3D printing allows users to prototype or produce parts for an extensive range of applications quickly and affordably. However, selecting the suitable 3D printing technique and technology is just one side of the coin. The selection of the right 3D printing plastic also plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process. Selecting the suitable 3D printer plastic material is essential to get the desired properties, characteristics, or aesthetics. The 3D print plastic market is growing at an exponential rate worldwide.
According to a report by Extrapolate, the global 3D printing plastics market size is anticipated to grow to USD 5,210.6 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of approximately 25.69% over 2023 - 2030.
This holistic guide of the top 10 3D printing plastics materials explores the most popular plastic available for 3D printing.
Top 10 3D Printing Plastic Materials in 2024
The following are the best plastics used for 3D printing:
1. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is an abbreviation for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It is widely used in the plastic industry. Lego uses ABS as its flagship material to manufacture its products. Additionally, ABS is utilized in the manufacturing of car bodies, household appliances, and various roofing applications.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a 3D printing plastic material that belongs to the thermoplastic family. It has a polybutadiene-based elastomer base. Hence, ABS is more elastic and impact-resistant. This 3D printer plastic is leveraged in fused layer technology (FDM) and is easily available for the majority of desktop 3D printers. A resin form of ABS is also easily accessible, which makes it an ideal choice for SLA or material jetting processes. ABS is affordable, a perfect option for printing durable and sturdy 3D parts that can resist high temperatures.
Ideal Printing Temperature: Between 230 C and 160C
Tolerance Temperatures: Between very low (-20 C) and very high (80C)
2. Flexible Filaments
Flexible plastic filaments, commonly known as TPE or TPU. This 3D print plastic is popular for its elasticity, enabling the material to seamlessly stretch and bend. It is gaining popularity in the 3D printing industry. One of the significant advantages of these filaments is that they can produce malleable parts.
This plastic for 3D printing has similar properties as PLA, though with different stiffness degrees. Industry veterans suggest evaluating the compatibility of the material with the extruder to prevent clogging the nozzle.
Ideal Printing Temperature for TPU: Between 210 and 230 C
Temperature Tolerance: heat-resistant up to 70-80 C(90A), and up to 138 C (98A)
3. Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PLA, i.e. polylactic acid, is one of the most preferred by various users because of its easy-to-use characteristics, dimensional accuracy, and affordability. Another significant benefit of leveraging PLA is that it is biodegradable compared to ABS, as it is made from renewable raw materials such as corn starch.
A crucial characteristic of this 3D printing plastic is that it has lower shrinkage during printing. Hence, it eliminates the need for a heated build plate during the printing process. PLA is a plastic for 3D printing, which can be a little challenging to handle because of its high cooling and curing speed. This material might get hampered or lose its color if it comes in contact with water. It is a translucent 3D printer plastic material that can be leveraged by a variety of FDM 3D printers and is accessible in various colors.
Ideal Printing Temperature: Between 190 C and 230 C.
Tolerance temperature: Up to 110 C
4. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is an abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate. It is a perfect solution for manufacturing disposable plastic bottles. This 3D printing plastic material is generally used to manufacture objects that would come in contact with food items. It has a semi-rigid structure and has good resistance characteristics. This 3D printing plastic material comes in various formats like PETG, PETE, and PETT. It is widely marketed as a translucent filament. This material for 3D printing does not release any odor during the printing process and is completely recyclable.
Ideal Printing Temperature: Between 75 C to 90 C
Tolerance Temperature PET: Can withstand continuous use up to around 70 C.
5. Glycolized Polyester (PETG)
Glycolized polyester, also commonly known as PETG, is a thermoplastic that is commonly used in additive manufacturing. This 3D print plastic combines the characteristics of the simplicity of PLA 3D printing and the sturdiness of ABS. It is a completely recyclable material and a form of amorphous plastic. It has a similar chemical composition to polyethylene terephthalate; only glycol is added to the formulation to minimize its brittle properties.
Ideal Printing Temperature: 220 C to 260 C
Tolerance Temperature PETG: 50 C to 80 C
6. Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)
ASA is an abbreviation for acrylonitrile styrene acrylate. It is one of the most preferred alternatives to ABS. ASA has similar characteristics to ABS. However, ASA has effective resistance to ultraviolet rays. This 3D printing plastic finds usage in various outdoor applications because of its properties, such as high UV, temperature, and impact resistance.
During the printing process, there might be a few complications that may arise. Hence, industry veterans suggest using a hot plate during the printing process. ABS and ASA have similar printing parameters. However, while using ASA as a 3D printer plastic material, it is crucial to take precautions. It is essential to use 3D printers in closed environments or print the products outdoors because of their styrene emissions. The 3D parts printed with ASA are known for their stability and durability.
Ideal Printing Temperature: 240 C to 260 C
Tolerance Temperature: 90 C to 93 C
7. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate (PC) is a plastic for 3D printing popular for its strength and durability. This 3D printing plastic has a higher resistance to heat and impact, which makes it a perfect choice for tougher environments. It is a highly resistant material designed for various technical applications. PC has the characteristics to absorb moisture from the air. It can significantly impact the performance and compressive strength of the material. Hence, the ideal storage condition is to keep it in an airtight box. This 3D print plastic is widely valued for its strength and transparency. PC has a lower density compared to glass, which makes it an ideal material for designing optically visible 3D parts, protective screens, and other decorative objects.
Ideal Printing Temperature: 260 C and 310 C
Tolerance Temperatures: Up to 150 C
8. Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the top 3D printing plastic materials. It is popular for high cycle, less strength applications because of its fatigue resistance, semi-flexibility, and lower weight properties. This 3D printing plastic is commonly used in various applications in the automotive and textile industries. It is also leveraged in the production of various daily items. PP is well known for its higher wear resistance and its shock-absorbing properties. Additionally, it is comparatively harder and more flexible than its other 3D plastic print alternatives. However, this 3D printer plastic has lower resistance to low temperatures and is highly sensitive to UV rays, which may result in the expansion of the material.
Ideal Printing Temperature: 225 C to 245 C for the nozzle and 80 C to 105 C for the heated bed
Tolerance Temperatures: 90 C to 110 C
9. Polyamide (PA)
3D objects manufactured from 3D printing plastics materials such as polyamide are made from a refined, white, granular powder that leverages the SLS technology. Various variants of these materials are also accessible in filaments for fused deposition modeling (FDM). Polyamide has properties such as good biocompatibility. Hence, this 3D printer plastic material can be used to make products that come in contact with food. However, PA is not an ideal solution for alcoholic beverages.
This 3D print plastic material has semi-crystalline structures. It has an effective balance between chemical and mechanical properties. Hence, It is able to offer better resistance, flexibility, stiffness, and stability.
Ideal Printing Temperature: Between 240 C to 280 C
Tolerance Temperature: Up to 150 C. However, some may start to deform or lose strength above their Tg (around 70 C for common types).
10. Alumide
Alumide objects are manufactured by leveraging the SLS technique from an amalgamation of polyamides and aluminum powder. This plastic for 3D printing has a little porous surface and granular aesthetics. Additionally, it has higher strength and temperature resistance.
However, for leveraging Alumide as a 3D printing plastic will need a little post-processing like coating, grinding, and milling. This 3D print plastic is leveraged for complex models and designing pieces for the small series manufacturing of functional models that need better stiffness.
Ideal Printing Temperature of Base Material: 240 C to 280 C
Tolerance Temperature of Base Material: up to 150 C
Wrapping Up Top 10 3D Printing Plastics Material for Printing Three-Dimensional Products
3D printing plastics have a variety of materials and capabilities that could be leveraged in the 3D printing process. The selection of the right plastic for 3D printing plays an important role in defining the properties of the final product. This guide to the top 10 3D printing plastics materials will help users make the right decision according to the needs of their project.
