3D printing is a kind of rapid prototyping technology, also known as additive manufacturing, it is a kind of digital model file based on the use of powder metal or plastic and other bonding materials, through the way of layer by layer printing technology. Next, what are the materials used in 3D printing? At present, the commonly used 3D printing materials mainly include PLA, photosensitive resin, nylon material, metal material, etc. These materials have their own characteristics, and can manufacture a variety of different products under the support of the printer to meet the production capacity needs of users.

1. 3D printer material -- PLA material
 

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a derivative of renewable resources (starch), is made from corn, sweet potato starch, it is more environmentally friendly than other materials, has very good printing characteristics, no pungent smell, printing hardness and strength are good, degradable.

Low cost, material color, print out the effect of bright color, good gloss, almost will not shrink.

3d printing of PLA materials

A toy model 3D printed by PLA Materials

2. 3D printer material - photosensitive resin
 

Photosensitive resin commonly known as UV resin, composed of polymer monomer and prepolymer, plus light (ultraviolet) initiator or called photosensitizer, in a certain wavelength of ultraviolet light irradiation immediately caused polymerization reaction, complete curing, photosensitive resin is generally liquid, used to make high strength, high temperature resistance, waterproof materials. Photosensitive resin material has no volatile odor, a wide range of applications, easy storage and other characteristics, printed surface accuracy is high, but the price is expensive.

3d printing material - photosensitive resin
 

3d Printing materials - Building models printed on photosensitive resin

3. 3D printer material - nylon material

Polyamide commonly known as Nylon, English name Polyamide, it is the general name of polymers containing amide groups in the main chain repeat unit of macromolecules. PA has good comprehensive properties, including mechanical properties, heat resistance, wear resistance, chemical resistance and self-lubrication, and low friction coefficient, flame retardant, easy to process, suitable for glass fiber and other fillers to enhance the modification, improve performance and expand the scope of application.

Nylon is one of the most important 3D printing materials in the 3D printing market. Nylon is a synthetic polymer with high wear resistance, toughness, strength and heat resistance. Suitable for prototype and functional verification parts.

3d printing material - Nylon powder

3d printing material - Nylon powder printed model

4.3D printer materials - Metal materials
 

Metal 3D printing is a technology belonging to digital thermal processing. At present, the main 3D printing technologies for metal preparation include: selective laser melting/sintering (SLM/SLS), electron beam selective melting (EBSM), laser near-net forming (LENS), etc. Compared with the traditional process, metal 3D printing has the advantages of direct molding, no mold, personalized design and production of complex structures, high efficiency, low consumption, low cost and so on.

3D-printed materials - Metal powders of different materials

 
3D printing of metal parts