Materials Guide
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLA | PETG | ASA | PC | FLEX TPU-95A | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heat Resistance | 55°C | 70°C | 95°C | 120°C | 65°C |
Strength | Medium | Medium | High | Very High | Low |
Durability | Medium | High | High | Very High | High |
Flexibility | Low | Medium | Low | High | Very High |
Difficulty to Print | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Density | 1.24 g/cm3 | 1.27 g/cm3 | 1.07 g/cm3 | 1.20 g/cm3 | 1.20 g/cm3 |
SUMMARY
Pros | Cons | Applications | |
---|---|---|---|
PLA | - Easy to print - Stiff and good strength - Low warping - Good dimensional accuracy - Good shelf life - Biodegradable |
- Brittle - Low temperature resistance - Not suitable for outdoors (sunlight exposure) |
- Test and calibration items - Action figures - Jewellery - Large prints - Decorative parts - Cosplay Props |
PETG | - High temperature resistance - Easy to print - Low shrinking and warping - Strong and durable - Not brittle - Glossy and smooth surface finish - Strong layer adhesion |
- Not suitable for tiny parts - Possibility of stringing - Supports are harder to remove - Prone to scratches |
- Mechanical parts - Holders - Waterproof prints |
ASA | - Strong UV resistance - High temperature resistance - Detailed prints without stringing - Can be smoothed with acetone vapours - Strong layer adhesion - High impact and wear resistance - Tough |
- Large models have a tendency to warp - Requires higher extruder temperatures - Requires ventilation due to potentially dangerous fumes - Hygroscopic |
- Automotive exterior parts - Smoothed surfaces - Mechanical parts - Exterior signage |
PC | - High temperature resistance - Excellent mechanical resistance - Impact-resistant - Elastically ductile - Very good dimensional stability |
- Requires very high print temperatures - Prone to warping - High tendency to ooze while printing - Hygroscopic - Poor bed adhesion |
- Mechanical stressed parts - Temperature resistant parts - Functional engineering parts |
FLEX TPU-95A | - Excellent vibration dampening - Ease of printing compared to similar flexible materials - Excellent layer bonding - Outstanding fatigue resistance - Low moisture absorption - Retains flexibility at low temperatures |
- Difficult to print - Poor bridging characteristics - Possibility of blobs and stringing - May not work well on Bowden extruders |
- Vibration dampening - Grip sleeves - Phone cases |
PRINTING GUIDELINES
Extruder | Nozzle | Bed | Adhesion | Surface | Cooling | Layer | Enclosure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLA | 205 ± 15 °C | ≥ 0.15mm | 50 ± 10 °C (optional) | Medium | - PEI - Powder-coated - Glass Plate - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
100% | ≥ 0.05mm | Not Required |
PETG | 230 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.15mm | 80 ± 10 °C (required) | High | - Powder-coated - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
50% | ≥ 0.10mm | Not Required |
ASA | 245 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.15mm | 100 ± 5 °C (required) | Low | - PEI - Glass Plate - Polymide Tape (e.g. Kapton) - ABS/ASA Slurry |
30% | ≥ 0.10mm | Recommended |
PC | 260 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.15mm | 100 ± 10 °C (required) | Poor | - Glass Plate - Polymide Tape (e.g. Kapton) |
0% | ≥ 0.10mm | Recommended |
FLEX | 220 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.40mm | 40 ± 10 °C (optional) | High | - Powder-coated - Painter's Tape |
50% | ≥ 0.20mm | Not Required |
CF+PLA | 200 ± 15 °C | ≥ 0.40mm Hard Steel |
50 ± 10 °C (optional) | Medium | - PEI - Powder-coated - Glass Plate - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
100% | ≥ 0.25mm | Not Required |
CF+PETG | 230 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.40mm Hard Steel |
80 ± 10 °C (required) | High | - Powder-coated - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
50% | ≥ 0.25mm | Not Required |
METAL | 200 ± 15 °C | ≥ 0.40mm Hard Steel |
50 ± 10 °C (optional) | Medium | - PEI - Powder-coated - Glass Plate - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
100% | ≥ 0.25mm | Not Required |
WOOD | 205 ± 15 °C | ≥ 0.40mm Hard Steel |
30 ± 10 °C (optional) | Medium | - PEI - Powder-coated - Glass Plate - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
100% | ≥ 0.25mm | Not Required |