ABS has a strong resistance to corrosive chemicals and/or physical impacts. It is very easy to machine and has a low melting temperature making it particularly simple to use in injection molding manufacturing processes or 3D printing on an FDM machine. ABS is also relatively inexpensive. ABS plastic is not typically used in high heat situations due to its low melting point. These characteristics lead to ABS being used in a large number of applications across a wide range of industries.
Advantages:
Safe for food processing, Excellent impact, chemical and abrasion resistance, Superior stiffness and strength, Easily machined and thermoformed, Easy to paint and glue, Good dimensional stability, Excellent electrical properties, Recyclable
Density (Kg/m^3): 1080
Tensile Yield Strength (MPa): 45
Elongation at Break: 48.7%
Hardness: 106 Rockwell R
Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K): 0.171
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (micro m/m-deg): 82.6
Electrical Resistivity (Ohm-cm): 7.26e+15
Thermoplastic Polyurethane or TPU is referred to as the bridge between rubbers and plastics. The material appears rubber-like, which means it can be extremely flexible, durable and smooth to the touch. All these properties and compound versatility make TPU widely used in many industries for coatings, components and consumer goods. Finds application in Food and Medical usage as well.
Advantages:
High abrasion, wear, oil, radiation resistance, High elasticity, Strength, Good tactile properties, Easily colored, Compound and properties versatility, Can be sterilized
Density (Kg/m^3): 1235
Tensile Yield Strength (MPa): 50
Elongation at Break: 580%
Hardness: 85 Shore A
Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K): 0.2
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (micro m/m-deg): 110
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable, sustainable and food safe polymer made from organic sources. It is the most common used filament in FFF 3D printers for its ease of use and awide range of applications, especially those not mechanically or thermally demanding. Definitely a good starting point to learn about the 3D Printing manufacturing process
Advantages:
Detailed and glossy surface quality, Good tensile strength, Rigid, fragile behaviour, Good UV resistance, Withstand operating temperatures up to 50 °C, Odor-free, ideal for educational and office environments, Compatible with PVA supports, Low humidity resistance
Density (Kg/m^3): 1280
Tensile Yield Strength (MPa): 40.1
Elongation at Break : 64.2%
Hardness: 76.3 Shore A
Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K): 0.0439
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (micro m/m-deg): 114
Electrical Resistivity (Ohm-cm): 8.00e+14
PETG has outstanding thermoforming characteristics for applications that require deep draws, complex die cuts and precise molded in details, without sacrificing structural integrity. Due to its low forming temperature, PETG is readily vacuum and pressure-formed, heat bent, and it bonds easily using solvents or adhesives. PETG fabricates well using processes like die cutting, drilling, routing, bending and polishing without chipping or burs. It is used often in the O&P market for fabricating face masks, burn management devices, and check sockets
Advantages:
Strong and Cost effective, Food-Safe and Recyclable, Easily Formable Easily, Coloured Non-Toxic and, Odourless Emissions
Density (Kg/m^3): 1270
Tensile Yield Strength (MPa): 47.6
Elongation at Break: 139%
Hardness: 110 Rockwell R
Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K): 0.2
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (micro m/m-deg): 64.1
Electrical Resistivity (Ohm-cm): 5.34e+14
