The thermoplastic materials used in 3D printers are called filaments, and they come in different types. Each type has its own set of functions for varying kinds of needs. The material known to come in two standard diameters and offers a wide variety of colorful hues.
The way this is made is through the process of applying heat, extruding, and then cooling off the plastic in order to transform it into the finished product. Interestingly, these plastic nurdles are transparent at first, with the different colors added as a final touch. Because there are so many, this article will be discussing the many types of 3D printer filament and its uses.
Being knowledgeable first should be done when deciding to buy one of these. This is for you to know which one is the best for your project, and the reasons why. It is better to avoid any additional expenses due to the wrong purchase being made. In order to figure out which one to get, the next few paragraphs will be discussing the standard filaments in the market today.
The first and most popular of its kind is called ABS. ABS is short for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and is used in a huge variety of applications because of its endurance and the fact that it is impact resistance. Apart from being tough, it still remains a certain elasticity which makes it the standard in typical printing projects.
PLA is the second kind and is often compared with ABS because of its flexibility and endurance. However, what sets it apart is that it is actually made from renewable resources which makes it low toxic and safe for the environment. PLA stands for polylactic acidand because of its low toxic levels, it causes no odor and does not need to be heated.
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate and is derived from used plastic bottles. Due to this, it is harmless and also stable and produces no weird smells. What is interesting about it, its crystal clear or colorless form at its original state, but changes color when exposed to cold or heat. This is most commonly used for packaging projects, such as phone cases due to its strength and vapor barrier.
High impact polystyrene or HIPS for short, is a biodegradable filament. Its best feature is it apparently does not give any side effects when coming into contact with humans and animals. This material is often utilized in packing CD disks and producing medicinal trays due to the chemicals involved in fabricating it.
Perhaps one of the most used materials is called polyamide, or more known as nylon. Not only lightweight, resistant to wear, and flexible, but cost effective as well. Due to these features, it is used in a multitude of projects. This includes containers, toys, bearings, machine parts, and even tools.
There are plenty more filaments that are used during 3D printing, but these are the most common and accessible. When finally going out to buy one, always make sure it will work well with the kind of project you are doing. This is to save time, energy, and money. The goal here is for you to be able to make an informed decision, based on facts.
The way this is made is through the process of applying heat, extruding, and then cooling off the plastic in order to transform it into the finished product. Interestingly, these plastic nurdles are transparent at first, with the different colors added as a final touch. Because there are so many, this article will be discussing the many types of 3D printer filament and its uses.
Being knowledgeable first should be done when deciding to buy one of these. This is for you to know which one is the best for your project, and the reasons why. It is better to avoid any additional expenses due to the wrong purchase being made. In order to figure out which one to get, the next few paragraphs will be discussing the standard filaments in the market today.
The first and most popular of its kind is called ABS. ABS is short for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and is used in a huge variety of applications because of its endurance and the fact that it is impact resistance. Apart from being tough, it still remains a certain elasticity which makes it the standard in typical printing projects.
PLA is the second kind and is often compared with ABS because of its flexibility and endurance. However, what sets it apart is that it is actually made from renewable resources which makes it low toxic and safe for the environment. PLA stands for polylactic acidand because of its low toxic levels, it causes no odor and does not need to be heated.
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate and is derived from used plastic bottles. Due to this, it is harmless and also stable and produces no weird smells. What is interesting about it, its crystal clear or colorless form at its original state, but changes color when exposed to cold or heat. This is most commonly used for packaging projects, such as phone cases due to its strength and vapor barrier.
High impact polystyrene or HIPS for short, is a biodegradable filament. Its best feature is it apparently does not give any side effects when coming into contact with humans and animals. This material is often utilized in packing CD disks and producing medicinal trays due to the chemicals involved in fabricating it.
Perhaps one of the most used materials is called polyamide, or more known as nylon. Not only lightweight, resistant to wear, and flexible, but cost effective as well. Due to these features, it is used in a multitude of projects. This includes containers, toys, bearings, machine parts, and even tools.
There are plenty more filaments that are used during 3D printing, but these are the most common and accessible. When finally going out to buy one, always make sure it will work well with the kind of project you are doing. This is to save time, energy, and money. The goal here is for you to be able to make an informed decision, based on facts.
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