FDM Materials
PLA
(Polylactic Acid)
E
asy to print, strong, stiff, and cheap material PLA is a great choice for non-function / concept like models that will not be subjected to heat or any chemicals. A great benfit is that is is environmentally friendly.
Price Range: $20-$60/ Kg
TPLA
(Tough Polylactic Acid)
Is a popular composite material with the best of PLA and ABS properties combined. TPLA is a great choice for functional prototypes that are not subject to high loads or envionmental conditions.
Price Range: $35-$70/ Kg
ABS
(Acrtlonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Is a great choice for functional prototypes with its great durablity and impact strength. It addtionally has great heat and chemical resistance. This material can be more challenging to print then PLA and requires a higher bed temperature and proper ventilation.
Price Range: $25-$70/ Kg
ASA
(Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA is similiar to ABS on the surface but with some key differences: It is UV resistant, more chemically resistant, water resistant, and finally easier to print than ABS. All of these benefits makes for great functional prototypes but with a increased cost.
Price Range: $30-$80/ Kg
PETG
(Polyethylene Terephthalate Gycol)
Is a great choice for rapid production where water proof and chemical protypes are necessary. This material is also somewhat transparent in its natural state as well as food safe.
Price Range: $25-$65/ Kg
CPE
(Co-Polymers)
Techanically PETG is part of this category but is a popular variation. CPE's are know for having higher heat resistance and chemical resistance then ABS while also being water tight.
Price Range: $50-$100/ Kg
TPU
(Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is one of the best flexible parts on available on the material market to date. It has great impact resistance and vibration damepening abilities. However, unlike PET/ PETG this material is not rigid and should only be considering for flexible components within a assembly.
Price Range: $30-$90/ Kg
PC
(Polycarbonate)
PC is a very strong, heat and chemicallly resilant material that is a popular engineering functional prototyping material. It is commonly seen used for prototype tooling and jigs due to its stiffness and high impact resistance.
Price Range: $50-$150/ Kg
CF
(Carbon Filled)
Carbon Fiber filled materials come in a wide variety from PLA-CF to even PC-CF. These composites variations are known for being very strong and tough materials.
Price Range: $60-$200/ Kg
GF
(Glass Filled)
Glass filled composites are great for prototypes which require high impact resistance and high heat resistance but come at a higher price.
Price Range: $40-$200/ Kg
PVA
(Polyninyl Alcohol)
PVA is a common water soluable support material used in FDM printing. It is one of hte easiest support materials to remove but not the easiest to print with.
Price Range: $40-$120/ Kg
BA
(
Polyurethane Polylactic Acid)
Commonly refered to as just Break Away an alternative support material. This material is relatively weak with poort layer which makes for a ideal and eay to remove supports.
Price Range: $50-$130/ Kg
