PLA (Polylactic Acid)
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Nylon
ASA (Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)
Known for it's ease of printability and low-warping properties, PLA plastic is easily the most common printed plastic on the market. It is suitable for many prototyping applications were there is minimal prolonged stress or exposure to UV light (Sunlight). It also boasts the added benefit of being biodegradable as is is made from renewable corn starch rather than petroleum based materials!
Physical Characteristics:
- Produces a slightly brittle and stiff finished product
- Best applications include desk toys, models, non functional prototypes, and applications where there is little to no stress
- Does not handle UV light well, colored PLA will begin to yellow and degrade in the sunlight
ABS is the same plastic which LEGOs are made from! Known for resilience and ductility, ABS stands up to higher temperatures and more abuse than other low temperature thermoplastics such as PLA. Due to it's chemical nature, ABS can undergo a finishing process called "Acetone Smoothing" which smooths out sharp features and often all of the print lines to form a shiny and smooth part closely resembling an injection molded part!
Physical Characteristics:
- Durable and ductile, often elongates and stretches before breaking
- Best applications include desk toys, models, non functional prototypes, and applications where there is little to no stress
When is comes to high performance 3D printable engineering materials, nylon is a key player. Due to it's inherent low friction and high strength, it is possible to print functional low stress gears and other contact components. It is also commonly combined with a filler like Carbon Fiber to produce extremely high strength, stiff, finished parts. Additionally, nylon is hydroscopic, meaning it absorbs water! This provides the ability to to print a white/clear filament and use a water based dye to color it the your exact specifications.
Physical Characteristics:
- Standard nylon is very durable, ductile and impact resistant
- Best applications include medium stress applications, medium UV exposure, gears/low-friction mechanisms, and living hinges
- The addition of Carbon Fiber produces an extremely stiff, high strength material which also provides high protection to UV light
- Carbon Fiber Nylon is commonly used for drone frames, RC Car chassis, and other structural components
ASA has similar physical properties to ABS, but can withstand slightly higher temperatures. Most notably, it is the best 3D printable plastic for outdoor use due to it's extremely high UV resistance and strength retention at high temperatures.
Physical Characteristics:
- Durable and ductile, often elongates and stretches before breaking
- Best applications include planter pots, plug receptacles, greenhouse equipment and other outside parts
