There are various materials used in 3D printing prototypes. 3D printing is flexible enough to allow manufacturers to determine the shape, texture and strength of a product. Compared with the traditional production method, the production steps are shortened. Moreover, these products can be made with various types of 3D printing prototype materials.
1. Plastic Materials
Of all the raw materials used for 3D printing prototypes today, plastic is the most common. With its firmness, flexibility, smoothness and range of bright color options, the appeal of plastic is easy to understand.
Plastic products are often manufactured using FDM printers, where thermoplastic filaments are melted and formed into shape layer by layer. The type of plastic used in this process is usually made from one of the following materials:
◆ Polylactic acid (PLA): PLA is one of the most environmentally friendly options for 3D printers, it is derived from natural products such as sugar cane and cornstarch, so it is biodegradable. Plastics made from hard and soft acids come in both soft and hard forms and are expected to dominate the 3D printing industry in the coming years. Rigid PLA is a stronger material and is therefore ideal for a wider range of products.
◆ Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): Valued for its strength and safety, ABS is a popular choice for home 3D printers. Also known as "Lego plastic," the material consists of pasta-like filaments that give ABS its firmness and flexibility.
◆ Polycarbonate (PC): Polycarbonate is not commonly used compared to the above plastic types, it only works in 3D printers with nozzle designs that operate at high temperatures. Among other things, polycarbonate is used to make low-cost plastic fasteners and forming trays.
2.Metal Material
In the 3D printing industry, the second most popular material is metal, which is used through a process called direct metal laser sintering or DMLS/SLM. DMLS printers are also appealing to manufacturers of jewelry products that can be 3D printed faster and in larger quantities—all without the need for long, detailed work.
3D printing of metal has also opened the door for machine builders to eventually use DMLS to produce at speeds and volumes not achievable with current assembly equipment. Proponents of these developments argue that 3D printing will allow machine builders to produce metal parts that are stronger than traditional parts made from refined metals.
The range of metals suitable for DMLS technology is as diverse as the various 3D printer plastic types:
◆Stainless Steel: Ideal for printing utensils, cookware and other items that may end up in contact with water.
◆Bronze: Can be used to make vases and other fixtures.
◆Gold: Ideal for printed rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
◆Aluminum: Great for thin metal objects.
◆Titanium: Sturdy, the first choice for sturdy fixtures.
3．Powder Material
Today's more advanced 3D printers use powdered materials to construct products. Inside the printer, the powder is melted and distributed in layers until the desired thickness, texture and pattern are achieved. These powders can come from a variety of sources and materials, but the most common are:
◆ Polyamide (Nylon): With its strength and flexibility, polyamide provides a
high level of detail on 3D printed prototype products. The material is particularly suitable for use in 3D printing parts and interlocking parts in prototypes.
◆ Aluminum powder: Composed of a mixture of polyamide and gray aluminum,
aluminum powder can be used in some of the strongest 3D printed prototypes. Recognized for its granular and sandy appearance, the powder can be used in industrial models and prototypes.
◆ In powder form, materials such as steel, copper and other types of metals are
easier to transport and shape into desired shapes. Like the various plastics used in 3D printed prototypes, the metal powder must be heated to the point that it can be distributed layer by layer to form the full shape.
4. Resin material
Resins are made from liquid polymers that reach their final state when exposed to UV light. The resin is usually found in black, white and clear varieties, but some prints are also produced in orange, red, blue and green. The material is divided into the following three categories:
◆ High Detail Resin: Usually used for small models that require intricate
details. For example, four-inch figurines with intricate wardrobe and facial details are often printed in this grade of resin.
◆ Paintable resins: Sometimes used in smooth surface 3D printing, such resins are known for their aesthetic appeal.
◆ Clear Resin: This is the strongest resin category, so it is best suited for a range of 3D printed products. Typically used for models that must be suffocating and have a transparent appearance.