[2023] What Materials Can Be Used in 3D Printing?

Discover the Wide Range of Materials for Your 3D Printing Projects

Are you curious about the materials that can be used in 3D printing? As experts in the field, we at Best 3D Printer™ have explored the vast array of options available. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the different materials suitable for 3D printing, their applications, and the processes involved. Whether you are a hobbyist, an engineer, or a designer, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to choose the best material for your project.

Quick Answer
Quick Tips and Facts
Background
Plastic 3D Printing Materials
Metal 3D Printing Materials
Composite 3D Printing Materials
Bio-compatible 3D Printing Materials
Flexible 3D Printing Materials
Ceramic 3D Printing Materials
Other 3D Printing Materials
FAQ
Conclusion
Recommended Links
Reference Links

Quick Answer

In 3D printing, a wide range of materials can be used to create objects with different properties and characteristics. These materials include:

Plastics: ABS, PLA, PETG, Nylon, TPU, PVA, HIPS, and composites.
Metals: Titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, tool steel, and nickel alloys.
Composites: Carbon fiber, fiberglass, and kevlar.
Bio-compatible materials: PLA-based materials, PCL, and medical-grade resins.
Flexible materials: TPU, TPE, and rubber-like materials.
Ceramics: Porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware.
Other materials: Wood, concrete, and food-based materials.

For a more detailed exploration of these materials and their applications, keep reading!

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the details, here are some quick tips and facts about 3D printing materials:

Compatibility: Different 3D printers are compatible with specific materials. Make sure to check the compatibility of your printer before choosing a material.
Properties: Each material has its own unique properties, such as strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and durability. Consider the desired properties of your printed object when selecting a material.
Layer Height: The layer height of your 3D printer affects the quality and resolution of the printed object. Some materials perform better with finer layer heights, while others are more suitable for larger layer heights.
Post-Processing: Some materials require post-processing steps, such as sanding, polishing, or painting, to achieve the desired finish.
Safety: When working with certain materials, such as metal or bio-compatible resins, it is important to follow safety guidelines and handle them with care.

Background

The history of 3D printing dates back to the 1980s when the first 3D printing technologies were developed. Since then, the field has evolved rapidly, and new materials have been introduced to expand the possibilities of 3D printing.

Today, 3D printing is used in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and fashion. The ability to create complex geometries, customized designs, and functional prototypes has revolutionized the way products are developed and manufactured.

Plastic 3D Printing Materials

Plastic is one of the most commonly used materials in 3D printing due to its versatility, affordability, and wide range of available options. Different plastic materials offer varying properties, making them suitable for different applications.

FDM 3D Printing

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most widely used form of 3D printing at the consumer level. It works by extruding molten plastic filament layer by layer to create the desired object. FDM printers are affordable, easy to use, and offer a good balance between cost and quality.

Popular plastic materials for FDM 3D printing include:

ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a strong and durable plastic that is commonly used for functional prototypes and end-use parts. It has good impact resistance and can withstand higher temperatures.
PLA: Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastic. It is easy to print with, has good dimensional accuracy, and comes in a wide range of colors. PLA is suitable for a variety of applications, including prototypes, models, and artistic creations.
PETG: Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is a strong and flexible plastic that combines the properties of ABS and PLA. It is resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it suitable for functional parts and outdoor applications.
Nylon: Nylon is a versatile and durable plastic that offers high strength and flexibility. It is commonly used for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and gears. Nylon can be reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber to enhance its properties.
TPU: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible and elastic material that is commonly used for soft-touch applications, such as phone cases, shoe soles, and wearable devices. TPU offers excellent impact resistance and can be printed with different levels of flexibility.
PVA: Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a water-soluble support material that is used in dual-extrusion 3D printing. It is commonly used to create complex geometries and overhangs that require support during printing. PVA dissolves in water, leaving behind a clean and smooth surface.
HIPS: High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a lightweight and impact-resistant plastic that is commonly used as a support material for ABS. HIPS can be dissolved in limonene, making it easy to remove from the printed object.

SLA 3D Printing

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing process that uses a liquid resin that is cured by a UV light source. SLA printers offer high resolution and accuracy, making them suitable for highly detailed prototypes and client-ready parts.

Popular plastic materials for SLA 3D printing include:

Standard Resins: Standard resins offer a balance between strength, detail, and cost. They are suitable for a wide range of applications, including prototypes, models, and functional parts.
Clear Resin: Clear resin is transparent and can be used to create see-through objects, such as lenses, light pipes, and transparent prototypes.
Draft Resin: Draft resin is a fast-printing resin that is used for quick iterations and concept models. It offers lower resolution but allows for rapid prototyping.
Tough and Durable Resins: Tough and durable resins offer high impact resistance and are suitable for functional prototypes and parts that require strength and durability.
Rigid Resins: Rigid resins offer high stiffness and are suitable for applications that require structural integrity, such as casings and enclosures.
Polyurethane Resins: Polyurethane resins offer flexibility and are commonly used for applications that require rubber-like properties, such as gaskets and seals.
High Temp Resin: High temp resin can withstand high temperatures and is suitable for applications that require heat resistance, such as molds and jigs.
Flexible and Elastic Resins: Flexible and elastic resins offer rubber-like properties and are used for applications that require flexibility and stretchability, such as prosthetics and wearables.
Medical and Dental Resins: Medical and dental resins are bio-compatible and meet the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry. They are used for applications such as surgical guides, dental models, and orthotics.
Jewelry Resins: Jewelry resins offer high detail and smooth surface finish, making them suitable for creating intricate and delicate jewelry designs.
ESD Resin: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) resin is used to create parts that require protection against electrostatic discharge, such as electronic components and circuit boards.
Flame Retardant Resin: Flame retardant resin offers fire resistance and is used for applications that require safety and compliance with fire regulations.

Shopping Links: SLA Resins

Compare Plastic 3D Printing Materials

To help you choose the right plastic 3D printing material for your project, here is a comparison table highlighting the key features and applications of different materials:

Material	Strength	Flexibility	Heat Resistance	Applications
ABS	✅	❌	✅	Functional prototypes, end-use parts
PLA	❌	✅	❌	Prototypes, models, artistic creations
PETG	✅	✅	✅	Functional parts, outdoor applications
Nylon	✅	✅	✅	Functional prototypes, mechanical parts
TPU	❌	✅	✅	Soft-touch applications, flexible parts
PVA	❌	❌	❌	Support material for complex geometries
HIPS	✅	❌	✅	Support material for ABS

Shopping Links: Plastic Filaments

Metal 3D Printing Materials

Metal 3D printing allows for the creation of strong, durable, and complex metal parts. There are several metal 3D printing processes, each with its own advantages and limitations.

Metal FDM

Metal Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a process that combines traditional FDM with metal filaments. Metal FDM printers use a metal-infused filament that is mixed with a polymer binder. After printing, the part is sintered to remove the binder and fuse the metal particles together.

Popular metal 3D printing materials for Metal FDM include:

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a versatile and corrosion-resistant material that is commonly used for functional prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts.
Titanium: Titanium is a lightweight and strong material that offers excellent biocompatibility. It is commonly used in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight and low-cost material that is commonly used for prototypes, jigs, and fixtures. It offers good strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.
Tool Steel: Tool steel is a high-strength material that is commonly used for tooling, molds, and dies. It offers excellent wear resistance and can withstand high temperatures.
Nickel Alloys: Nickel alloys, such as Inconel and Hastelloy, offer high strength, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Shopping Links: Metal Filaments

Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a powder bed fusion process that uses a high-powered laser to selectively melt metal powder layer by layer. SLM is capable of producing complex geometries and fully dense metal parts.

Popular metal 3D printing materials for SLM include:

Titanium: Titanium is widely used in SLM due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a versatile material that offers good strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance. It is commonly used for functional prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight material that offers good strength, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods industries.
Tool Steel: Tool steel is a high-strength material that offers excellent wear resistance and can withstand high temperatures. It is commonly used for tooling, molds, and dies.
Nickel Alloys: Nickel alloys, such as Inconel and Hastelloy, offer high strength, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Shopping Links: Metal Powders

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is a powder bed fusion process that uses a high-powered laser to selectively sinter metal powder layer by layer. DMLS is capable of producing complex geometries and fully dense metal parts.

Popular metal 3D printing materials for DMLS include:

Titanium: Titanium is widely used in DMLS due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a versatile material that offers good strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance. It is commonly used for functional prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight material that offers good strength, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods industries.
Tool Steel: Tool steel is a high-strength material that offers excellent wear resistance and can withstand high temperatures. It is commonly used for tooling, molds, and dies.
Nickel Alloys: Nickel alloys, such as Inconel and Hastelloy, offer high strength, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Shopping Links: Metal Powders

Composite 3D Printing Materials

Composite 3D printing materials combine the properties of different materials to create unique and enhanced characteristics. These materials are commonly used in applications that require high strength, stiffness, and durability.

Popular composite 3D printing materials include:

Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber composites offer high strength, stiffness, and lightweight properties. They are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass composites offer good strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. They are commonly used in the automotive, marine, and construction industries.
Kevlar: Kevlar composites offer high strength, impact resistance, and heat resistance. They are commonly used in the aerospace, military, and sporting goods industries.

Shopping Links: Composite Filaments

Bio-compatible 3D Printing Materials

Bio-compatible 3D printing materials are used in the medical and dental industries to create implants, prosthetics, surgical guides, and other bio-compatible parts. These materials are safe for use in the human body and meet the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry.

Popular bio-compatible 3D printing materials include:

PLA-based materials: PLA-based materials are biodegradable and bio-compatible. They are commonly used for surgical guides, dental models, and orthotics.
PCL: Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable and bio-compatible material that is commonly used for tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and implants.
Medical-grade resins: Medical-grade resins are specifically formulated for medical applications. They offer high accuracy, biocompatibility, and sterilizability.

Shopping Links: Bio-compatible Filaments

Flexible 3D Printing Materials

Flexible 3D printing materials are used to create objects that require flexibility, elasticity, and rubber-like properties. These materials are commonly used in applications such as prosthetics, wearables, and soft-touch components.

Popular flexible 3D printing materials include:

TPU: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible and elastic material that offers excellent impact resistance and durability. It is commonly used for phone cases, shoe soles, and wearable devices.
TPE: Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is a flexible and rubber-like material that offers good elasticity and stretchability. It is commonly used for gaskets, seals, and grips.
Rubber-like materials: Rubber-like materials offer high flexibility, elasticity, and tear resistance. They are commonly used for prototypes, molds, and functional parts.

Shopping Links: Flexible Filaments

Ceramic 3D Printing Materials

Ceramic 3D printing materials are used to create objects with ceramic-like properties, such as porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware. These materials offer high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent surface finish.

Popular ceramic 3D printing materials include:

Porcelain: Porcelain is a ceramic material that offers high strength, heat resistance, and a smooth surface finish. It is commonly used for decorative objects, tableware, and jewelry.
Earthenware: Earthenware is a ceramic material that offers good strength, low cost, and a rustic appearance. It is commonly used for pottery, tiles, and sculptures.
Stoneware: Stoneware is a ceramic material that offers high strength, durability, and a natural appearance. It is commonly used for dinnerware, cookware, and decorative objects.

Shopping Links: Ceramic Filaments

Other 3D Printing Materials

In addition to the materials mentioned above, there are several other materials that can be used in 3D printing for specific applications.

Wood: Wood-based materials combine wood fibers with a polymer binder to create objects with a wood-like appearance and texture. They are commonly used for decorative objects, furniture, and architectural models.
Concrete: Concrete-based materials combine cement with additives to create objects with a concrete-like appearance and texture. They are commonly used for architectural models, sculptures, and construction prototypes.
Food-based materials: Food-based materials use edible ingredients, such as chocolate or sugar, to create edible objects. They are commonly used for culinary creations, cake decorations, and personalized gifts.

FAQ

Denim blue thread for sewing machine, white background

What are the materials that can be used for 3D printing?

A wide range of materials can be used for 3D printing, including plastics, metals, composites, bio-compatible materials, flexible materials, ceramics, and others. Each material offers unique properties and is suitable for different applications.

What materials cannot be used for 3D printing?

While there are many materials that can be used for 3D printing, not all materials are suitable for the process. Materials that cannot be melted or cured, such as glass or certain types of ceramics, cannot be used in standard 3D printing processes. However, there are specialized 3D printing techniques, such as glass 3D printing or ceramic 3D printing, that can be used to create objects with these materials.

Can you 3D print with wood?

Yes, it is possible to 3D print with wood-based materials. Wood-based filaments combine wood fibers with a polymer binder to create objects with a wood-like appearance and texture. These materials can be used to create decorative objects, furniture, and architectural models.

What are the most common materials used in 3D printers are polymers?

Polymers, such as ABS, PLA, PETG, Nylon, and TPU, are some of the most common materials used in 3D printers. These materials offer a wide range of properties and are suitable for various applications, from prototypes to functional parts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of 3D printing offers a vast array of materials to choose from. Whether you are looking for strength, flexibility, heat resistance, or bio-compatibility, there is a material that suits your needs. From plastics to metals, composites to ceramics, the possibilities are endless.

When selecting a material for your 3D printing project, consider the desired properties of your printed object, the compatibility with your 3D printer, and any post-processing requirements. Experiment with different materials to unlock the full potential of 3D printing.

Recommended Links:

Reference Links:

Guide to 3D Printing Materials: Types, Applications, and …

[2023] What Materials Can Be Used in 3D Printing?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Quick Tips and Facts

Background