Tech Specs on 3D Printing Materials
3D printing has revolutionized the world of manufacturing, making it possible for people to create products of their own without the need for extensive production facilities. The technology behind 3D printing involves layer by layer creation of solid objects using a computer-generated model as a guide. The success of 3D printing largely depends on the materials used. The properties of 3D printing materials dictate what kind of objects can be created and how strong or durable they are.
Here are the technical specifications of some commonly used 3D printing materials:
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a biodegradable material made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca roots. It is considered the easiest material to use for beginners due to its low melting point and ability to produce high-quality prints with minimal warping. Its strength and durability are relatively low compared to other materials, but it is still suitable for making a range of products, including toys, phone cases, and figurines.
Technical specifications:
– Melting temperature: 180-220°C
– Printing speed: 50-100 mm/s
– Bed temperature: 20-60°C
– Tensile strength: 30-60 MPa
– Elongation at break: 5-10%
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, flexibility, and impact resistance. It has a higher melting point than PLA, making it more versatile but also more challenging to print. ABS is widely used in the automotive and electronics industries, where its toughness and durability are important properties.
Technical specifications:
– Melting temperature: 220-250°C
– Printing speed: 40-80 mm/s
– Bed temperature: 80-110°C
– Tensile strength: 35-60 MPa
– Elongation at break: 3-5%
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG is a transparent and durable material that is resistant to impact, chemicals and has good flexural strength. PETG is a better alternative to materials like ABS because it reduces the amount of fume emission during printing. It has high thermal resistance and is widely-used on wrapping tubes and sheets.
Technical specifications:
– Melting temperature: 230-245°C
– Printing speed: 40-70 mm/s
– Bed temperature: 60-80°C
– Tensile strength: 45-80 MPa
– Elongation at break: 15-25%
Conclusion:
Selecting the right material for 3D printing is an important consideration that should not be overlooked. It is important to assess your printing needs and understand the technical specifications of each material to determine which one is the best fit. Some factors to consider include cost, strength, durability, flexibility, and ease of use. With the right material, 3D printing technology provides endless possibilities for design and manufacturing.