Materials

PLA

PLA is a thermoplastic monomer derived from renewable, organic sources such as corn starch or sugar cane.

Using biomass resources makes PLA production different from most plastics, which are produced using fossil fuels through the distillation and polymerization of petroleum.

PLA is non-toxic and biodegradable in industrial composting facilities but is not food-safe!

PLA prints are very strong but somewhat brittle, additionally PLA softens at temperatures around 50-60°C.

PLA also comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes such as gloss, semi-matte, glitter, wood-filled and carbon-filled.

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly, biodegradable parts made from renewable materials.
  • Smooth, aesthetic finish with vibrant color options.
  • Affordable and great for decorative or low-stress items.

Cons:

  • Brittle and less durable, prone to breaking under stress.
  • Deforms easily under heat, unsuitable for outdoor or high-temperature use.
  • Not ideal for long-term functional applications.

PETg

PETg is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins.

PETg prints are strong and durable while being able to resist higher temperatures than PLA (softens around 70-80°C)

PETg filaments also come in different varieties such as semi-transparent, glossy, and carbon-filled.

PETg can easily be recycled at local recycling centres.

Pros:

  • Durable and slightly flexible parts, resistant to impact and wear.
  • Excellent heat and chemical resistance, suitable for functional applications.
  • Minimal warping, making it easier to produce accurate, dimensionally stable prints.

Cons:

  • Glossy surface finish may show stringing or imperfections.
  • Slightly less rigid than PLA, making it less ideal for high-stress parts.
  • Can be more challenging to post-process compared to PLA.

ABS/ASA

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) are popular thermoplastics widely used in 3D printing for their durability and versatility.

ABS is known for its strength, impact resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for functional parts and prototypes.

ASA offers similar properties but with enhanced UV resistance, making it better suited for outdoor applications.

Both materials are easy to post-process, allowing for sanding, painting, or smoothing with acetone for a polished finish.

Pros:

  • Durable and impact-resistant parts, ideal for functional use.
  • ASA parts are UV-resistant, perfect for outdoor applications.
  • Smooth finish achievable with post-processing like sanding or acetone smoothing.

Cons:

  • Parts can warp if not printed under controlled conditions.
  • May emit noticeable odors, affecting indoor use.
  • Less eco-friendly compared to other materials.

Nylon

Nylon is a popular synthetic polymer mainly used for industrial applications and is known for its for its toughness and heat resistance. Printed thin, Nylon parts can be very flexible as well.

Nylon comes in various grades with differing properties but most Nylons can resist temperatures up to and over 120°C.

Main benefits of Nylon 6 (PA6):

  • Excellent long-term heat ageing resistance
  • Very good toughness at low temperatures
  • High inter-layer strength

Main benefits of Nylon 12 (PA12):

  • Highly resistant to temperature and chemicals
  • Abrasion-resistant
  • Stiffer than PA6