PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Properties: PLA is the most widely used filament for 3D printing. It’s biodegradable, made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, and emits a sweet smell when heated. It has a low melting temperature and is easy to print with.
Uses: Ideal for prototyping, educational purposes, and decorative items. It’s often used for toys, models, and other non-functional objects.
Strengths: Easy to print, low warping, good surface finish, and environmentally friendly.
Weaknesses: Brittle, not very heat-resistant (softens at around 60°C), and not suitable for high-stress applications.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Properties: ABS is a durable, tough plastic with high impact resistance. It has a higher melting point than PLA and requires a heated bed for printing to prevent warping.
Uses: Commonly used for functional parts, automotive components, and enclosures. It’s also used in the manufacturing of LEGO bricks.
Strengths: Stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA, good impact resistance, and suitable for mechanical parts.
Weaknesses: Emits fumes when heated (proper ventilation is needed), warps easily, and is more challenging to print with than PLA.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Properties: TPU is a flexible filament with rubber-like properties. It’s elastic, wear-resistant, and has good impact strength.
Uses: Ideal for parts that need to be flexible or elastic, such as phone cases, gaskets, seals, and wearables.
Strengths: Flexible, durable, and resistant to abrasion and impact.
Weaknesses: More challenging to print with due to its flexibility, slower print speeds required, and potential for stringing.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Properties: PETG is a strong, durable filament that combines the ease of printing of PLA with the strength and temperature resistance of ABS. It’s slightly flexible, making it less brittle than PLA.
Uses: Suitable for mechanical parts, functional prototypes, and objects that require strength and flexibility. It’s also used for food-safe containers when printed properly.
Strengths: Good balance of strength and flexibility, chemically resistant, and easier to print with than ABS.
Weaknesses: Prone to stringing during printing and requires fine-tuning to achieve a good surface finish.