@3DNFC, we commonly print with a variety of interesting materials such as Composite Conductive PLA, Nylon (Flexible), Resin, Iron Fill (Magnetic) PLA, and Glow In The Dark filaments. Our most popular additive manufacturing materials are PLA, TPU (Flexible), PETG, Metal Copper Fill PLA, and Wood Filled PLA. We’ll briefly examine some of these materials, their properties, and some common use cases below.
Materials List
Build Materials
ABS
Composite Conductive PLA
Composite Iron (Magnetic) PLA
HIPS
Metal Copper PLA
Nylon
PLA
PETG
PLA
Resin
TPU 95A
Wood Filled PLA
Filament in 3D printing
What is Filament in 3D printing?
3D printing filament is the thermoplastic feedstock for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers. There are many types of filament available with different properties which require different print procedures.
Resin In 3D Printing
What Is Resin In 3D Printing?
When highly detailed, aesthetically pleasing parts and products are needed we often use UV Curable Resins as the material. One of the most important features that this material possesses is water-resistance. This material is an ideal option for items that need a transparent surface, smooth finish, and high-quality. It can be used to print cosmetic models or used to make more mechanical prints, like replacement parts or prototypes.
Polylactic Acid, commonly known as PLA, is one of the most popular materials used in 3D printing.
PLA Overview
Common Applications & Use Cases
Considerations
PLA Overview
Overview
PLA is often the go-to material for most users due to its ease of use, dimensional accuracy, and low cost. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly filaments on the market today. Derived from crops such as corn and sugarcane, PLA is renewable and most importantly biodegradable.
Common Applications & Use Cases
Common Applications & Use Cases
Test and calibration items
Dimensionally accurate assemblies
Decorative Parts
Props
PLA is the most popular 3D printing material, but it has plenty of uses besides 3D printing:
Food-packing: PLA is an all-natural, non-toxic, and theoretically food-safe material, making it a great plastic for food packing because it won’t contaminate food. Even though PLA can react with certain chemicals and liquids, results have shown that it releases an insignificant amount of lactic acid. For example, NatureWorks, a bioplastic company, has successfully used PLA to make a food-safe food-packing component. Medical: Again, PLA’s non-toxic composition makes it useful in the medical and healthcare industry. PLA components have been used in bone fixation devices, like binding screws and plates. Prototyping: Prototyping in PLA is typically done with 3D printing, and it’s a great way for businesses and individuals to bring an idea to life. That’s because PLA is super easy to print, inexpensive, and can be used with any FDM 3D printer. Structural applications: Despite its brittleness and low durability, PLA is commonly used in buildings, from carpet fibers to insulation foam. PLA can also be used for furnishing items that won’t be under physical stress. Textiles: PLA is also used in the production of cloth and other textiles due to its breathability, low weight, and other properties. PLA certainly isn’t the most popular plastic in the textile industry, but it has potential, and it’s an eco-friendly alternative. An example of this use can be found in the Fibfab project, which has successfully tested PLA for use in casual and protective clothing. Cosmetics: The cosmetics industry is a huge contributor to plastic waste, and PLA is gaining popularity as a packaging alternative for its eco-friendliness and all-natural sources.
Attribution: all3dp.com
Considerations
Considerations
Not suitable for outdoors (sunlight exposure)
Unique Blends
Ω⋅
Composite Iron (Magnetic) PLA
Composite Conductive PLA
Metal Copper PLA
Wood Filled PLA
Ω⋅
Composite Iron (Magnetic) PLA
Magnetic Iron PLA
Magnets stick to this material and the parts made with it as they would to iron or steel. It is not a magnet itself and will not “stick” to other metals.
Overview
Magnetic Iron prints beautifully with a Matte Gray finish similar to cast metal. The surface can be rusted with a water mixture for an age distressed look.
Features of Magnetic Iron PLA
Magnetic Iron PLA responds to magnets and behaves similarly to pure iron, even to the point of rusting in the right environment! The density of Iron PLA is about 50 percent higher than standard PLA giving printed parts a bit more “heft” and a less plastic feel.
Composite Conductive PLA
Image: all3dp.com
Composite Conductive PLA
We currently use Protopasta’s Conductive PLA which is a compound of Natureworks 4043D PLA, a dispersant and conductive carbon black.
Overview
Composite Conductive PLA is a great choice for low-voltage circuitry applications. As a general rule, anything you can run through a 1K resistor should be doable with Composite Conductive PLA. Although the filament can’t power your house, it can help with small projects, such as custom PCBs, circuits, or electronic components that can power small devices, for example, LED lights or sensors.
Material Properties:
Resistivity: 15 Ω⋅cm Resistivity per axis: 30 Ω⋅cm (X- and Y-axes) and 115 Ω⋅cm (Z-axis) Volume Resistivity: 1 Ω⋅cm
Benefits Of Conductive Filament
Conductivity isn’t the only benefit to Composite Conductive PLA, however. It offers key benefits over other materials as the filament itself is much stronger than typical ABS or PLA. This makes it perfect for printing objects such as hand tools, hooks, or parts that require tooling.
Common Applications & Use Cases
Electromagnetic and Radiofrequency Shielding – Capable of uses within EMI and RF shielding applications, making it perfect for many applications within the telecommunications, medical device, packaging, aerospace, and automotive industries.
Sensors – High conductivity means that this material is perfect for capacitive sensors used to measure proximity, humidity, position, fluid levels, acceleration, and more.
Metal Copper PLA
Metal Copper PLA
Metal Copper PLA is a filament that allows for unique prints with a metallic look and finish. Metal Copper PLA is one example of a metal-filled filament along with brass, bronze, and stainless steel.
Metal Copper Overview
Metal Copper PLA filament is basically made of a mixture of copper metal powder suspended in a PLA matrix. Metal Copper PLA introduces real metal characteristics, such as a 3x higher weight than PLA, and a metallic feel.
Wood Filled PLA
Wood Filled PLA
Aesthetically pleasing, Wood Filled PLA filaments combine a PLA base material with cork, wood dust, or other derivatives, giving your projects a real wooden look and feel.
Wood Filled Overview
Wood-based filaments are typically a composite that combines a PLA base material with wood dust, cork, and other powdered wood derivatives. Typically, the filament consists of around 30% wood particles, but the exact number may vary. The presence of these particles gives your 3D printed materials the aesthetics of real wood.
PETG is short for polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified and is a transparent type of Copolyester. PETG is the perfect filament to combine strength and ductility, which is why it's used in so many mechanical parts and robotics. It has great chemical resistance with good water, acidic and alkalic resistance.
PETG Overview
Features of PETG
Common Applications & Use Cases
PETG Overview
Overview
PETG is UV and chemical-resistant as well as non-hygroscopic. PETG is food and skin safe, so it can be used in medical and food applications. In medical applications, it stands up to radiation and chemical sterilization techniques without changing color.
Features of PETG
PETG is UV and chemical-resistant as well as non-hygroscopic. PETG is considered to be a good all-around material due to its flexibility, strength, and temperature, and impact resistance. This makes it an ideal filament to use for objects which might experience sustained or sudden stress, like mechanical parts and protective components.
Due to its Low shrinkage (minimal warping), PETG is ideal for printing larger prototypes and is commonly used in a variety of signage, packaging, industrial, and medical applications. PETG is also likely to be the best option for objects that will encounter food or drink.
Nylon (a.k.a. Polyamide) is a popular material in the plastics industry, known for its toughness and flexibility. It is equipped with interesting mechanical properties, that make it possible to produce flexible and long-lasting objects.
Nylon Overview
Common Applications & Use Cases
Nylon Overview
Overview
Nylon is a tough and semi-flexible material that offers high impact and abrasion resistance. Nylon is an excellent choice for printing durable tools, functional prototypes and end-use components.
Part of the Thermoplastic Elastomer family, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU material) is a flexible, abrasion-resistant thermoplastic that can withstand impacts, and is resistant to many chemicals. TPU is versatile and used in many different industries. TPU is created by combining a standard polymer with a rubber. This creates a filament that is very similar to what is used in standard manufacturing for parts in automobiles and many household items. While there are different types of TPU material, it can mainly be classified into two types: Polyether Polyurethane and Polyester Polyurethane. Both of these materials have different characteristics that can be suited to a specific need.
TPU Overview
Features of TPU Filament
Common Applications & Use Cases
Material Properties
Considerations
TPU Overview
Overview
TPU has several advantages such as resistance to abrasion, ability to perform at low temperature, elasticity, and mechanical properties along with rubber-like elasticity. Parts printed with TPU are durable and have the ability to withstand ambient temperatures of up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit or 80 degrees Celsius. TPU filament, unlike other stiffer thermoplastics, has qualities that include flexibility and conformity, yet can also be rigid. TPU might be considered as a hybrid material between hard plastic and soft silicone.
Features of TPU Filament
Features of TPU Filament
TPU filament has a number of features that make it a great choice for a wide range of uses. It is resistant to abrasion, oil, chemicals, and wearing, which makes it perfect for use in various industrial spaces such as the automotive industry. Compared to TPE, which is also a flexible filament, TPU retains its elastic properties better at lower temperatures, which means that it does not become brittle and difficult to work with.
Common Applications & Use Cases
Common Applications & Use Cases
Industrial Manufacturing
Functional Prototypes
Aerospace, Engineering, Healthcare
Seals, tubes, gaskets, grippers, end effectors
Shoes and insoles Bushings, gaskets
End-use parts
Custom phone cases, rubber mats, and stress toys.
Sports – applications that need strength, flexibility, and plenty of impact strength.
Healthcare – 3D-printed organs for pre-surgery prep and custom-designed prosthetics enhance patient care.
Tires, shock absorbers, O-rings, and seals
In short, if you need to make a custom rubber piece quickly and relatively easily, TPU is your go-to material.
Material Properties
Material Properties
Elasticity
TPU parts are both highly elastic and flexible which offers a unique combination of 3D printing applications for both visual and functional prototypes.
Chemical Resistant Parts produced with TPU are resistant to most standard chemical solutions which open it up for a range of uses to create long-lasting parts.
Impact Resistant TPU parts are impact-resistant due to their elastic rubber-like properties.
Heat Resistant Due to its abrasion-resistant properties, coupled with the elasticity, TPU parts will last and endure various stress situations.
Considerations
Considerations
Though it’s a non-soluble material, it is hygroscopic, meaning that it will slowly absorb moisture from its surroundings, degrading over time.
