost more money, it will be a waste of the material as well.
ABS is considered the most popular, and is also the standard. ABS means acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and is known for its strength and longevity. This filament is also known to being very impact resistant, which means being incredibly tough. A key attribute is, even while being tough, the material is able to maintain its elasticity.
Polylactic acid, or PLA is also known for its elasticity and endurance. Because of this, PLA is often being compared with ABS. But one the main difference, is that renewable resources are used to make them. This means it is very low toxic and as a result, has no odor and no longer has to be heated during the printing process.
PET means polyethylene terephthalate and is the most Eco friendly material in the market today. Apart from being completely stable, odorless, and being transparent when at its initial state, PET isalso produced from recycled plastic bottles. Because of its vapor barrier and strength, PET is often utilized in packaging products, like phone and laptop cases.
High impact polystyrene or HIPS for short, is a biodegradable filament. Its best feature is it apparently does not give any side effects when coming into contact with humans and animals. This material is often utilized in packing CD disks and producing medicinal trays due to the chemicals involved in fabricating it.
Another type of plastic that is commonly found in toys, tools, bearings, and machine parts is called polyamide. If this does not ring a bell to you, it is more commonly called nylon. Nylon is a popular choice amongst those who want to have more bang for their buck. Apart from being considerably cheaper, it is wear resistant, lightweight, and possesses a great deal of elasticity as well.
These are just a few of the varying kinds of filaments used in 3D printers. There are many more, but these are the standard and most popular of the bunch. Be aware though, that the best material should be the one that will correspond with the kind of project you will be conducting. Before purchasing one, weigh out the pros and cons first to avoid wasting materials and money.
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