3D printers provide an innovative and technologically advanced solution for many different industries, including health, science, education and engineering. If you are thinking of purchasing a 3D printer for your home or office, there are many things to consider, such as price, what printer is best for your particular needs (what you’ll be printing) and the type of filament you’ll need. If this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. It really isn’t that difficult once you learn what some of the different parts of the printer do and why they are important. Take filament, for example. It’s an integral part of your printer, but you’ll need to decide which filament will be best for you.
Filament material options
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the most commonly used material for 3D printing because of its versatility and economical value. This material is durable, resistant to heat, strong and slightly flexible. Once an object is printed, it can easily be sanded to smooth rough or jagged edges.
- PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic which is made from renewable resources like cornstarch, tapioca roots or sugar cane. This makes PLA one of the most environmentally-friendly materials for 3D printing. It is commonly used for surgical implants and medical suturing. It is also used for dinnerware, disposable garments and upholstery, and is considered very safe. PLA objects are tough, but slightly brittle when printed. They can be sanded and painted, but experts recommend using a primer before painting.
- PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is a special water-soluble plastic. It is commonly used in children’s play putty, adult incontinent products, paper adhesive and packaging film. PVA is occasionally used in 3D printing applications to support objects that may have overhang issues. It is not as easy to use as PLA or ABS as it attracts so much water. Once a product has completed printing, it can be put in water so that the PVA can completely dissolve.
Once you’ve decided on a material to use, check to make sure the filament diameter is compatible with your printer. There are two standard diameter sizes for filament: 1.75 mm and 3 mm. Some printer models can use both sizes, but many cannot. You can purchase filament by weight and come in standard weights of 1 kg and 2.5 kg. You may have to experiment with different filaments until you find one that suits your particular needs. Find a reputable vendor who can help you decide which printer and filament would be best for you.
Call 3D Supply Guys today for a no-obligation quote on 3D printing and filament accessories or visit their website for more information.
