Materials

What materials are used in 3D printing? What are their specific applications? Discover all these answers and more in the “Materials” section of the 3D Printing Guide.

Today, a multitude of materials are available that can be printed using additive technology. Ranging from plastics to wood, what are their characteristics?

The 3D Printing Guide compiles everything you need to know about additive manufacturing. This section discusses the various types of materials used for 3D printing. While several categories exist, they are, of course, not compatible with all 3D printing techniques.

What materials can be used for 3D printing?

The primary materials are metals and plastics, available in various forms and suitable for different 3D printing techniques. Additionally, ceramics, organic materials, wood, textiles, carbon, and more are also utilized.

A vast quantity of different materials exists; we have grouped them into broad categories without aiming to provide an exhaustive list.

In 3D printing, not all materials and techniques are compatible. Laser sintering offers the widest range of possibilities. As materials are reduced to powder, it is equally possible to process nylon, metal, and plastic powders.

Other processes are more specific: stereolithography uses liquid polymer plastics, while EBM and EBFM techniques specialize in metal printing.

The fused filament fabrication (FFF) process also offers a relatively broad choice. By depositing material filaments layer by layer, it is quite suitable for plastics. Recently, tests have demonstrated its adaptability to food-grade materials (chocolate, cheese, etc.).

Eight categories are presented here: metals, plastics, ceramics (including sand and concrete), wood, organic materials (waxes, food-grade, biological tissues), carbon, textiles, and finally 4D printing.

The goal for each of these categories is to understand and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these materials. It also involves defining their application areas and the processes to which they apply.

The materials are presented in their raw state, meaning without finishing, it being understood that each material can undergo specific finishing processes according to the initial specifications.

Learn more about an overview of additive manufacturing, the use of 3D printers, the various services, and sector-specific applications. Gain a better understanding of additive manufacturing and 3D modeling techniques.