Printing materials
3D printing can work with a wide variety of materials. However, some materials like metals or ceramics place very high demands on the printer, which is why plastic is the most commonly used material.
1. ABS
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, also known as ABS, is an inexpensive thermoplastic. It belongs to the fundamental materials of 3D printing. It was primarily used in development, but it remains popular due to its low cost, good properties, and high resistance to mechanical damage. Therefore, it enables the printing of solid and durable objects that are resistant to acids and bases. It is processed at temperatures of 210-250°C, resulting in a product that remains stable even at temperatures up to 100°C.
A drawback is the volume shrinkage during cooling, which can lead to the detachment of the object from the print bed or overall deformation of the model. However, newer printer models can handle this property. Another issue can be the odor emitted by the material, especially when the printer is located in an unventilated space. ABS can also be bonded using acetone, toluene, dichloromethane, or acrylic adhesive.