Consumables

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is one of the two most commonly used desktop 3D printing materials. PLA is a corn based polymer and hence 100% environment friendly. PLA has property of low-warp and does not require a heated bed.On the whole PLA works better in the machine, requiring lower temperatures and giving stronger, more hard-wearing products.

It is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from several renewable sources like sugarcane, cornstarch, and potato starch or tapioca roots. This way, PLA is the most eco-friendly plastic in 3D printing industry, when compared to other petrochemical based consumables like PVA or ABS.

PLA is used in surgical implants and medical suturing, as it can degrade in lactic acid present in the body. The surgically implanted pins, screws, mesh or rods just break down in your body from 6 months to 2 years.

This consumable is also used in bags, food packaging, upholstery, disposable tableware, hygiene products, disposable garments, and diapers. Hence, it is known to be a safe choice. For those looking to print PLA cups or other items for drink and food, keep in mind that the coloring pigments may not be as safe as PLA.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is another commonly used 3D printer material. Best used for making durable parts that need to withstand higher temperatures. In comparison to PLA, ABS plastic is less ‘brittle.’ It can also be post-processed with acetone to provide a glossy finish. When 3D printing with ABS filament a heated printing surface is recommended, as ABS plastic will contract when cooled leading to warped parts.

ABS has been in use widely for different applications these days. Some of the common examples are automotive components, pipes manufacturing, electronic assemblies, kitchen appliances, protective headgear, musical instruments, and protective carry cases and toys.

It is a very strong and durable material which is quite resistant to heat and flexible. 3D printing can process ABS plastics to operate with hot end at around 210 Deg. C. of temperature. So, a 3D printer can process ABS which is well loaded with heated printbed to prevent cracking or warping of materials.

ABS is very affordable consumable and is the best choice for 3D printing community. It is best suited for different purposes, especially because it can be pained and sanded easily. The broken or printed parts can be glued well and is soluble with acetone. It generally comes in black, white, yellow, blue, and green colors. It can also have matte appearance or can be transparent.

But it is non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic which can be recycled. It creates mild fumes that may irritate sensitive skin. So, it is important to install the printed in a properly ventilated area on a specific fume hood. If it is no longer used, store it in airtight container. It attracts moisture and it can affect print quality.

Wood - Wood Composite Filament

Wood 2.85 mm filament is a mixture of 40% recycled wood with a binding polymer. This wood/polymer composite allows the filament to be printed just like thermoplastic filaments – such as ABS and PLA – but gives your creation a wooden-like appearance.After printing is done, the object will look and smell like wood. We can even cut, grind and paint our creations similar to what we can do with wooden objects

Nylon Filament

Nylon filament is a versatile 3D printing material, which prints as a bright natural to white with a translucent surface. It can also absorb colour added post process with most common, acid-based clothing dyes. The recommended extruder temperature for Nylon filament is 245°C.

PETG (PolyEthylene Terephthalate Glass) filament

The stuff plastic bottles are made of PETG filaments. In its original state it is colourless and crystal clear material, in short it is Opaque. PET is a fairly stiff and very lightweight material, which is very strong and impact-resistant.

PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) (Water soluble Filament)

PVA is generally used to print support structures with dual extruder printers. It is typically used as support material for PLA 3d prints. PVA (water soluble filament) will dissolve when exposed to moisture and so MUST be kept dry prior to use. The extruder temperature should not exceed – 160-175 C .This Filament is good for fine finishing of products.

It is a special water-soluble plastic. It is used most commonly as paper adhesive, a packaging film, a thickener, and in adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products. PVA bags are also used in freshwater sport fishing. It is often used in 3D printing with multiple or dual extruders to provide support to the object facing overhang problems.

Some of the complex prints consist of various overhangs where you don’t have any support on upper layers. It can simply collapse or warp. Until it is dissolved, the finished item is put in the water.

Flexible Filament

Flexible 3D printer filament is also known as Soft filament. This filament is good for printing rubber-like parts that can bend or flex. It is compatible with almost all desktop 3D printers.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

HIPS is dissolvable in Limonene, which is a quite strong chemical. It’s generally used to print support structures for ABS prints. HIPS is as easy to print with as ABS but is much less likely to warp. The main difference is that HIPS uses Limonene as a solvent.

Glow in the Dark filament

Glow in the Dark filament is used majorly for Decorative purposes , with special effects .Glow in Dark filament gets charges in the Light source and when the lights are switched off ( in Dark ) it glows . The product which is printed with this filament glows in the Dark.