Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Plastics for 3D
Printing
8
An overview of 3D printing filament—from rigid to
rubbery to dissolvable.
W
RITTEN
BY
S
EAN
R
AGAN
AND
M
ATT
S
TULTZ
Desktop 3D printing filaments used to be
limited to ABS and PLA, but there are now a
range of different materials on the market.
Basic printing temperature ranges are listed
here, but keep in mind that recommended
nozzle and bed temperatures vary with fila-
ment suppliers and the printer used. In ad-
dition, when printing at accelerated speeds,
the upper temperature range is recom-
mended to keep the filament moving and
avoid clogged nozzles.
Print surface:
Blue painter's tape, heated glass, Kapton tape, sign
cutting vinyl
Polylactic Acid (Soft/
Flexible PLA)
Soft PLA is rubbery and flexible when print-
ed, but comes in limited colors. For best re-
sults, print at a lower printing speed than
regular PLA.
Nozzle temp:
210-240°C
For a list of vendors that sell 3D printer fila-
ment, see
“Printers, Filament, and Parts” on
page 203
.
Bed temp:
Ambient
Print surface:
Blue painter's tape, heated glass
LAYWOO-D3
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
This filament looks and smells “like wood”
(made from 40% recycled wood and a bind-
ing polymer) and comes a variety of shades.
Vary the print temperature for a cool effect:
it's lighter at low temperatures, darker at
higher ones. LayWoo-d3 may leave threads
behind during non-extrusion moves of the
print head.
PLA is available in many colors and can be
opaque or translucent. A popular choice for
3D printing, it is plant-derived (corn or po-
tatoes) and biodegradable. LayWoo-d3, Lay-
Brick and FlexPLA are all specialized varieties
of PLA. All varieties of PLA also adhere well
to heated kapton or glass at 60º, which pro-
duces a smooth bottom surface finish on the
printed part.
Nozzle temp:
175-250°C
Bed temp:
Ambient
Nozzle temp:
185-235°C
Print surface:
Blue painter's tape
Bed temp:
Ambient to 60°C
