Plastic Materials in 3D Printing

Plastics

Best 3D Printing Filament Dry Boxes 2026 & 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

Is MJF Suitable for Production Parts? A Practical Engineer’s Guide

Why Engineers Choose MJF for Production Parts MJF didn’t rise just as a prototyping machine. It climbed straight into real manufacturing. The making of HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printed parts uses a fine-grained nylon powder fused with a chemical fusing agent and precision infrared heating. That means consistent, repeatable parts without visible stepping or layered fragility. Dimensional accuracy typically sits around ±0.2 mm for small features, depending on geometry, orientation, and part size, tight en......

Jan 09, 2026

Plastics

Why MJF Nylon Parts Feel Weak: Strength vs Stiffness vs Finish

If MJF nylon parts feel weaker than expected, it’s usually not because “MJF isn’t strong.” It’s because strength, stiffness, and surface finish are being lumped together as one vague idea of quality. They’re not the same thing. A part can be stiff but brittle. Strong but visually rough. Smooth but mechanically average. Understanding how these properties actually behave in Multi Jet Fusion, and how different nylon grades shift the balance, is the difference between parts that just look good and parts t......

Dec 30, 2025

Plastics

PA12 vs PA12s 3D Printing Comparison: The Truth!

PA12 and PA12S are basically the two standard nylons you’re going to run into most, particularly in Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). At first glance, they may appear interchangeable because both are engineering-grade nylon 12 powders, both deliver strong mechanical performance, and both are common choices for functional parts. In practice, however, their behavior differs in ways that matter to engineers. Comparing PA12 vs PA12S is not about asking which is “better” or “worse......

Dec 29, 2025

Plastics

MJF Tolerances & Dimensional Accuracy: What Engineers Expect

Warped edges, misaligned holes, and functional misfits are often caused by variations in MJF tolerances rather than random printing errors. If you’re printing with HP Multi Jet Fusion and running into tolerance or dimensional issues, it’s rarely “bad luck.” It’s almost always something happening inside the MJF process itself. MJF is known for repeatability, but tolerances don’t “take care of themselves.” Shrinkage, thermal gradients, part orientation, and feature design quietly stack the odds for—or a......

Dec 28, 2025

Plastics

Glass-Filled Nylon 3D Printing: Master It in 2 Minutes

What Is Glass-Filled Nylon? Glass-filled nylon is basically a nylon base reinforced with chopped glass fibers, and that addition completely changes how the material handles a real-world load. In the shop, that reinforcement is what stands between a part that slowly creeps, flexes, or warps, and one that actually holds its shape and tolerances over time. It’s the reason you see it used so often for structural brackets, housings, and fixtures, basically anything that has to survive constant heat, vibrat......

Dec 27, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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