Nylon
Nylon (known as polyamide) is a thermoplastic synthetic linear polyamide and is the most popular material in plastics. Because of its versatility, longevity, low friction, and corrosion resistance, it is a well-known 3D printing filament. Nylon is also a common material used in making clothes and accessories. Nylon is suitable for use when constructing delicate and complex geometries. It is used primarily as a filament on 3D printers in FDM (fused deposition modeling) or FFF (fused filament fabrication). This material is inexpensive and considered one of the hardest plastic materials.
- 6.1.4.1.1 Distinct Characteristics
- • Nylon is known for its strength and durability.
- • It has an excellent ratio of strength to flexibility.
- • Nylon has a very small warpage.
This type of material can be smoothly dyed or colored.
- 6.1.4.1.2 Disadvantages
- • Because nylon is hydroscopic, it should be kept dry.
- • It has a shelf life of 12 months.
- • Such material can shrink during cooling, so printing may be less accurate.
- • The suitability of printers also varies.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a thermoplastic that is commonly used as a 3D printer filament. It is also a material generally used in personal or household 3D printing and is a go-to material for most 3D printers.
- 6.1.4.2.1 Distinct Characteristics
- • It is one of the most accessible and cheap materials for 3D printing.
- • ABS is highly available and has a wide variety of colors.
- • This material has a longer lifespan compared to nylon.
- • It is also mechanically strong.
- • This material is not suitable for hobbyists. It is mainly used by producers and engineers looking for high-quality prototype production.
- 6.1.4.2.2 Disadvantages
- • When going to print, it requires a heated bed.
- • Because ABS materials have a high melting point, they tend to experience warping when cooled when printing.
- • The type of filament is a non-biodegradable toxic material that releases toxic fumes with a terrible smell at high temperatures.
