Traditional Materials

PLA

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	150	210
Build Platform	0*	50

* A heated build plate is not strictly necessary when printing with PLA.

PLA, or Polylactic Acid , is a thermoplastic polyester made from environmentally friendly plant materials, which makes the material biodegradable.

The material is strong, but it melts/becomes soft at relatively low temperatures - which can be decisive in relation to usability. As PLA does not necessarily need to be printed on a heated build surface, this means that it is the most used material for 3d printing.

PLA is seen in several places in industrial connection - it is used in e.g. food packaging.

ABS

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	220	275
Build Platform	100	130

* A heated build plate is required when printing with ABS (90"-110").

ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is an oil-based thermoplastic. ABS is an amorphous material, which means it has no correct/precise melting temperature. On the other hand, it can be said that ABS becomes softer in structure the higher the temperature. ABS is acid and alcohol resistant, but is soluble in Acetone.

ABS is characterized by being lightweight, melts at higher temperatures (compared to PLA) and is stronger than PLA. It is more difficult to 3d print in ABS than PLA, but with a properly calibrated quality printer, it is not complicated.

ABS is seen in several places in industrial contexts - LEGO, helmets, toys etc. ABS is not food safe and is dangerous for the environment. The 3D expert recommends printing with ABS in well-ventilated rooms and responsibly disposing of ABS in an appropriate manner.

PET

PET is a plastic resin. It is the most commonly used plastic in the world. You can find its fibers in clothes, containers for liquids, foods, thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fiber for engineering resins. Thousands of consumer products, food and beverages are delivered and packaged within this material.

PETG (also called copolyester) is a modified version of PET. The modification is achieved by adding a second glycol during polymerization. The molecular structure is irregular; the resin is clear and amorphous with a glass transition temperature of 88 C.

If you're into chemistry, it's known as Polyethylene Terephthalateco-1, 4-cylclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate.

3DE Premium PETG Filament: What are the benefits?

These are the general benefits:

• It's more durable. Overheating regular PET makes it hazy and brittle. Not with PETG filament: The added glycol prevents the material from crystallizing and becoming breakable. The new material is also highly impact-resistant.
• Unlike PET, it is RF sealable.
• Professionally printed, it can also be sterilized.

These are the benefits of 3DE Premoim PETG filament for 3D printing:

• Also, you can have the material, prints and misprints recycled. This doesn't mean you should start printing irresponsibly – sustainably speaking, it's still plastic, which has to be recycled properly.
• The layer adhesion is usually excellent.
• PETG filament has the reputation of combining the benefits of ABS (stronger, temperature resistant, more durable) and PLA (easy to print) in one material.
• You can expect less trouble with warping or shrinking of your prints.

Soluble materials

PVA

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	160	200
Build Platform	0**	50

* Temperatures above 210" will break down PVA into a tar which can destroy/clog your extruder. ** A heated build surface is not a necessity when printing with PVA.

PVA, or Polyvinyl Alcohol, is a water-soluble synthetic material. Industrially, it is used for various chemical purposes, seen in fishing gear and also seen in the production of North Korean textiles. It is also biodegradable and harmless to the environment. As the material is soluble in water, it is ideal to use as a support material for items with a complicated geometry. PVA dissolves easily in a tub of warm water.

WOOD

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	170	210
Build Platform	0**	50

*Wood-like materials generally have the same characteristics as PLA. **It is not necessary to print with a heated build plate, but it is recommended.

A number of experimental wood filaments have appeared on the market, which typically contain pigment/powder that originates from recycled material. This material is combined in the production of thermoplastics, with the intention of 3d printing.

You know the technology/method from the car industry, where fixtures/panels that have a fake wood look have been produced. Print with Wood filaments has a sweet wood-like smell and it is possible to sand (sandpaper) the printed item, for a nice finish, like a normal wooden item.

Tips: By changing the temperature during printing, you will be able to experience that the filament changes color from a lighter to a darker shade.

STONE

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	165	200
Build Platform	0**	50

* May require an external fan to increase adhesion. ** Not strictly necessary with a hot plate, but recommended.

Stone-like filaments are thermoplastic with added finely ground lime. When you print with Stone filament, you will find that printing with low temperatures gives a very smooth object, whereas printing with higher temperatures gives a more rough stone-like surface. Stone-like filaments are more brittle in structure compared to other filaments, but can all be finished with sandpaper - such as when printing with Wood filament.

Other Materials

TPE

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	210	230*
Build Platform	30	40*

* Optimum extruder temperatures may vary by brand and model.

TPE, or thermoplastic elastomers, is a polymer with both thermoplastic and rubber characteristics that has a cross-linking microstructure. Typically, TPE is soft and flexible. Within industry, TPE is seen in the production of earphones, caterpillar feet from snow vehicles and from the sex toy industry.

TPE is recommended in 3dprinting wherever flexibility and strength are needed. TPE can be difficult to print with.

PC

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	270	305
Build Platform	75	95

PC, or Polycarbonate, is a synthetic material that is very strong and transparent. It is, among other things, used in connection with interior in e.g. F16 fighter windows and in e.g. water cooling containers. The material can be bent and shaped while it is cold - such as metal.

PC-ABS

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	220	275
Build Platform	100	130

PC-ABS is a composite material that has strengths from both ABS and PC. You get the strength from PC and the flexibility and lower print temperature from ABS. Put together, these combined materials are the most used in the production of cars. Within 3dprint, it is a perfect material for items that require strength and longevity.

NYLON

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	235	260
Build Platform	100	130

Nylon is a widely used synthetic material that has recently been seen within 3d printing. It is hard, strong and flexible, but can be difficult to use as it often requires high melt temperatures and extra ventilation during printing.

Nylon is often seen in the medical industry and is available in a wide range of colours.

PET

Guidelines

	Mine	Max
Extruder	210	235
Build Platform	45	60

Polyethylene terephthalate, also known as "Polyester", is the material we see everywhere in our everyday life. It is used in everything from textiles to heat-resistant room carpets and sails for ships. PET is typically found in a transparent appearance, although there are some manufacturers that offer the material in colors. The material has a high strength, is more temperature resistant and is very reusable - so a call from the 3D Expert to take this super fine material into consideration.