10 Types of 3D Printing Materials

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is one of the most innovative technologies of this era. 3D printing is different from traditional manufacturing. Instead of cutting away material, it builds objects layer by layer. But the success of any 3D print doesn’t rely only on the machine. However, it also depends on the types of 3D printing materials used.

Today, there are dozens of different materials available for manufacturing. But a 3D printer needs the right material to create strong, flexible, or detailed objects. If you’re new to 3D printing and unsure which materials are best for your needs, worry not! This guide will explore some commonly used 3D printing materials along with their features. So, let’s get started!

Types of 3D Printing Materials

The basics of 3D printing begin with the right material selection. As I mentioned above, there are several options for 3D painting materials. Each of those materials has its strengths that suit different projects. Therefore, choosing the right material can feel overwhelming sometimes. Hence, to make your decision easier, here is the list of the most widely used 3D printing materials.

1- PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is one of the most beginner-friendly materials used in 3D printing. Actually, it is bioplastic. This means it is made from natural and renewable sources like corn starch and sugarcane. This nature makes it more eco-friendly and biodegradable under the right conditions. PLA is often considered the first material new users can try. WHY?

Because it is very easy to print with and does not require high temperatures, PLA does not warp easily, which makes it easy to handle. Moreover, it is lightweight, rigid, and available in many colors. Therefore, PLA provides a good surface finish. You can use it in 3D printing for prototypes, models, and decorative items.

2- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is one of the most widely used plastics in the world for 3D printing. It’s a petroleum-based thermoplastic. This means it becomes soft and moldable when heated, but turns solid again once cooled. In 3D printing, ABS is valued for being tough, durable, and resistant to impact. Unlike PLA, which is brittle, ABS can handle stress and rough use better.

This makes it a good choice for functional parts, tools, or products that need strength. Moreover, it has a slight flexibility in nature, which makes it less prone to breaking. However, unlike PLA, it is nonbiodegradable and releases fumes while printing. This drawback makes it less eco-friendly.

3- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

PETG is another 3D printing material that combines the best of both ABS and PLA. For example, it provides easy printing like PLA and offers equal strength like ABS. The “G” in PETG stands for glycol-modified, which means it’s chemically adjusted to be less brittle. This makes it strong and impact-resistant.

Moreover, it doesn’t warp much, and it is resistant to water and chemicals. Therefore, it’s a good choice for parts that may come into contact with liquids or need to last outdoors. One more thing about PETG is that it offers good adhesion between layers in 3D printing. That’s why it has become a favorite among beginners and professionals.

4- Nylon (Polyamide)

Nylon, also called polyamide, is a strong and flexible material used in 3D printing. It is known for being durable, lightweight, and resistant to wear and tear. Unlike some other plastics, nylon, which is made from a synthetic polymer, can bend without breaking. This makes it ideal for parts that need to handle repeated movement or mechanical stress.

Another key feature of nylon is its smooth surface finish. It has the ability to create detailed, functional prints. Therefore, you can also use it in 3D printing to produce decorative parts. However, remember that nylon has one challenge. It tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can affect print quality if not stored properly. Thus, for better results, you should keep them in dry, airtight containers.

5- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is a flexible 3D printing consumable known for its elasticity, toughness, and resistance to wear. Unlike rigid plastics, TPU has a rubber-like quality. This allows it to bend, stretch, and compress without breaking. This is the reason it has become the top choice for making parts that need to handle impact, bending, or vibration.

Another strength of TPU is its resistance to abrasion, oils, and many chemicals. This feature ensures long-lasting performance of 3D printed parts even in demanding environments. However, printing with TPU can be more challenging than standard filaments. WHY? The reason lies in its flexibility. So you have to ensure slower printer speeds and precise printer settings for best results.

6- ASA (Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile)

ASA is a high-performance 3D printing material. It is often considered an improved alternative to ABS. HOW? Actually, its biggest strength lies in its outdoor durability. It resists UV light, heat, and harsh weather conditions much better than ABS. For example, it does not wrap, fade, or become brittle over time.

This makes it an excellent choice for printing parts that will be exposed to sunlight or varying climates. In addition to its weather resistance, ASA also provides good mechanical strength. That’s why you can use it for both functional and aesthetic parts. However, printing it in a 3D printer requires some extra care, such as a heated bed, to prevent warping.

7- PP (Polypropylene )

Polypropylene, commonly called PP, is a lightweight yet highly durable thermoplastic. It is another material that you can use in 3D printing. It is valued for its flexibility, chemical resistance, and fatigue strength. Unlike many rigid plastics, PP can handle stress from constant movement. This feature makes it ideal for producing living hinges, snap-fit joints, and containers.

One of PP’s most significant advantages is its excellent chemical resistance. This means it doesn’t easily react with acids, bases, or solvents. That’s why PP is widely used in packaging, laboratory equipment, and automotive parts. Additionally, it has a naturally low density, making it lighter than many other 3D printing materials. However, its lower adhesion level can make it somewhat challenging and can cause warping.

8- Composites

Composite filaments are advanced 3D printing materials. They are made by blending a base plastic with reinforcing fibers or powders. Base plastic can be PLA, PETG, or nylon. Reinforcing fibers can be carbon fiber, glass fiber, wood, or even metal. This combination improves the material. It makes it stronger, stiffer, more durable, or gives it unique textures.

For example, carbon fiber-reinforced composites are lightweight yet extremely strong. This makes them suitable for automotive, aerospace, and mechanical applications. On the other hand, glass fiber composites provide excellent rigidity. However, composites during 3D printing often require hardened nozzles. The reason is that the fibers can wear down standard brass nozzles.

9- Resins

Resins are liquid photopolymer materials. They are mainly used in SLA (Stereolithography) and DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printers. In simple words, resins(photopolymers) are liquid plastic that turns solid when UV light shines on them. Unlike filament-based printing (FDM), printing with resins works by curing the liquid resin with a UV light source or laser. This light hardens the material layer by layer into precise shapes.

Due to this technology, resins are used for excellent detail, smooth surfaces, and complex geometries. There are several types of resins. Let me discuss some common ones you can choose for your needs.

Standard Resin: They produce smooth surfaces and detailed parts. Tough or Engineering Resins: They provide higher strength and durability. Flexible Resins: These resins mimic rubber-like properties. So perfect for flexible parts Castable Resin: They burn out clearly, thus ideal for molds.

10- Metals

Last but not least, metals are another advanced and powerful material option for 3D printing. Instead of plastic filaments or liquid resins, these metals are used in powdered form. These powders are melted together layer by layer. HOW? The printer spreads a thin layer of this powder on the printing surface. Then, a laser beam or an electron beam shines on the powder.

The beam melts the powder particles only in the exact shape of the design. The melted powder fuses together and becomes a solid, strong metal part. These metal parts are highly resistant to heat, wear, and corrosion. However, using metals in 3D printing can be costly. But the unmatched durability makes them essential for critical applications.

Here is the list of some common metals you can use for 3D printing:

Stainless Steel: It is robust, durable, and corrosion-resistant. Titanium: It offers the combination of strength and lightweight Aluminum: Known for its excellent corrosion resistance and lightweight. Inconel: This metal provides very high mechanical strength. Cobalt-Chrome: It is wear-resistant and safe for dental and medical use.

Properties to Consider in 3D Printing Materials

When choosing the right material for 3D printing, it’s essential to understand its properties. These properties decide how the printed part will perform and whether it’s suitable for your specific use. So, before you make a final selection, below are the key material properties you must look at!

Strength & Durability: These are the most critical factors you must consider. Strength tells how much a material can handle without breaking. However, durability means how long a material will last. So if you are making the parts that will carry loads, you should first check the material’s durability and strength. Heat Resistance: Not all materials can handle high heat. For example, ABD and ASA are heat-resistant. However, PLA may deform at high temperatures. So if you are selecting the material for critical parts, such as those used in automobiles, you must check their heat resistance. Chemical Resistance: Some 3D parts may come in contact with harsh chemicals. Those include oil, acids, or cleaning agents. These chemicals can deteriorate the structure of some materials, such as plastic. So if you are choosing material for lab or industrial use, check its chemical resistance. I recommend using PETG and PP as they are known for strong chemical resistance. Surface Finish: If you are going to make decorative items, this is the critical factor you must not ignore. Different 3D printing materials give different levels of finishing. For example, resins can produce very smooth and detailed surfaces. However, PLA and ABS may need post-processing. Cost: Lastly, you should evaluate the cost of each 3D printing material. Remember, with enhanced properties, the costs of the materials also increase. If you are choosing material for prototypes, PLA is an affordable option. However, if your project requires advanced features with composite and metals, they will be more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 3D printed materials be recycled?

Yes, many 3D printed materials can be recycled. It mainly depends on the type and nature of the material used. For example, plastics like PLA, ABS, and PETG are commonly recyclable. They can be shredded into small pieces, melted, and then reused. However, composite filaments and thermosetting resins are tough to recycle. Their chemical structure permanently changed during 3D printing.

Do all 3D printers support all materials?

No! Different 3D printers are designed to work with specific materials. For example, FDM printers mostly use plastics like PLA and ABS. However, SLA printers work with liquid resins, not plastics. Therefore, you should choose the right printer for the right material.

Do 3D printing materials affect print speed?

Yes, the type of material you use can affect the print speed in 3D printing. For example, if materials have a higher melting point, it takes time. Moreover, if materials are highly viscous and do not flow easily, it can slow down 3D printing and vice versa.

Conclusion

The world of 3D printing materials is vast and continuously evolving. This variety offers endless opportunities to the modern manufacturing industries. Among so many options, it can be tricky for anyone to choose the right one. That’s why I have explored the most common 10 3D printing materials used today.

All these materials have their strengths and weaknesses. They differ in many factors, such as strength, flexibility, cost, and other features. Therefore, choosing the right material for the right part in 3D printing is very crucial. For this purpose, you should first evaluate and understand the properties of each material. After that, choose the material that best suits your project.