Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
characteristics, and you need to ask which type of plastic is recommended for use
with your 3D printer.
PLA has a lower melting temperature than ABS (but the hot end will still be too
hot to touch), it's biodegradable and the smell is not nearly as offensive as ABS.
ABS, however, produces a much harder 3D object and can sometimes be found on
sale at a lower cost than PLA. PLA and ABS come in a variety of colors, as well.
Both are typically sold by the kilogram. My first 3D printer used PLA, so I'm a
bit fond of it. It smells better when melted, and I like the fact that it's better for the
environment.
Pricing varies from site to site, so it pays to shop around. To give you an idea of
pricing, printrbot.com is currently selling one kilogram of natural color PLA or
ABS at $30, but MakerBot is selling it for $43.
Resolution/Nozzle Diameter
Keep in mind that 3D printing technology changes constantly, so you'll also want
to be looking into what level of resolution a 3D printer can provide. Currently
there are two popular filament sizes (in terms of diameter) you can purchase.
These two diameters are 1.75mm and 3mm.
I mentioned in Chapter 1 that the hot end is responsible for heating, melting, and
extruding the molten plastic onto the print bed (surface). You always need to check
to see what size of filament is used by your 3D printer so you can purchase the
right diameter.
But the nozzle diameter is also its own consideration. The Simple extruders use a
0.4mm diameter bead of plastic and provides smoother surfaces (generally speak-
ing) than a nozzle with a larger diameter. Think about it in terms of a fine-point
pen versus the wider point of a highlighter. With the finer point, the output on pa-
per is a finer line and sharper details. With the wider point, the output is a wider
line and less detail on things like curves. When your 3D printer lays down lines
of plastic on the print bed and builds up layer after layer, that 0.4mm nozzle gives
smoother transitions between layers. Figure 2.6 shows the difference in surface
smoothness between two nozzles of different resolution.
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