PLA

Recommended applications: Prototyping, low-stress applications, models

Pros of PLA

  • Low cost: PLA is popular because it tends to be much cheaper than other types of 3D printer filaments. That’s because it consists of renewable resources, like cornstarch.
  • Eco-friendly: Since PLA features natural materials, it’s biodegradable and doesn’t pollute the environment like petroleum-based plastics. Some companies are even using PLA to make compostable coffee cups.
  • Easy to print with: PLA is one of the most simple materials to print with because it doesn’t require a heated bed, and you can print it at lower temperatures than other materials. It’s also less likely to warp during the printing process.

Cons of PLA

  • Brittleness: One downside to PLA is that it’s not as strong or durable as other materials, like ABS. It’s also prone to breaking or shattering if it’s dropped.
  • Low-temperature resistance: PLA is also not well-suited for applications that come in contact with high temperatures, like in a dishwasher.

PETG

Recommended applications: Functional prototypes, medical devices, food-safe containers

Pros of PETG

  • Strong and durable: With good layer adhesion, PETG filaments are strong and resist impact well. That makes it a good choice for functional parts that must withstand wear and tear.
  • Chemically resistant: PETG is more resistant to chemicals than ABS. It can withstand weak acids and bases, as well as petroleum products. Because of that, you can use it in settings where it may come into contact with cleaning agents or other chemicals.
  • No odor: Unlike ABS filaments, PETG filaments don’t give off an unpleasant smell when printed.
  • Easy to print: PETG filaments are more straightforward to print than ABS filaments. They don’t require a heated bed, and you can print them at lower temperatures. That makes them a good choice for beginners just starting with 3D printing.

Cons of PETG

  • More expensive: PETG filaments are usually pricier than standard 3D printing materials, such as PLA and ABS.
  • Less forgiving: Unlike PLA, PETG is not as forgiving if your printer isn’t perfectly calibrated. You may need to tune your printer settings to get good results. Otherwise, you may end up with too brittle or warped parts.

ABS

Recommended applications: Functional prototypes, products that will be subject to high stress or wear and tear

Pros of ABS

  • Strong and durable: One of the reasons ABS is so popular is because it’s solid and durable. It’s resistant to impact and can withstand high temperatures.
  • Easy to print with: ABS is also relatively easy to print, making it a good choice for people new to 3D printing.
  • Available in many colors: You can find ABS filaments in various colors, including clear, white, black, and red.

Cons of ABS

  • Not so eco-friendly: One downside of ABS is that it’s petroleum-based, making it less eco-friendly than other materials, such as PLA.
  • Toxic emissions: Scientific evidence points out that ABS emits toxins when heated, so it’s critical to print in a well-ventilated area.
  • Warps when exposed to cool air. ABS requires a stable temperature to prevent warping and other print issues, so it is critical to use a print enclosure when printing with this filament. 

TPU

Recommended applications: functional parts, projects that require durability, flexibility, and heat resistance

Pros of TPU

  • Strong and durable: TPU is a solid and durable material, making it ideal for 3D printing products that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
  • TPU is flexible: TPU is also a flexible material, which means you can use it to create 3D printed products that need to bend or stretch.
  • TPU has a low density: TPU is a low-density material, which means that it is lightweight and easy to manipulate.
  • TPU is available in various colors: TPU is available in a wide range of colors, making it versatile.
  • Chemically resistant: TPU is resistant to many chemicals, so you can use it to create products you plan to expose to harsh chemicals.

Cons of TPU

  • Susceptible to moisture: TPU is vulnerable to water, so keeping it dry is essential. Otherwise, it may become brittle and break.
  • Stringing and clogging: TPU filaments are prone to stringing and clogging nozzles, so you may need to experiment with your printer settings to get good results.
  • Printed at low temperatures: You must print TPU at low temperatures, so it may not be compatible with all printers.
  • Difficult to post-process: TPU is difficult to sand and paint, so you may need to invest in special post-processing equipment if you want to add those finishing touches to your prints.

Nylon

Recommended applications: Functional prototypes, products that need to be strong and flexible 

Pros of Nylon

  • Strong and durable: One of the reasons nylon is so popular is because it’s solid and durable. It’s resistant to impact and can withstand high temperatures.
  • Flexible: Nylon is also pliable, making it ideal for applications where flexibility is crucial.
  • Available in many colors: You can find nylon filaments in many hues, from clear to sparkly rainbow colors.

Cons of Nylon

  • Not biodegradable: One downside of nylon is that it’s not biodegradable, so it’s not the most environmentally friendly option.
  • It can be difficult to print with: Another downside of nylon is that it can be challenging to print. It tends to warp and is prone to stringing when the temperature is unstable in your print area. So, it is critical to use a printer enclosure when using nylon. 

Polycarbonate

Recommended applications: Functional prototypes, products that need to be strong and durable

Pros of Polycarbonate

  • Strong and durable: Polycarbonate is one of the most durable thermoplastics in 3D printing. It’s impact-resistant and can withstand high temperatures.
  • Suitable for prototypes: Polycarbonate is an excellent material for prototyping because it closely resembles many production-grade plastics.
  • Smooth finish: Polycarbonate has a very smooth finish, making it ideal for parts that need to be polished or painted.

Cons of Polycarbonate

  • Expensive: Polycarbonate is one of the more expensive 3D printing materials.
  • Difficult to print with: Printing with polycarbonate can be challenging because it tends to warp.
  • Susceptible to moisture: Polycarbonate is vulnerable to water, so you must store it in a dry environment.
  • High print temperatures: Polycarbonate has a high print temperature, so it requires a heated build platform.
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