Various materials are available for use in 3D prototyping and sometimes it can be challenging to choose a suitable material for your project. It is important to note that the choice of a printing material ultimately depends on the kind of project you are doing. Since plastic materials are some of the cheapest materials you can buy, this article will focus on a few of them.
Top Materials to Use for Printing Prototypes
1. Nylon PA12
This plastic material is made from fine polyamide powder and it boasts numerous mechanical properties. The white plastic material is also one of the most affordable materials for 3D printing. It can be used for both productions and printing prototypes. Featuring a Selective Laser Sintering technology, you can use this material to create all your parts.
There are various options and finishes available for you to choose from if you decide to use this plastic material for your prototyping project. However, you can still get raw parts if that’s what you want. Nylon PA12 is one of the cheapest materials you can find right now as it allows you to make a lot of iterations when prototyping. It’s one of the best materials you can get right now.
2. Multi Jet Fusion PA12
The Multi Jet Fusion PA12 is a grey plastic material whose raw version is one of the cheapest you can get. This material is also very suitable for both production and prototyping. The material helps you make a lot of iterations at the cheapest price possible. One great thing about this material is that it is resistant to scratches and abrasion. As a result, objects made from the material are great against scratches and abrasion. It is also well-suited for outdoor conditions since it is stable to weather, light stabilized, and UV stabilized.
3. Prototyping Resin
Although it was specially developed for prototyping, it is still useful for non-functional prototypes. The resin is printed through a process known as Stereolithography. So, if you need to design an object with highly detailed parts, the prototyping resin would be the best option. This material features a smooth resin finish that shares a lot of similarities with objects created from plastic injection molding.
4. TPU
If you need a plastic material that is quite flexible for your project, then TPU will your best option. This material feels like rubber, is very strong, and is highly elastic. If you want to create a fully functional prototype and you need a flexible material, then TPU will be the perfect material for you. Since the parts created from this material are quite resistant to stress and fatigue, you can always use them for your final products.
5. PLA
This vegetable-based plastic material is the main natural raw material that is used in 3D prototyping. It is also one of the most popular materials used in 3D printing. The material is used in 3D prototyping through a technology known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). PLA can also be used for rapid prototyping and production. There are many color options available if you decide to use this material for your project.
Conclusion
Choosing the right material is crucial if you want your 3D prototype to come out looking incredible. This list will definitely leave you on the right track.
