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Our Materials
Welcome to a brief description on each one of our materials that we have sourced from around the world that allows us to produce high quality products at cost effective pricing.
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament, a bio-based thermoplastic derived from renewable sources like corn starch or sugarcane, stands out in the world of 3D printing for its environmentally friendly properties and ease of use. Offering a wide range of vibrant colors and minimal warping during printing, PLA is favored for its versatility and compatibility with various 3D printers. With a relatively low melting temperature and low toxicity, PLA emits a sweet odor when melted and produces fewer harmful fumes compared to other filaments, making it suitable for indoor use without extensive ventilation. While PLA boasts high resolution and fine detail capabilities, it may lack the mechanical strength of other filaments, making it more suitable for decorative items, prototypes, and models rather than load-bearing components. Additionally, PLA's biocompatibility makes it a viable option for certain medical and food contact applications when using appropriate grades. Overall, PLA filament is a popular choice for its blend of sustainability, ease of printing, and versatility in achieving aesthetically pleasing prints.
Acrylonitrile Butadine Styrene
(ABS)
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament is a popular thermoplastic polymer known for its durability and versatility in 3D printing. Composed of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, ABS offers exceptional strength and impact resistance, making it suitable for producing functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and objects requiring robustness. ABS filament requires a higher printing temperature, typically between 210-250°C, compared to PLA, and often benefits from a heated print bed to prevent warping and ensure strong adhesion. While ABS emits potentially harmful fumes during printing, proper ventilation can mitigate risks. Post-processing techniques such as sanding, painting, and acetone vapor smoothing can further enhance ABS prints, providing smooth finishes and refined details. Despite its printing challenges, ABS remains a popular choice for its durability, heat resistance, and versatility, particularly in industrial and engineering applications.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane
(TPU)
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) filament is a versatile and flexible 3D printing material widely recognized for its elasticity, durability, and resistance to oils, greases, and abrasion. As a flexible filament, TPU is softer than traditional rigid filaments like PLA or ABS, allowing printed objects to bend and stretch while maintaining their structural integrity. This makes it ideal for creating parts that require significant flexibility such as phone cases, wearable devices, and various automotive or industrial components that must withstand repeated flexing. TPU's elasticity and shock-absorbing properties also make it suitable for protective gear and seals. While TPU is relatively easy to print with compared to other flexible filaments, it still requires careful temperature control and slower printing speeds to achieve the best results. The ability to print objects that combine both flexibility and strength makes TPU a popular choice in both professional and hobbyist 3D printing applications.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PET-G)
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) filament is a highly regarded 3D printing material that combines the ease of use found in PLA with the durability of ABS, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of printing applications. PETG is appreciated for its strength, clarity, and very good moisture resistance, which allows it to maintain its properties in a variety of environments. It has a slight flexibility, which contributes to its impact resistance, reducing the likelihood of shattering under stress. PETG is also resistant to chemicals and UV light, making it suitable for outdoor applications. In terms of printability, PETG offers smoother layer adhesion and can be printed without a heated bed, although using one can improve results. It does not emit unpleasant odors during printing and adheres well to the print bed with minimal warping, making it user-friendly for both novice and experienced users. Due to these properties, PETG is frequently used in mechanical parts, household objects, and in the food and beverage industry, where clarity and durability are paramount.
Polyamide
(NYLON)
Nylon filament is a robust and versatile material widely used in 3D printing for producing durable and high-strength components. Known for its excellent mechanical properties, nylon is particularly valued for its flexibility, toughness, and resistance to abrasion, making it ideal for creating functional parts that require durability and a capacity to withstand wear and tear. It also boasts a high melting point and good chemical resistance, allowing for applications in demanding environments such as automotive, industrial machinery, and consumer electronics. However, nylon's hygroscopic nature means it absorbs moisture from the air, which can complicate storage and printing processes; thus, it must be kept dry and often requires a heated print bed to prevent warping during printing. With proper handling, nylon can produce exceptionally strong and flexible printed items, perfect for both prototyping and end-use applications.