Considerations to Make When Choosing 3D Printing Materials
Several materials can be used during 3D printing. Choosing the right 3D printing material to use is therefore a daunting task for printing business owners. Several things come into play during the selection of 3D printing materials. These factors range from cost to water resistance. Here is your complete guide to selecting the best 3D printing materials.
When buying 3D printing material it is essential to reflect on water resistance. The only way of recuperating the money you used is by purchasing a printing material that is resistant to water. The 3D printing materials to select when it comes to the resistance of water is PETG filaments as well as polypropylene. PETG printing materials are also popular for their smooth surface finish other than being resistant to water. The go-to printing material for low strength applications is polypropylene. The fact that polypropylene has lightweight features, is semi flexible and is resistant to fatigue makes it the best choice.
Composite printing materials can also come in handy in 3D printing. Composite 3D printing materials are a great choice if you want to add strength to your prints. Carbon filled materials, wood filled materials, and metal filled materials are some of the composite materials used in 3D printing. Short fibers make up the carbon-filled materials. Thereafter, the short fibers are mixed with the PLA or ABS base. Stiffness and strength can be obtained from carbon-filled materials. On the other hand, metal filled material are composed of fine metal powder. Extra weight and an outstanding finishing can be derived from metal filled filaments. Derivatives such as wood dusts are combined with a PLA base to create strong and durable 3D printing materials.
The go-to materials for people who are looking for 3D printing materials that do not need a heated bed include wood filled materials, metal filled materials, flexible 3D printing materials as well as carbon filled materials and PLA. With flexible printing materials also referred to as TPE and TPU, you do not require a heating bed since these materials can easily bend and stretch. PLA on the other hand, is easy to use and it has accurate dimensions. The go-to option for people looking for an affordable printing material is PLA. Since metal filled materials and wood filled materials are made by mixing fine powder with the base material, a heating bed is not required.
Finally, it is vital to read reviews and get recommendations from relatives and other colleagues if you want to choose the best 3D printing materials. Reviews and recommendations will give you an insight into the quality of the printing materials you are about to purchase.