Choose the Right FDM 3D Printing Material
Find the best fit for your Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) project.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) stands out as a versatile, reliable, and affordable 3D printing technology in the fast-paced world of additive manufacturing.
This guide explores eight popular FDM materials, delving into their unique characteristics, potential applications, and why they might be the ideal choice for your next 3d printed project. We’ve got you covered, from the electrostatic discharge properties of ABS-ESD7 to the high-performance capabilities of the ULTEM® materials.
Want even more insights? Our interactive technology and material advisor tool is designed to streamline your material selection process.
ABS-ESD7
Key Features
ABS-ESD7 combines the strength and durability of ABS with the addition of carbon, creating a material that possesses electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties. This prevents the buildup of static electricity, protecting products from damage and making ABS-ESD7 distinct from other FDM materials.
Applications
Used predominantly in the electronics industry, ABS-ESD7 is ideal for fixtures, housings, and customized packaging. Its ESD properties also make it a safe choice in hazardous environments, such as near fuel tanks or for packaging dangerous goods.
ABS-M30
Key Features
A modified version of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS-M30 blends strength, durability, and lightweight with a high load capacity. It offers a balanced compromise between mechanical properties, cost, and precision, surpassing standard ABS in terms of mechanical strength.
Applications
ABS-M30 is versatile, finding use in loaded functional prototypes, production gears, jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing tools. Its affordability and versatility make it a popular choice across various industries, especially for form and fit testing.
ABS-M30i
Key Features
Sharing similar characteristics with ABS-M30, ABS-M30i stands out due to its biocompatibility, certified under ISO 10993 and USP Class VI standards, and its ability to be sterilized.
Applications
Applications extend to medical devices, surgical aids, and manufacturing tools within the food industry, particularly where biocompatibility, strength, and sterilization are required.
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ASA
Key Features
ASA serves as a versatile, general-purpose thermoplastic. With a chemical structure similar to ABS, it improves upon ABS in mechanical properties, surface finish, and UV resistance. It is also available in 10 different colors.
Applications
ASA’s aesthetic appeal and UV resistance make it the top FDM material for industrial-grade polymer prototypes, especially in outdoor applications, consumer goods prototypes, and the automotive industry.
PC (Polycarbonate)
Key Features
Polycarbonate is recognized for its impressive combination of impact resistance, strength, rigidity, and hardness, as well as its resistance to high temperatures and stability under heat.
Applications
Its application range includes visual models, cases, jigs, and fixtures.
PC-ABS
Key Features
PC-ABS is a blend of polycarbonate and ABS, providing a unique combination of temperature resistance from PC and flexural strength from ABS. It is noted for its high-impact strength, particularly in low-temperature conditions.
Applications
This material is suitable for creating robust tools and functional prototypes, with frequent applications in the automotive and electronics industries.
ULTEM® 1010
Key Features
ULTEM 1010 is a high-performance thermoplastic polyetherimide, offering the highest levels of heat resistance, tensile strength, and chemical resistance. It also has an exceptionally low coefficient of thermal expansion.
Applications
The material is widely used across industries for high-strength jigs and lightweight composite tooling. Certified grades of ULTEM 1010 can be used in food contact production tools and customized medical applications.
ULTEM® 9085
Key Features
ULTEM 9085 is a high-performance thermoplastic, renowned for its outstanding strength and flame retardancy, making it a viable alternative to metal.
Applications
Its primary applications are in the aviation and rail industries, creating flame-retardant parts required in planes and trains. Its low toxicity also makes it suitable for components in medicine and food industries.
Use the interactive technology and material advisor to find the perfect material for your next project. Try it now to get tailored recommendations based on your project requirements.
Understanding FDM 3D Printing Materials
What are FDM 3D Printing Materials?
FDM 3D printing materials are thermoplastic filaments used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology. These materials are melted and extruded through a heated nozzle to create objects layer by layer. The versatility of FDM 3D printing materials is evident in the wide range of options available, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. Each of these materials comes with its unique properties and applications, making them suitable for various projects. Whether you need a material that is strong and durable, flexible and elastic, or resistant to high temperatures, there is an FDM 3D printing material that fits the bill.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Process
The FDM process involves melting and extruding thermoplastic filaments through a heated nozzle, which moves back and forth to deposit the material in a specific pattern. As the material is extruded, it cools and solidifies, forming a strong bond with the previous layer. This layer-by-layer approach allows for the creation of highly accurate and detailed objects. FDM 3D printing materials are known for their precision and are widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. The ability to produce complex geometries and functional parts makes FDM a popular choice for both prototyping and production.
Material Properties and Performance
Strength and Durability
The strength and durability of FDM 3D printing materials are influenced by several factors, including the type of material, printing temperature, and layer thickness. Materials like ABS and ASA are renowned for their high strength and durability, making them ideal for applications requiring robust and long-lasting parts. In contrast, materials like PLA and PETG, while easier to print, tend to be more brittle and prone to cracking.
Beyond strength and durability, FDM 3D printing materials offer a range of other beneficial properties. For instance, TPU is a flexible material that can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for applications where flexibility and heat resistance are crucial. On the other hand, ABS is a tough and durable material often chosen for its high impact resistance, making it perfect for demanding applications.
Understanding the material properties and performance of FDM 3D printing materials is essential for selecting the right material for your specific needs. Whether you require chemical resistance, heat resistance, or flexibility, there is an FDM material that can meet your requirements. By carefully considering these properties, you can achieve optimal results in your 3D printing projects.
Get Started with FDM
Navigating the many material options in FDM 3D printing can be daunting, but with the right information and tools, you can confidently select the material that best suits your project’s needs.
Our team of experts can make that selection process easier for you. Use our on-demand manufacturing platform to upload your design and get an instant quote. Let us know if you’d like a consultation to help select the best-fitting material for your project. We’re here to help.
