3D Printing Materials Knowledge and Concepts

Plastics

What Is Nylon Material? Stop Guessing Types and Applications

3D Printing Nylon: Challenges, Solutions, and Applications Printing Challenges with Nylon When it comes to 3D printing, everyone mentions PLA or ABS, but what is nylon? This high-performance engineering polymer excels where standard plastics fail. However, printing with nylon comes with challenges. The biggest issue is that nylon is extremely hygroscopic. It absorbs moisture directly from the air as soon as it’s exposed. If you try printing with wet filament, the results can be disastrous: 1. Bubbles ......

Dec 17, 2025

Plastics

Why MJF Filament Doesn't Exist: Powder vs. Filament Explained

What Searchers Really Want to Know Users frequently ask questions like “Does HP MJF use filament?” or “Can MJF print nylon filament?” because they want the strength and quality of Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) on their FDM printers. This search for "MJF filament" reflects a desire to access premium MJF material properties easily. Need any MJF prototyping service? 3D printing service expert JLC3DP can help you turn your ideas into life. Get professional MJF printing starting from just $1, with fast lead times......

Nov 29, 2025

Material Guides

MJF 3D Printing Materials Guide 2026: Types & How to Choose

MJF Materials are the driving force behind Multi Jet Fusion's rapid ascent into a cornerstone of the modern 3D printing landscape. The true potential of this technology lies in its diverse and robust material portfolio. Do you know which powder is best for your application? Are you maximizing the unique properties of materials like PA12, PA11, TPU, PP, or PA12S? This comprehensive guide provides the definitive answers. Let’s dive in and master MJF material selection. If you have gained a clear underst......

Nov 28, 2025

Plastics

Dissolvable 3D Printing Filament: Ultimate Guide & Best Uses

Complex designs often come with a catch: intricate overhangs and internal geometries that are impossible to print without support. That’s where dissolvable 3D printing filament comes in, an advanced material that dissolves away, leaving behind flawless finished parts. Whether you're prototyping precision mechanisms, soluble 3D printing filament can save hours of manual cleanup while improving print quality. This guide dives deep into dissolvable 3D print materials, how they work, how to print with the......

Sep 02, 2025

Metals

3D Printing Titanium: Technologies and Applications

Titanium is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility, and resistance to extreme environments. These properties make it ideal for applications ranging from aerospace components to medical implants. However, traditional manufacturing methods often result in a lot of material waste and limited design possibilities, which is where 3D printing comes in, changing the way titanium parts are made. Additive manufacturing minimizes material waste by building components layer by layer, while......

Jan 02, 2025

Plastics

Does 3D Printer Filament Go Bad? Shelf Life Explained

If you’ve been 3D printing for more than a few months, you’ve probably got a little “filament graveyard” in your workspace. Half-used spools, bargain-bin rolls you bought on sale, maybe even that neon green PLA you swore you’d use for something. But, how long can that stuff actually sit before it goes bad? Some filaments are surprisingly tough. PETG, for instance, will fight humidity longer than you think. PLA, on the other hand? Leave it out for a year in a humid room and you’ll have brittle spaghett......

Sep 30, 2025

Material Guides

Choosing the Right 3D Printing Material: A Guide to Making the Best Material Selection

To get the intended outcomes from your 3D printing projects, selecting a suitable material is fundamental. Given the variety of materials that are accessible, it's critical to take into account attributes like strength, flexibility, durability, heat resistance, and aesthetics etc. Which kind of material works best for your project? Although it's difficult to tell for sure, your parts will turn out better the more you understand the available possibilities and the characteristics of different materials......

Apr 28, 2024

Plastics

About PETG Filament

What is Petg filament Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) filament is an advanced thermoplastic polymer characterized by its exceptional mechanical properties and chemical resistance. It is a derivative of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), a polymer commonly used in the production of beverage bottles. PETG has become a cornerstone in the realm of 3D printing due to its unique balance of strength, transparency, and versatility. Brief History of PETG in 3D Printing The integration of PETG into 3D p......

Mar 08, 2024

Material Guides

Best 3D Printing Material Guide for Every Application

Whether you are an engineer designing functional components or a hobbyist building your next creative project, material choice can make or break your 3D print. Strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and chemical durability all depend on the right pairing of material and technology. In this guide, we break down 3D printing materials into three main application categories: a. Functional Prototypes & Everyday Engineering Parts (FDM Polymers) b. High-Detail Models & Precision Components (SLA Resins) c. I......

Aug 23, 2025

Plastics

What Is PEEK Filament? High-Performance 3D Printing Explained

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is not your average 3D printing filament. It’s the powerhouse of engineering-grade thermoplastics, offering strength, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and durability that rivals even some metals. But can you really 3D print with PEEK? Absolutely, if you know what you're doing. In this guide, we’ll explore what PEEK filament is, the challenges of 3D printing PEEK, where it excels, and how to prepare for using it in advanced applications. What Is PEEK Filament? PEEK ......

Aug 20, 2025

Plastics

Flexible 3D Printing Filament Types: TPU, TPE & Soft PLA Guide

You’re probably here because rigid PLA just won’t cut it. Maybe your print needs to flex, bounce back, stretch, or just not snap in half under pressure. Whether it’s a phone case, a gasket, a soft robot joint, or some weird wearable idea, you’re now in the world of flexible 3D printing filaments. But here’s the problem: Flexible filaments like TPU, TPE, or soft PLA aren’t all the same. Some are rubbery and forgiving, others are more like bendy plastic. Some will glide through your printer like a dream......

Aug 19, 2025

Plastics

PLA vs PETG vs ASA: Best 3D Printing Filament for Outdoor Use

If you’ve ever watched a 3D printed garden hook sag in the sun or a cold snap crack your custom outdoor fixture, you already know: not all filaments are built for the elements. Choosing the best 3D printing filament for outdoor use isn’t just about surviving the occasional drizzle. It’s about UV exposure, temperature swings, moisture resistance, and long-term strength. And let’s be real, most people don't want to reprint every few months just because they picked the wrong plastic. In this guide, we’ll......

Aug 09, 2025

Plastics

Best 3D Printing Filament Dry Boxes 2025 & DIY Tips

Is your filament betraying you? If your prints are stringy, brittle, or making weird popping noises mid-print, it might not be your slicer settings, it could be moisture. That’s where a 3D printer filament dry box saves the day.Whether you're printing PLA in a humid room or tackling Nylon and TPU, a dry box helps prevent moisture damage and ensures consistent, high-quality prints. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about filament dry boxes, including why they matter, how to make on......

Aug 08, 2025

Plastics

Top 5 Heat-Resistant 3D Printing Filaments Compared

When Regular Filament Just Doesn’t Cut It You’ve 3D printed a functional bracket for a car engine bay. It fits perfectly, looks great, and then warps into a banana-shape after a week under the hood. That’s the danger of underestimating heat. If you're building automotive components, enclosures near motors, molds, or even kitchenware, using the wrong filament can lead to deformation, brittleness, or outright failure when exposed to heat. So, you already know the solution: Choosing the right heat-resist......

Aug 09, 2025

Plastics

3D Print Lost Wax Casting: Filament, Process & Design Tips

Lost wax casting has stood the test of time, from ancient Mesopotamia to modern jewelry studios. But the game has changed. Today, 3D printing offers a fast, repeatable, and incredibly detailed way to produce wax-like patterns for casting. Whether you’re printing models for jewelry, engineering parts, or small-batch art pieces, pairing 3D printing with lost wax casting brings both precision and creative freedom. In this guide, we’ll break down the 3D print lost wax process, the types of casting wax fil......

Aug 11, 2025

Metals

Understanding 3D Printed Titanium for Industrial Applications

If you are looking to produce parts that are lighter, stronger, or have complex designs that traditional methods cannot achieve, then you should consider using Titanium. It is a key material in advanced manufacturing, offering a great balance of strength and lightweight, is resistant to corrosion, and is not harmful or toxic to living tissue. Because of these qualities, Titanium is often chosen for high-performance uses where component integrity is critical. Traditional manufacturing, however, often l......

Jun 06, 2025

Plastics

How to Use Recycled PET Plastic as 3D Print Filament

(source: Pexels) What if your next 3D print could save the planet a little? That’s not just greenwashing, it’s a reality many makers are turning into a habit. With the right tools, knowledge, and a few bottles of soda, you can turn used PET plastic into high-quality, printable filament. Yes, that PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the same material used in your fizzy drink bottles, blister packaging, and dozens of other consumer goods. Recycling PET into filament isn’t just a cool eco-conscious flex, i......

May 27, 2025

Material Guides

Resin vs Filament 3D Printing: Which One Should You Choose?

Getting into 3D printing can feel a little like opening a toolbox without knowing what half the tools do. If you’ve ever stood between a resin printer and a filament printer, scratching your head, wondering which one’s for you, you’re not alone. Resin vs filament 3D printing is one of the most common beginner dilemmas. Each has its pros, cons, quirks, and learning curves. And choosing the right one can make all the difference in how enjoyable and successful your 3D printing journey becomes. In this gu......

May 23, 2025

Metals

Complete Guide to Selective Laser Melting Materials

Additive manufacturing continues to redefine industrial production, offering unmatched design freedom and material efficiency. One of the most advanced forms of metal 3D printing is Selective Laser Melting (SLM) , a technology that enables the fabrication of strong, complex components directly from digital files. For industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive 3D printing, SLM delivers durable, high-performance parts using specialized SLM materials. This guide offers a detailed overview of w......

May 16, 2025

Material Properties

PETG Temperature Resistance: How High Can It Withstand?

PETG (polyethylene terephthalate) is a thermoplastic material widely used in 3D printing, packaging and industrial applications. Due to its excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance, PETG has become another popular choice besides PLA and ABS. How stable is PETG in a high temperature environment? What is its temperature resistance limit? This article will introduce the temperature tolerance of PETG in detail and analyze the environment in which PETG is used. PETG temperature range The gla......

Apr 01, 2025

Plastics

Nylon PA12: Ideal for High-Performance 3D Printing Materials

Nylon PA 12 is one of the most widely used materials in the additive manufacturing industry. Known for its excellent chemical resistance, durability, and mechanical properties, it has become the first choice for producing strong and practical parts. This article describes the main characteristics, benefits, and applications of Nylon PA 12. JLC3DP Nylon PA12 printing products Nylon PA 12, also known as Nylon 12, is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer. The "12" in its name refers to the twelve carbon atom......

Mar 31, 2025

Plastics

Key Facts You Should Know About ABS Filament

In the field of 3D printing, the choice of materials directly affects the quality and performance of the finished product. ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) is one of the most popular materials in FDM printing. It is favored for its durability, heat resistance and economy, and is widely used in engineering, design and DIY enthusiasts. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages, printing tips of ABS filaments, and recommend high-quality ABS filaments on the market in 2025. In additi......

Mar 12, 2025

Composites

Understanding Carbon Fiber 3D Printing: Types and Techniques

Carbon fibers are rarely used alone. They are often combined with other materials to form so-called composite materials, in this particular case called carbon fiber reinforced materials. Carbon fiber 3D printing achieves the perfect combination of light weight and high strength by compounding carbon fiber with a matrix material, which can give plastic parts metal-level strength as well as heat resistance, chemical resistance and corrosion resistance. More and more 3D printing companies are beginning t......

Mar 05, 2025

Plastics

The Strongest 3D Printer Filament You Can 3D Print at Home

When it comes to 3D printing, strength is a key factor for functional parts, prototypes, or items that need to withstand stress. While many filaments are strong, some stand out for their exceptional durability and mechanical properties. Here's a breakdown of the strongest 3D printer filaments you can use at home: 1. Polycarbonate (PC) ● Strength: Extremely strong and impact-resistant. ● Features: High heat resistance (up to 110°C), excellent toughness, and transparency options. ● Best For: Functional ......

Mar 05, 2025

Plastics

How to Turn 3D Printing Waste into New Filament?

Turning 3D printing waste into new filament is a fantastic way to reduce plastic waste and save money. This process, known as filament recycling, involves collecting, processing, and extruding waste material into usable filament. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started: Step 1: Collect and Sort Your Waste ● Types of Waste: Collect failed prints, support structures, and scraps. Ensure they are clean and free of debris. ● Material Sorting: Separate waste by material type (e.g., PLA, ABS, PET......

Mar 04, 2025

Plastics

Understanding Metal Filament for 3D Printers

Metal filaments have expanded the scope of use of metal 3D printing. Compared with traditional metal 3D printing methods (such as metal powder bed fusion and laser sintering), metal filament printing technology is not only more economical (saving 60%-90% of costs), but also avoids the safety risks associated with metal powders, providing similar design freedom and part quality. This article will introduce the characteristics and functions of metal filaments, as well as precautions during the printing ......

Feb 28, 2025

Plastics

Is PLA plastic food safe?

PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic and a common material in FDM printing. It has a low extrusion temperature and is inexpensive. In addition, because PLA is extracted from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane, it has a low impact on the environment during the 3D printing process. So can PLA materials be used in 3D printing to make parts that can contact food? This article will discuss the food safety of PLA and what you need to pay attention to. Related Reading: https://jlc3dp.com/b......

Feb 21, 2025

Plastics

What size 3d print filament is most commonly bought

Choosing the right filament diameter is critical to 3D printing success, but with options like 1.75mm and 3mm (2.85mm), many users wonder: Which size dominates the market? Based on global sales data and industry reports, we analyzed the most popular 3D printer filament sizes, their pros and cons, and why 1.75mm dominates. Source: https://dyzedesign.com/2018/02/3d-printing-filament-size-1-75mm-vs-3-00mm/ 1.75mm Filament: global standard According to All3DP 2024, more than 85% of consumer 3D printers wo......

Feb 19, 2025

Material Properties

Common Heat-Resistant 3D Printing Plastics

Thermoplastics are already very common in 3D printing. In some application scenarios that require high temperature stability, high temperature resistant 3D printing plastics play an important role. This article will introduce several common heat-Resistant 3D printing plastic materials and their characteristics, and explore how to deal with overheating problems that may occur in the 3D printing plastic process. Common Heat-Resistant 3D printing plastic materials 1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)......

Jan 09, 2025

Resins

Water-Soluble Resin: Easy Post-Processing with Water

Water-soluble resin is a 3D printing resin that is soluble in water and can be cleaned with water instead of traditional isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or other chemical solvents. This innovation reduces the need for harsh chemicals in post-processing, saving material costs and making resin 3D printing more convenient and environmentally friendly. This article will introduce the characteristics and usage techniques of water-soluble resin. Source: https://www.crealitycloud.com/product/details/Water-Washable-R......

Jan 03, 2025

Metals

Common material in metal 3D printing: 316L Stainless Steel

As a representative austenitic stainless steel, 316L stainless steel is well-known for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength and durability, and has become a key material in the field of 3D printing. 316L stainless steel can be used to print various parts with complex structures and is widely used in aerospace, medical equipment, petrochemical and other industries. Especially in the biomedical field, 316L is used to print human implants such as hip joints and dental restorations due to its exce......

Dec 24, 2024

Resins

Why do 3D printed resin products turn yellow?

The development of 3D printing technology has provided us with endless creative possibilities, especially when using resin materials. However, many users have found that their resin prints turn yellow over time. This article will explore the causes of yellowing of resin products and provide some effective preventive measures. Why do resin products turn yellow? Light factors First, ultraviolet (UV) exposure is one of the most common causes of yellowing of 3D printed resin parts. Prolonged exposure to d......

Jul 16, 2024

Metals

A Simple Guide to Aluminum 3D Printing

Aluminum 3D printing is a process that creates aluminum parts layer by layer from 3D digital models. As the demand for lightweight, high-performance parts continues to grow, the advantages of aluminum 3D printing in terms of design flexibility, speed and cost-effectiveness are highlighted and can be used in Minimize weight without sacrificing durability, delivering significant fuel savings, improved performance and reduced environmental impact. This article will introduce some common materials, printi......

Nov 15, 2024

Plastics

3201-PA-F Nylon Material: High-Performance Part Manufacturing with SLS

3201-PA-F Nylon is a material that is printed using SLS (Selective Laser Sintering). This nylon powder material exhibits excellent processability and stability during SLS printing, making it an ideal choice for a variety of high-strength, high-durability parts. This article will detail the production process and advantages of 3201-PA-F Nylon in the SLS process. How the SLS process works The SLS process uses a laser to sinter the material powder layer by layer. It is a support-free printing technology ......

Nov 05, 2024

Resins

JLC Black Resin: The secret to winning customers' favor

Recently, the return rate of JLC3DP's JLC Black Resin has continued to rise. It has a pure black color, a smooth surface, excellent toughness and temperature resistance, so it has a wide range of application scenarios and is the preferred black material for many customers in design and production. Why choose JLC Black Resin? As we all know, in the 3D printing industry, the choice of materials often directly affects the quality and performance of the printed products. The difference in physical propert......

Oct 30, 2024

Plastics

PETG Filament for 3D Printing: Properties & Settings Guide

In 3D printing, choosing the right printing material is crucial. PETG is a common 3D printing filament material that is ideal for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals due to its superior strength, ease of use, and suitability for a wide range of applications. This article will explore the characteristics of PETG 3D printing consumables, how it compares to other materials, and what to watch out for during the printing process. Source: https://airwolf3d.com/product/petg-filament/ Composition of PET......

Oct 28, 2024

Material Properties

Hardness: The critical parameter in 3D printing materials

In the field of 3D printing, the performance of materials directly affects the quality and application effect of printed parts. Among them, hardness, as an important mechanical performance index, measures the ability of materials to resist local deformation. Understanding and optimizing the hardness of 3D printing materials is crucial to ensure the strength, wear resistance and adaptability of printed parts in specific environments. This article will introduce the hardness index in 3D printing in deta......

Oct 19, 2024

Plastics

Key Tips for Storing and Drying 3D Printer Filament

When it comes to Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing, the quality of your filament plays a crucial role in achieving successful prints. Filament is the primary material used in FDM printers, and its properties significantly impact the printing process and the final product. However, improper storage can compromise filament quality, leading to printing failures. Therefore, ensuring that your 3D printer filament is stored correctly and kept dry is essential for a smooth printing experience. Effects......

Sep 27, 2024

Material Properties

Elongation at break in 3D printing materials

Elongation at break refers to the percentage of the elongation length of a material before it breaks when subjected to tension to its original length. In 3D printing materials, elongation at break is a key parameter that not only reflects the ductility of the material, but also affects the strength and reliability of the printed parts. Materials with high elongation usually have better toughness and can deform without breaking when subjected to load. This is particularly important for many application......

Sep 25, 2024

Material Guides

Resin vs Filament: Which is Better for 3D Printing?

Resin printing and filament printing (FDM) are the two most widely used methods in 3D printing. To help you make an informed choice, this article will compare the two printing methods in detail from the perspectives of materials, resolution and quality, speed, ease of use, price, etc. If you don't have a 3D printer yet and just want to compare the two printing methods first, JLC3DP can meet your needs. Just upload your 3D model to our platform, choose the printing method and corresponding materials yo......

Sep 13, 2024

Resins

Comparative Analysis of Resin Materials: 9600 vs 8111x

In order to meet higher performance requirements and application scenarios, JLC3DP upgraded the 8111x resin material and launched the 9600 resin material with better performance. This article will compare and analyze the parameters of the two materials 8111x and 9600 in detail. Description of Resin 9600 Material ● Milky white color viscous resin, printed models are matte white. ● Excellent surface texture, smooth and delicate. ● High toughness and durable. ● High hardness, high strength and good tempe......

Jul 08, 2024

Resins

Transparent 3D Printing: What You Need to Know

Transparent materials are widely used in many application fields. With the latest leap in additive manufacturing technology, 3D printing is increasingly used to produce transparent objects. For example, transparent 3D printing can be used to manufacture complex optical components such as lenses, prisms and light guides, which are used in precision instruments such as cameras and microscopes. In this blog post, we will introduce the relevant information you need to know about transparent 3D printing, i......

Jun 24, 2024

Plastics

Is TPU Material Safe

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile material that is used in a wide range of products, from phone cases and medical devices to automotive parts and sportswear. However, there has been some concern about the safety of TPU material, particularly in relation to its potential impact on human health and the environment. In this article, we will explore the safety of TPU material, examining its chemical composition, potential hazards, and regulatory oversight. Chemical Composition of TPU TPU is ......

Jun 11, 2024

Material Guides

The Best 3D Printing Material for Outdoor

3D printing has opened up a world of possibilities in manufacturing, design, and prototyping. With the ability to create complex shapes and intricate designs, 3D printing has become increasingly popular for outdoor applications such as outdoor furniture, garden tools, and even outdoor recreational equipment. When it comes to choosing the best 3D printing material for outdoor use, several factors need to be taken into consideration, including durability, weather resistance, and UV stability. Factors to......

Jun 03, 2024

Composites

Wood Filament for 3D Printing: Composition, Print Settings, Applications, Pros, and Cons

3D printing with wood filament is a fascinating application of additive manufacturing technology that allows you to create objects with the appearance and properties of wood. Wood filament is a composite material made by combining a base polymer, such as PLA (polylactic acid), with finely ground wood fibers or particles. Filament composition and Print settings The composition of wood filament typically involves a combination of wood particles or fibers and a biodegradable polymer, such as PLA (polylac......

Jan 26, 2024

Plastics

White Nylon VS. Black Nylon In 3D Printing: A Comparative Analysis

Material Properties of Both White Nylon & Black Nylon Nylon is widely recognized for its exceptional strength, durability, and flexibility, regardless of the color of the nylon filament. The material properties that make nylon desirable for various applications, such as high impact resistance and good layer adhesion in 3D printing, remain largely consistent between white and black nylon. Both variants should offer comparable mechanical characteristics, ensuring reliable and robust printed objects. The......

Jan 02, 2024