Plastic Materials in 3D Printing

Plastics

PA11 vs PA12: Key Differences and How to Choose for 3D Printing

Quick Answer Pick PA11 when the part must flex, absorb impact, or when bio-based sourcing matters. Pick PA12 when you want the established, balanced default that is widely available. The difference between pa11 vs pa12 comes down to chemistry and economics more than to a winner and a loser. PA11 has eleven carbons in its repeating unit and is traditionally made from castor oil, which gives it a bio-based story and a slightly higher melting point. PA12 has twelve carbons and is conventionally petroleum......

Nov 12, 2026

Plastics

ABS 3D Printing: Settings, Warping & Acetone Smoothing

Key Takeaways ABS 3D printing succeeds or fails on three controls: bed heat, drafts, and cooling airflow. A typical working setup is a 230–250°C nozzle, a 90–110°C bed, and the cooling fan off. Warping comes from uneven cooling, so the countermeasures rank in priority order: an enclosure that holds warmth does more than any glue trick, and a brim of five or more outlines rescues stubborn corners. The cooling fan is the counterintuitive setting. PLA habits say open it up; ABS says leave it closed, beca......

Nov 09, 2026

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 ......

Nov 04, 2026

Plastics

Why Use PEEK 3D Printing? Benefits, Applications & Challenges

Most engineering materials get chosen because they're available, familiar, or cheap. PEEK gets chosen because nothing else works. When an engineer specifies PEEK 3D printing, it's almost always because the part needs to survive conditions that would disqualify every other plastic on the shortlist, sustained heat above 200℃, aggressive chemicals, sterilization cycles, or mechanical loads that other polymers handle poorly over time. PEEK 3D printed parts aren't “prototype outputs”. They're functional en......

Nov 04, 2026

Plastics

Choosing the Right ESD Filament for Your Application

Introduction Somewhere in an electronics assembly facility right now, someone is printing a fixture on a desktop 3D printer using standard PLA. It looks fine. It fits the board. And every time a PCB gets placed in it, static charge builds on that perfectly smooth, perfectly insulating plastic surface, right next to components sensitive to discharges that humans can't even feel. ESD filament exists specifically for this problem. It's not a premium upgrade to standard filament. It's a different material......

Nov 04, 2026

Plastics

ESD Plastic Materials: A Practical Guide for Engineers

Key Takeaways ESD plastic controls charge: It uses conductive or dissipative additives to let static charge flow away safely instead of building to a damaging discharge. Three categories by resistivity: Conductive (<10⁵ Ω/sq), static dissipative (10⁵–10⁹ Ω/sq), and anti-static (10⁹–10¹² Ω/sq) each serve different roles. Static dissipative is the usual target: Most electronics handling fixtures use the 10⁶–10⁸ Ω/sq range for controlled, non-damaging dissipation. Match material to the full application: ......

Nov 04, 2026

Plastics

ASA Filament: Properties, Print Settings & vs ABS

Key Takeaways ASA filament is ABS's outdoor cousin: the same toughness and printing discipline, with a weatherproof shell that shrugs off the UV that yellows and embrittles other plastics indoors-out. The material case rests on numbers: a glass transition around 100–105°C, heat deflection in the 90–95°C class, and chemical resistance that covers most household and workshop exposure. ASA 3D printing runs on nearly the same settings as ABS, nudged slightly upward: a 240–260°C nozzle, a 100–110°C bed, th......

Nov 04, 2026

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......

Oct 22, 2026

Plastics

ABS Temperature Resistance: How Hot Can ABS Withstand?

Key Takeaways ABS heat resistance is defined by Tg and HDT, not melting point. Typical ABS grades have a Tg around 100–110℃ and HDT around 85–95℃. JLC3DP ABS reaches 98°C HDT under its published test conditions, but actual part performance depends on load, geometry, orientation, and exposure time. ABS offers higher heat resistance than PLA and PETG, while ASA provides similar heat performance with better outdoor durability. PC-ABS and PC are options when ABS is not enough. PC-ABS balances heat resista......

Oct 14, 2026

Plastics

Is PETG Toxic to Print? Fumes, Risks & Safety Guide

Key Takeaways PETG is generally considered a lower-emission 3D printing material compared to ABS and ASA, but it does produce VOCs and ultrafine particles during printing. The odor during PETG printing is typically mild, some people barely notice it, others describe a faint warm-plastic smell. Low odor doesn't mean zero emissions. Ventilation is still a sensible precaution. PETG food safety is complicated, the material itself may be food-grade in some formulations, but the printing process introduces ......

Sep 10, 2026

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......

Sep 10, 2026

Plastics

PLA Temperature Resistance: Heat Resistance, Softening & Melting Point

Key Takeaways PLA typically starts losing rigidity around 55–65℃ (Tg) and melts at approximately 150–180℃. PLA can deform and creep long before it melts, so melting point is not a practical service-temperature limit. Actual PLA deformation depends on temperature, load, geometry, print orientation, and exposure time. Standard PLA becomes increasingly risky above 50–60℃ and is generally unsuitable for sustained 70–80℃ applications. PLA+ heat resistance varies by formulation. For higher-temperature appli......

Sep 03, 2026

Plastics

PETG Temperature Resistance: Limits & Comparison with PLA/ABS/ASA

Key Takeaways Standard PETG is best suited for continuous use below ~60℃; performance can decline as temperatures approach 70℃. PETG typically has a Tg of ~75–85℃ and an HDT of ~65–75℃, depending on the material grade and test conditions. HDT is not a maximum service temperature—load, print orientation, wall thickness, geometry, and exposure time all affect real-world performance. PETG offers better heat resistance than PLA but lower heat resistance than ABS, ASA, PA12-CF, PC, and PEEK. For sustained ......

Sep 03, 2026

Plastics

How to Print TPU Filament: Settings and Troubleshooting

Key Takeaways TPU is printable on ordinary FDM hardware. The material bends instead of breaking, but it punishes settings tuned for PLA — four changes (print slowly, print dry, retract gently, keep the filament path short) turn it into a routine material. Difficulty tracks Shore hardness. A 95A TPU prints readily on most FDM machines; 85A and softer grades demand a direct drive extruder and patience. TPU print settings start around a 210–230°C nozzle, 20–40mm/s speed, and minimal retraction — the full......

Aug 26, 2026

Plastics

What Is 3D Printer Filament? Types and How to Choose

Key Takeaways 3D printer filament is the thermoplastic strand an FDM printer melts and deposits layer by layer. Two diameters dominate: 1.75mm mainstream, 2.85mm second. The main types of 3D printer filament sort into five practical groups — easy and rigid (PLA), tough and balanced (PETG), heat-resistant (ABS/ASA), flexible (TPU), engineering-grade (nylon, PC, PEEK) — plus composites and soluble support materials. Choosing comes down to four properties: strength versus stiffness, heat resistance, flex......

Aug 22, 2026

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......

Jul 30, 2026

Plastics

What Is LW PLA? How Lightweight PLA Works and When to Use It

The first time you print with LW PLA, you will genuinely think that you grabbed the wrong spool off the shelf. Pick the part up off the bed and it will feel hollow. But it isn't. Same infill setting, same model, just... lighter. Sometimes, depending on print temperature and expansion ratio, it can reduce part weight by approximately 20–50%. So what's actually going on? This guide walks through what LW PLA is, why it does what it does, and the settings that'll get you there without fighting the printer......

Jul 30, 2026

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......

Jul 30, 2026

Plastics

ABS-ESD Plastic: Properties, Applications & Selection Guide

Introduction ABS-ESD is a specialized engineering ABS plastic developed for static-sensitive environments. Most engineers encounter ABS-ESD for the first time when a PCB fixture fails an ESD audit or a customer rejects a housing because it's not made from ESD safe ABS. The part was dimensionally correct. The material was wrong. ABS-ESD plastic solves a specific problem, static charge accumulating on parts that contact or sit near electronics. It does that job well, it 3D prints reliably, and it costs ......

Jul 17, 2026

Plastics

ABS vs ABS-ESD: Key Differences and How to Choose the Right Material

Introduction Standard ABS is the best choice for most general engineering parts. Choose ABS-ESD only when your application requires protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD), such as PCB fixtures, SMT assembly jigs, or semiconductor tooling. Standard ABS and ABS-ESD look similar on a spec sheet. They print the same way, cost about the same at JLC3DP, and produce parts with similar surface finish. The difference that matters is invisible, one accumulates static charge on every surface, and the o......

Jul 15, 2026

Plastics

Why Is PEEK So Expensive? PEEK Price Explained

You get the quote. The number looks wrong. You check it again. Nope, PEEK really does cost that much. PEEK price per kg typically runs $80-150 for standard grades, and engineering or medical-grade PEEK material price can reach $300-500+ per kg depending on the form and certification. By comparison, nylon is at $3-8/kg or ABS at $2-5/kg and it's a legitimate question: what exactly are you paying for? The answer isn't simple but it's logical. PEEK pricing reflects a genuinely difficult material to make,......

Jun 18, 2026

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......

May 18, 2026

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. Compared with materials like PLA and ABS, PETG offers better toughness and durability. If you're deciding between materials, you can check our guide on PETG vs PLA for 3D printing. This article will explore the characteristics of PETG 3D pri......

Mar 20, 2026

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......

Mar 20, 2026

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......

Jan 14, 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 29, 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 27, 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 26, 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 22, 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

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......

Oct 18, 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 28, 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......

Sep 22, 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 07, 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

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

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