The two most prevalent FDM desktop printing materials are PLA and ABS. Both are thermoplastics, which means that when heated, they become malleable and moldable and then solidify when cooled. But Do these most popular types of 3D printer filament make you wonder between the two? Which one should be used when you are just a 3D printing beginner?
Let’s find out the answer by looking at the information we gathered below!
If you are in the field of 3D printing, you must know about 3D printer filament. One of the most important things you need in your work. 3D printer filament is a type of printing material that is utilized by FFF 3D printers. It is currently one of the most widely used 3D printing material types worldwide. Unlike powder and liquid resin used in other 3D printing technologies, the filament is made up of one continuous narrow plastic thread that is hundreds of meters long and spooled into a reel for storage and printer feeding. The raw material of filament is thermoplastic material, which includes the most extensively used plastics in life as well as certain particular formula materials for a specific purpose, as determined by the thermal extrusion process of FFF printers.
Filaments are now made with two radius standards: 1.75mm and 3mm. Because of its superior printing performance, such as extrusion flow uniformity, the former enjoys a significant market share. The majority of 1.75mm plastic filament is available in 1KG per spool with lengths up to 330 meters. Consumable FFF printers typically have a maximum printing temperature of roughly 260 degrees Celsius, which is sufficient for basic plastic filament printing. Professional FFF printers with a printing temperature of 300 degrees Celsius are required for more sophisticated filament and printing efficiency.
There are 8 different types of 3D printer filament used the most like a standard when you want to find that part for your printer: Engineering PLA, ABS filament, PETG filament, NYLON, a carbon fibre filament composite, PVA, HIPS, Flexible filament (TPU) and Polypropylene.
Before you find a cool 3D printer filament for your project, you need to know how to use it first. The thermoplastic filaments used in 3D printing are plastics (aka polymers) that melt rather than burn when heated, maybe molded, and solidify when cooled. The filament is fed into a heating chamber in the printer's extruder assembly, where it is heated to its melting temperature before being extruded (squirted) through a metal nozzle while the extruder assembly moves, tracing a path programmed into a 3D object file to build the printed item layer by layer. Although most 3D printers only have one extruder, several dual-extruder versions are available that can print an item in multiple colors or with different filament kinds.
3D printed filament items have been used in a variety of applications. Although its thermoplastic nature limits its mechanical dimension, filaments are useful for prototyping and light-duty applications. Prototyping is the most prevalent application that necessitates a material with poor mechanical properties. Many businesses and professions use filament for props, jigs and fixtures, toys, assembly components, and educational models for similar reasons. The flexible filament is a unique example. Since its inception, this category, predominantly TPU, has been used for the functional portion, particularly in the footwear industry. Its rubber-like feature appeals to footwear makers, as it meets their primary demand for material mechanical properties.
As you know, different projects will have the best material for 3D printing miniatures of their own. Along with the materials, different types of 3D printer filament also decide the quality of your work. That’s why you need to make the right choice when you buy filament.
The first decision you'll have to make after choosing a 3D printer is what sort of filament to use. Even without considering the various hues, there are several dozen types. Wading through them reveals a slew of chemical-sounding terms, like polylactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, carbon fiber, and the tongue-twisting thermoplastic elastomers. ABS, PLA, HIPS, CPE, PET, PETT, TPE, PVA, and PCTPE are just a few of the acronyms they go by. However, don't be put off by the alphabet soup. Only a few varieties are widely used, and producers prefer to avoid too technical names in favor of more descriptive names that allude to a key feature of the filament, such as flexibility or strength.
And based on the creators, there are 2 popular types of filament that are used the most: PLA and ABS.
Polylactic Acid, PLA material, or PLA filament is made from green renewable sources such as starch, maize, or sugar cane. Because it can be recycled, it is better for the environment than other materials. The ideal material to utilize in the prototype and modeling stages of 3D printing. PLA filament is a common choice in 3D printing, especially when employing FFF technology.
PLA material is the ideal solution in sectors and companies where 3D printing is still a relatively new addition. Because it is recognized as the easiest filament material to print in the industry. It's good for individuals wishing to do quick prototyping, which makes it an excellent alternative for short work. PLA, on the other hand, is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources, making it more ecologically friendly than plastics such as ABS and PVA.
PLA is a recyclable material, which distinguishes it from other forms of 3D printing materials. Traditional plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose. Especially if they wind up in a landfill with no air or light to begin the decomposition process. In commercial composting facilities, however, PLA material can decompose into natural elements.
It is well known that when plastics melt, dangerous and poisonous chemicals are released, posing a health concern. PLA, on the other hand, is a biologically based polymer that does not produce dangerously toxic gas when burned. Rather than ending up in a landfill, they'll end up in a composting facility.
PLA's biocompatibility with the human body is another wonderful quality. When it comes into direct touch with the human body, it has no negative consequences. This enables the filament to be widely used in the medical business. It's also a lot more flexible and shatterproof than the others.
PLA filament has acquired widespread popularity in additive manufacturing because of its mechanical characteristics and the fact that it is derived from renewable resources. It's a popular choice for 3D printing novices since it's a simple material to work with. This substance, which is classified as a semi-crystalline polymer, melts at 180°C, which is lower than ABS filament, which melts between 200°C and 260°C. This implies that a heated printing bed isn't required when printing with PLA, and a closed chamber isn't required either. The sole disadvantage is that PLA filament has a higher viscosity than ABS filament, which might block the print head if not handled properly.
The mechanical qualities of this filament are not the same as those of 3D print-ABS filament; the latter is significantly more robust and flexible. PLA, on the other hand, has a higher heat resistance and is commonly utilized in the food sector. Even Nevertheless, if the project does not have any big mechanical complexity, it is typically suggested to use it because it is easier.
ABS plastic 3D printer filament is similar to all the makers in 3D printing. In the field of 3D printing, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) has a lengthy history. One of the earliest polymers to be utilized with industrial 3D printers was this substance. ABS is still a popular material many years later due to its inexpensive cost and outstanding mechanical qualities. ABS is recognized for its hardness and impact resistance, allowing you to print long-lasting parts that can withstand additional use and wear. ABS filament is one of the most widely used 3D printing materials today. 3D printing filament ABS is utilized in traditional production in a range of sectors, as well as by 3D printing enthusiasts because it can assume different forms and maintains its quality.
ABS also has a greater glass transition temperature, which implies it can resist far higher temperatures before deforming. ABS is a suitable choice for outdoor or high-temperature applications because of this. If you're printing with ABS, make sure you're in a well-ventilated area because the substance has a faint odor. ABS also has a tendency to compress as it cools, so keeping an eye on the temperature of your build volume and the item within may be quite beneficial.
White is the color of a raw version of ABS material. It may simply be dyed to your preferred color throughout the production process because of its neutral coloration.
ABS is a tough and long-lasting substance. It can withstand heat and common chemicals. In comparison to other 3D printing materials, it can withstand higher stress, heat, and pressure. As a result, ABS is an excellent material for "wear and tear" 3D printing.
When utilizing 3D printed ABS filament, as long as the parameters are correct, you will obtain decent results. You can even print 45C degree overhangs with this material. This filament oozes and strings less than other filaments, resulting in a smoother finish on objects.
ABS is a simple material to work with when using acetone and gluing components together. You may also file away part of the components and paint them with acrylic paint.
In case you are still confused about the 2 types of 3D printer filament, let’s find out some differences right here:
PLA and ABS may be used to print dimensionally precise objects with details as small as 0.8 mm and minimum features as small as 1.2 mm. A tolerance of 0.5 mm is suggested for joining or interlocking pieces, and a minimum wall thickness of 1-2 mm will guarantee acceptable strength in wall elements.
PLA is less prone to distortion (making it simpler to print with) and can print finer edges and features than ABS because of its lower printing temperature.
ABS and PLA are both suitable for many prototype applications due to their similar tensile strengths. ABS is frequently chosen over PLA because of its superior ductility. ABS may be used for end-use applications because of its higher flexural strength and elongation before breaking, although PLA is still popular for quick prototyping where the form is more important than function.
Because of the nature of FDM printing, the print layers for both ABS and PLA will be visible after printing. ABS prints with a matte surface, whereas PLA prints with a semi-transparent finish, which generally results in a glossier appearance. After printing, ABS is commonly sanded and machined (for example, drilled). PLA may also be sanded and machined, although it requires more care.
3D printing filament ABS (glass transition temperature of 105°C) is better for high-temperature applications than PLA (glass transition temperature of 60°C). As the temperature rises over 60°C, PLA loses structural integrity and begins to droop and distort, especially when loaded.
3D print PLA filament is stable in most environments and biodegrades in industrial composters in 50 days and in water in 48 months. Although ABS is not biodegradable, it is recyclable. PLA is commonly used to make food-related goods, however, it is best to get confirmation from the filament maker that it is safe to do so.
PLA and ABS are excellent thermoplastics for beginners because of their inexpensive cost and simplicity of printing. They are 2 popular types of 3D printer filament if you're wanting to start 3D printing for industrial use cases. Hope this information is useful to you and enjoy your work!
In addition to ABS and PLA. Nylon 3D print is also a great type of 3D printed filament you should use.