3D Design & Printing 

• Types of Filaments for 3D Printing

  • ´PLA-

    • • ´Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable and bioactive polyester made up of lactic acid building blocks.

      • ´It’s a special type of thermoplastic made from organic materials, namely cornstarch and sugarcane.

      • ´The main benefits of PLA are that it’s safer and easier to use, and with no toxic fumes to worry about.

      • ´It is currently the second most produced and consumed bioplastic in the world in terms of volume.

  • ´ABS

    • • Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene an oil-based thermoplastic,

      • It is used for printing plastic automotive parts, moving parts, musical instruments, kitchen appliances, electronic housings, and various toys, like LEGO.

      • It produces toxic fumes

      • It is required to have good ventilation.

  • ´Other 3D printed filaments
    The following materials need machines that will handle specific materials. They also have their own precautions in safety.

Metal –

• These materials consist of PLA combined with a higher percentage of fine metallic powders

• 3D metal filament is perfect for hardware products, jewelry items, statues, replicas of artifacts.

Wood –

• These materials contain a careful mixture of recycled woods with a special binding polymer.

• The printed model will look like real wood.

• Produces unique wood-like objects in various shades and surfaces

• Higher temperatures will produce darker brown shades

• Altering 3D print temperatures stimulates the growth ring effect of trees

• Allows you to easily work with the finished part to achieve the required finish

• Draw backs of using wood filaments

Weaker, softer material compared to PLA

Less flexibility and tensile length

Easily breakable