by One of the main advantages of using polymers in additive manufacturing is the wide variety of material properties that are available. Thermoplastic polymers like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), nylon, and polycarbonate can be easily melted and deposited for 3D printing processes like fused filament fabrication. This allows for strong yet lightweight parts to be created. Thermoset polymers like epoxy resins and photopolymers are also widely used in stereolithography and multi-jet fusion 3D printing due to their ability to quickly solidify upon exposure to light or heat.
Material properties like flexibility, strength, durability, and heat resistance can be tuned by choosing the right polymer for the application. For example, nylon is ideal for applications requiring impact resistance while PLA provides good durability and is low cost. Flexible materials like thermoplastic polyurethane enable printing of parts with elasticity. Specialized polymers and polymer composites expand the range of properties further with additions like carbon fiber, glass fiber, or ceramics for electrical conductivity, flame retardancy, or high heat tolerance.
Polymers are also generally more affordable than metals in Additive Manufacturing processes. This makes 3D printing accessible for rapid prototyping and low volume production across many industries. Material costs have also declined significantly as 3D printing with polymers has continued to grow in popularity.
Suitable Polymer Options for Different 3D Printing Technologies
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF/FDM):
– ABS: Strong, rigid properties for functional parts and prototypes. Good layer adhesion.
– PLA: Low-odor, biodegradable, affordable alternative to ABS. Brittle compared to ABS.
– Nylon: Durable, abrasion resistant, good for wear/tear applications. Higher printing temperatures required.
– TPU/TPE: Flexible and elastic materials for movable parts like hinges.
Stereolithography (SLA):
– Epoxy resin: Durable, excellent surface quality, solvent resistance. Higher material costs.
– Photopolymers: Cure layer-by-layer upon exposure to UV or visible light. Widely utilized.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF):
– Nylon 12: Strong, tough, fatigue and chemical resistant properties. Good layer quality.
– Polypropylene: Low cost, durable, lightweight with exceptional chemical resistance.
Binder Jetting:
– Nylon 11/12: Multi-purpose thermoplastic with impact/wear resistance and good surface finish.
– Sandstone: Inexpensive support material that is easily removed from final parts.
Polymer Advancements for Future 3D Printing Applications
Continued materials research aims to expand the options for additive manufacturing New thermoplastics bring property enhancements while reducing costs. Biopolymers created from plant-based or recycled sources promote sustainability. Conductive polymers and polymer composites open new functional possibilities.
Advancements in high-temperature thermoplastics pave the way for autoclaving 3D printed parts to achieve near-injection molding properties. Examples include PEKK and liquid crystal polymers. Printing high-heat resins allows production of end-use components in industries like aerospace, medical and energy that require withstanding extreme operating conditions.
Developments in flexible and elastic photopolymers support more complex geometries in SLA printing. Parts with gradient property changes or moving hinges become feasible. Multimaterial 3D printing enables combinations of rigid, flexible and electrically conductive polymers in a single part.
Future generations of materials may integrate embedded sensors,Circuitry or even living cells directly into 3D printed structures. Combining polymers with advanced functional fillers opens up more applications for customized electromechanics, tissue engineering scaffolds and woven electronic textiles. Continued materials innovation ensures the promise of 3D printing to produce end-products across more industries.
polymers provide additive manufacturing with a diverse set of material options for creating strong yet lightweight prototypes and functional end-use parts. Both mainstream and specialty polymers support various printing technologies while tuning a wide range of physical properties. Ongoing advancements expand what designs can be realized through 3D printing as polymers and composite materials continue to progress.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
