Guide for FDM 3D Printing Material

3D printing has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, and the use of plastic as a printing material has been a significant contributor to this change. There are several types of plastic materials used for 3D printing, each with unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. Here, we will discuss the most commonly used types of 3D printing plastics, the best printing temperatures, the recommended bed and nozzle temperatures, and print settings for each.

1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a thermoplastic that is widely used for 3D printing due to its durability and flexibility. It is petroleum-based and is known for its toughness and resistance to impact, heat, and chemicals. ABS has a high melting point, making it an ideal material for objects that will be subjected to high temperatures. The best printing temperature for ABS is bed temperature of 90°C to 110°C, and a nozzle temperature of 260°C to 280°C. ABS is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, as it can be prone to warping if not printed correctly. Proper filtration required when printing with ABS material

2. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from corn starch, sugarcane, or other natural materials. It is a popular choice for 3D printing because it is easy to print with, has a low melting point, and is safe to use. The best printing temperature for PLA with a bed temperature of 60°C to 80°C, and a nozzle temperature of 200°C to 240°C. PLA is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a slightly heated bed, as it can be prone to curling if not printed correctly.

3. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET is a thermoplastic polymer that is commonly used for 3D printing due to its transparency, strength, and ease of use. It is used for a wide range of applications, including food packaging, medical equipment, and consumer goods. The best printing temperature for PET bed temperature of 70°C to 80°C, and a nozzle temperature of 260°C to 280°C. PET is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, as it can be prone to warping if not printed correctly.

4. Nylon

Nylon is a versatile plastic that is widely used for 3D printing due to its strength, flexibility, and durability. It is an excellent material for creating parts that will be subjected to high stress, as it can withstand high levels of wear and tear. The best printing temperature for nylon bed temperature of 70°C to 90°C, and a nozzle temperature of 260°C to 280°C. Nylon is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, as it can be prone to warping if not printed correctly.

5. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is a flexible, rubber-like material that is widely used for 3D printing. It is known for its ability to bend and stretch, making it an ideal material for creating parts with intricate shapes and details. The best printing temperature for TPU bed temperature of 50°C to 60°C, and a nozzle temperature of 260°C to 280°C. TPU is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a slightly heated bed, as it can be prone to warping if

6. ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

ASA is a thermoplastic that is similar to ABS, but with improved weather resistance. It is often used for outdoor applications and parts that will be exposed to sunlight and other weather elements. ASA has a high melting point and is known for its toughness and resistance to impact, heat, and chemicals. The best printing temperature for ASA  bed temperature of 80°C to 100°C, and a nozzle temperature of 260°C to 280°C. ASA is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, as it can be prone to warping if not printed correctly. Proper filtration required when printing with ASA  material

7. PETG (Glycol-Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PETG is a thermoplastic that is a modified version of PET. It has the same transparency and ease of use as PET, but with improved strength and flexibility. PETG is known for its toughness and resistance to impact, making it an ideal material for a wide range of applications, including food packaging, medical equipment, and consumer goods. The best printing temperature for PETG is for bed temperature of 70°C to 90°C, and a nozzle temperature of 230°C to 250°C. PETG is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, as it can be prone to warping if not printed correctly.

8. TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers)

TPE is a type of material that combines the properties of both plastics and rubbers, making it an ideal choice for flexible and soft-touch applications. TPE is known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to impact, and is often used for toys, phone cases, and other consumer goods. The best printing temperature for TPE is for bed temperature of 70°C to 80°C, and a nozzle temperature of 260°C to 280°C. TPE can be challenging to print with, as it can be prone to clogging in the nozzle and warping on the bed. For this reason, it is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, and using the right print settings is crucial for a successful print.

9. PC (Polycarbonate)

PC is a thermoplastic that is known for its high strength, toughness, and transparency. It is often used for applications that require impact resistance and transparency, such as safety equipment, automotive parts, and electronic housings. The best printing temperature for PC is 270°C to 300°C, with a bed temperature of 110°C to 130°C, and a nozzle temperature of 300°C to 320°C. PC is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, as it can be prone to warping and cracking if not printed correctly. It is also important to use a cooling fan when printing with PC to ensure that the parts cool evenly and reduce the risk of warping or cracking.

10. Nylon Carbon Fiber

Nylon Carbon Fiber is a composite material that combines the strength and flexibility of nylon with the added stiffness and strength of carbon fiber. This material is known for its high strength, toughness, and resistance to impact and abrasion, making it an ideal choice for applications that require these properties, such as industrial parts, automotive components, and sporting goods. The best printing temperature for Nylon Carbon Fiber is 240°C to 260°C, with a bed temperature of 80°C to 100°C. Nylon Carbon Fiber is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, as it can be prone to warping if not printed correctly.

11. ABS Carbon Fiber

ABS Carbon Fiber is a composite material that combines the strength and durability of ABS with the added stiffness and strength of carbon fiber. This material is known for its high strength, toughness, and resistance to impact, making it an ideal choice for applications that require these properties, such as industrial parts, automotive components, and sporting goods. The best printing temperature for ABS Carbon Fiber is 220°C to 240°C, with a bed temperature of 80°C to 100°C, and a nozzle temperature of 260°C to 280°C. ABS Carbon Fiber is best printed with a direct drive extruder and a heated bed, as it can be prone to warping if not printed correctly.

13. PCL (Polycaprolactone)

PCL is a thermoplastic polymer that is known for its biodegradability, flexibility, and low melting point. It is often used for applications that require these properties, such as medical devices, toys, and disposable packaging. The best printing temperature for PCL is 50°C to 60°C, with a bed temperature of 40°C to 50°C, and a nozzle temperature of 120°C to 200°C. PCL is a relatively easy material to print with, but it can be prone to stringing and warping if not printed correctly. To reduce the risk of these issues, it is best to use a direct drive extruder and a cooling fan.

Nozzle and Bed Temperatures for 3D Printing Plastics (Sorted by Nozzle Temperature):

Note: The temperatures listed above are approximate and may vary based on the specific composition of each material, as well as other factors such as the manufacturing process and post-processing techniques. It is important to consult the manufacturer's specifications for the exact temperatures and print settings for each material. The values listed are meant to serve as a general guide and should not be used as a definitive reference.

Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Plastics (Sorted by Tensile Strength):

Note: The mechanical properties listed above are approximate and may vary based on the specific composition of each material, as well as other factors such as the manufacturing process and post-processing techniques. It is important to consult the manufacturer's specifications for the exact mechanical properties of each material. The values listed are meant to serve as a general guide and should not be used as a definitive reference.

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