PLASTICS FOR 3D PRINTING

WRITTEN BY STUART DEUTSCH

As 3D printing explodes, so do the options among printable plastics.

ABS and PLA are the go-to plastics for most consumer-grade 3D printers, but the market is heating up quickly, and the barrier to entry is not very high. New types of plastic, blends of plastic with various additives, and grades of plastic formulated specifically for 3D printing are appearing all the time. With simple tools, it’s even possible to turn pellets or other plastic scrap into usable filament right in your own shop. Our handy chart will help you get a handle on what’s out there at the moment.

PRO TIP:

Even if it’s technically the same plastic, not all filament is extruded alike. If you find a product from a particular ...

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