In the process of 3D printing, the selection of materials is crucial. 3D printing materials are an important material foundation for 3D printer technology, and their performance largely determines the comprehensive performance of the formed parts. So far, the types of 3D printing materials used are very diverse, mainly including plastics, metals, ceramics, etc. Common 3D printing materials can be divided into the following categories:
1. Plastic
Even for the same material, there are different varieties based on its characteristics, and plastic printing materials can be divided into two categories: thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics.
① Thermoplastic:
Thermoplastic is the most commonly used plastic material, which can be melted and molded into the shape we need after heating. This process is a physical change process, where no chemical chains are formed between molecules, and it is reversible. This is also the reason why thermoplastic plastics can be recycled or melted for reuse.
Common thermoplastic materials include ABS, PLA, PA (nylon), PC (polycarbonate), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEI (polyetherimide), PPSF/PSU (polyphenylsulfone, etc.), PCL (polycaprolactone), etc. These materials can be applied in various fields such as aviation, automotive, medical, etc., and are also one of the most widely used 3D printing materials in 3D printing technology.
② Thermosetting plastics
Compared with thermoplastic materials, thermosetting plastics undergo changes in their internal structure after being heated and cured into shape. After curing, it will maintain a permanent solid state, and this process is irreversible! So it can only be used once and cannot be recycled or reused! For example, conventional Epoxy Resins with good mechanical properties, chemical stability, and electrical insulation can be 3D printed and cured through cross-linking to form high-strength structural components, which can be used to make models, small mechanical parts, electronic component packaging structures, etc.
In addition, the scientific research field is constantly developing new thermosetting material systems or improving existing materials to better meet the needs of 3D printing and expand application scenarios. It should be noted that 3D printing of thermosetting materials usually requires more complex curing processes and equipment conditions to be coordinated with the material system.
2. Metal
3D printed metal materials are an important component in the field of additive manufacturing. Common 3D printed metal materials include titanium alloys, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, nickel based alloys, etc.
Titanium alloy: lightweight, high strength, good biocompatibility, widely used in aerospace and medical fields, such as aircraft components, orthopedic implants, etc.
Stainless steel: high strength, good corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, suitable for manufacturing high-strength parts, such as industrial machinery parts, molds, medical devices, etc.
Nickel based alloys: For example, EOS NickelAlloy IN718 is a nickel based heat-resistant alloy with good tensile strength, fatigue strength, creep strength, and fracture strength, as well as excellent corrosion resistance. This material is an ideal choice for many high-temperature applications, such as gas turbine parts, instrument parts, power and process industry parts, etc.
Aluminum alloy: For example, AlSi10Mg , it is lightweight and has high strength, and is commonly used as a lightweight component in fields such as automotive manufacturing and aerospace.
The application of these metal materials in 3D printing depends on specific requirements, including performance requirements, cost, subsequent processing, and the usage environment of the final product. For example, in situations where high strength and lightweight are required, titanium alloys and aluminum alloys may be preferred; In extreme environments such as high temperature and corrosion, materials such as nickel based alloys have more advantages.
3. Ceramics
3D printing ceramic materials is an innovative manufacturing technology that brings new possibilities to the production of ceramic products. Common 3D printed ceramic materials include alumina, zirconia, silicon nitride, etc.
Alumina: One of the commonly used ceramic materials, with high hardness and high temperature resistance, can be used to manufacture parts and electronic components in high-temperature environments.
Zirconia: With excellent mechanical properties and aesthetics, it is commonly used in jewelry, dental restorations, and surgical instruments. In the field of dentistry, 3D printed dental crowns made of zirconia ceramics can provide excellent aesthetic effects and durability.
Silicon nitride: It has high temperature stability and good mechanical properties, and has application prospects in the aerospace and automotive industries, such as being used to manufacture high-temperature resistant components for engines.
In the process of 3D printing ceramic materials, precise control of printing parameters is required to ensure the quality and performance of the finished product. Meanwhile, post-processing techniques such as sintering also have a significant impact on the performance of the final product. In addition, the development of 3D printed ceramic materials also faces some challenges, such as high material costs and the need to improve printing accuracy, etc.
4. Composite materials
3D printed composite materials are materials that combine two or more materials with different properties to obtain superior performance. Common 3D printed composite materials include fiber-reinforced composites (such as carbon fiber reinforced and glass fiber reinforced) and polymer based composites.
Carbon fiber reinforced composite materials: characterized by high strength, high stiffness, and low weight, widely used in the aerospace industry. For example, some aircraft components can be 3D printed with carbon fiber composite materials to reduce weight while ensuring structural strength.
Fiberglass reinforced composite material: relatively low cost, high strength, suitable for the manufacturing of large structures, such as commonly used in automobile manufacturing to print body parts, improve vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Polymer based composite materials: Combining the toughness of polymers with the advantages of other reinforcing materials, they can be used to manufacture medical devices, electronic device casings, and more. For example, some customized medical rehabilitation equipment is made by 3D printing polymer based composite materials.
The types of 3D printing materials are very diverse, and understanding the characteristics of various 3D printing materials can help us better utilize 3D printing technology to create high-quality products. Lava has more than 50 kinds of 3D printing materials, including polymer materials, metal materials and inorganic non-metal materials. So far, we have mainly focused on 3D printing services for polymer materials.