![]() ![]() The 3D printing marketplace was valued at $12 billion in 2020 and is expected to be worth over $51 billion by 2030. Plastic 3D printing is an exploding ecosystem. One downside to this technology, and the reason why SLS is not suitable for consumer use, is that parts require tedious, time-consuming post-processing. This technology can produce very complex geometries as well as moving parts that do not require assembly. In SLS, a laser sinters powder particles together. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a PBF process that produces high-quality 3D plastic parts suitable for functional prototypes and even small production runs. Options include brittle materials to more durable polycarbonate-, polypropylene-, and ABS-like materials. SLA photopolymer materials encompass a range of different thermal and mechanical properties. SLA printing is a vat polymerization process: a laser or light source polymerizes (solidifies) a vat (tank) of resin. They have become very affordable in recent years, with some models available for under $200. Stereolithography (SLA) printers are also quite popular for plastic 3D printing. Pellets are touted to reduce print times and, as they are mass-produced for conventional manufacturing methods like injection molding, drastically lower costs. Some material extrusion printers can 3D print plastic pellets instead of filament. In this process, a heated nozzle melts and extrudes thermoplastic filament onto a build plate. ![]() The FDM name is trademarked by the Stratasys company, whose founder Scott Crump invented the technology. The most common type of plastic 3D printing technology is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). FFF and SLA are readily available in consumer and professional desktop machines, while powder bed fusion (PBF) is best for industrial use. Plastic 3D printing technologies mostly fall into three categories: material extrusion (e.g. However, its highly crystalline nature makes it very challenging to print. PEEK is one of the highest-performing 3D printing plastics, boasting an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio and great chemical, water, fire, and corrosion resistance. They are practical for medical devices, phone cases, and sporting goods, such as New Balance’s 3D printed midsole. TPU materials combine the properties of thermoplastic with those of rubber. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is another innovative plastic 3D printing option, ideal for printing flexible plastic parts. It can be difficult to print due to issues with shrinkage and warping. ![]() It is automakers’ material of choice for car bumpers. ![]() PP is found in many household objects, from milk jugs to pill bottles. Nylon has a range of usages, from prosthetics to cases and enclosures.Ī less common 3D printing plastic, but one with increasing availability, is PP (polypropylene). This material produces durable and flexible plastic parts. Nylon (from the polyamide family, PA) is a popular 3D printing alternative to PLA and ABS, with even better engineering properties. ABS has high strength, low flexibility, and is also very durable. It is commonly found in household items, from laptop keys to LEGOS. As such, users mainly print toys, decorative items, and non-functional prototypes with it.ĪBS is a more functional material than PLA. PLA parts can’t withstand much weight or impact. This makes it a great material for learning and experimenting, although its mechanical properties are limited. PLA is by far the most customary in consumer-grade plastic 3D printing, popular for its ease of use and affordability. Similarly, PBI isn’t compatible with mainstream 3D printing applications, though some are conducting research in that area. However, it is not common in 3D printing melting this plastic can pose serious health risks and requires elaborate air filtration systems. For instance, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is perhaps the most common of all thermoplastic polymers, with excellent properties in durability and cost. It is important to note that not all of these thermoplastics are ideal for 3D printing. In this range can be found PEEK (polyether ether ketone) and the highest performing of all thermoplastics, PBI (polybenzimidazole). These include acrylics and nylon.Īt the top of the pyramid are the highest performing and most expensive plastics, better for high-temperature applications and with good wear resistance. Moving up the pyramid are more expensive engineering plastics, better for general-purpose bearing and wear. Such standard plastics in this range include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PLA (polylactic acid). The “thermoplastic pyramid” is a common categorization of the range of plastics available in manufacturing. At the bottom of the pyramid are low-cost materials ideal for non-critical applications. ![]()
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