Did you know that not all 3D printing jobs use the same materials? There are actually 5 main types! From resins for detailed work like jewelry and art toys, plastic filaments like PLA / PETG / ABS which are the easiest to use, composites that blend materials for extra strength, metals for high-value industries like medical and aerospace, all the way to special materials like concrete and ceramics which are gaining popularity. Understand each type, choose correctly, and your work will definitely turn out well. Read the full details in this article.

It is undeniable that 3D Printing has diverse applications. Although the purpose of the work is to build materials layer by layer in a similar fashion, the material processing methods differ. Therefore, we would like to introduce everyone to the popular types of materials used in such printing, which are 5 types, categorized by the technology used in processing.

5 Popular Material Types for 3D Printing

1. Resin Type

This type of 3D Printing is used with DLP and SLA machines. It is suitable for small, intricate items such as dolls, jewelry, Figures, and currently, the highly popular Art Toy. This type of material must undergo a curing and light exposure process to achieve strength, vibrant colors, and readiness for use.

2. Plastic Type (Filament)

This is the most commonly seen group in 3D Printing due to its low cost, easy availability, straightforward processing steps, and numerous options. However, it is mostly used with FFF and FDM printers.

• PETG is the most durable material in all environments, capable of supporting weight well, but not as flexible as PLA
• PLA is a beautiful material that is easy to print and degrades quickly. It is suitable for beginners, but printed pieces have a shorter lifespan, especially in hot climates like Thailand.
• ABS is a strong and durable material that is more heat-resistant than other plastics. It is used for prototyping parts that require strength and good weather resistance, and can be used for some types of automotive parts. For those who enjoy car customization, ABS is recommended. However, due to its strong chemical odor, it is best to print in well-ventilated areas.

3. Composite

This material is classified within the Filament group, but it's a different type used due to its vastly different physical properties. With its ability to combine various materials, it offers distinct strength. Its properties change depending on the main components; for example, Sandvik mixes diamond powder with polymer to 3D print diamonds.

4. Metal (Powder/Filament)

This material is used in high-value industries such as medical instruments, aviation, and aerospace. The work is complex, with specific and diverse requirements, including lightweight and durable properties. This makes 3D Printing materials a valuable component. To contain metal powders and hazardous vapors during production, a Chamber is necessary. Additionally, the forming process requires heat treatment to enhance strength. Popular materials for this application include aluminum, nickel, titanium, and stainless steel, among others.

5. Special Materials (Specials/Specific Material)

Finally, special materials, or Specials/Specific Material, are a group of specialized productions. Most of them are materials under development, such as those for medical tissue printing. There are also cement and ceramic groups, which are currently gaining popularity, especially in the real estate business, but are not yet widely used.

These are the popular materials used in 3D Printing, with each type having unique characteristics and significant differences in application. Knowing and researching this information helps ensure that material selection is most suitable, resulting in high-quality and efficient output without future problems.

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3D Printing resin

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