How do you decide what 3D printing material is best for your project? There are so many options out there, and it can be a difficult decision. Here are a few things you will need to consider before diving into your project. Does your part have mechanical properties? Will it require strength or flexibility? What is the overall aesthetic you’re looking to achieve?

This article will help you break down all of these questions and take you step by step through the process of choosing the best 3D printing material for your project. Let’s get to it!

The first question you want to ask yourself when choosing your 3D printing material is whether or not the part or piece has mechanical properties. This can include things like tensile strength, flexibility or elasticity, hardness, and durability limits.

Mechanical Properties: Strength or Flexibility

If your part requires mechanical properties, the next step is to determine whether strength or flexibility is the greater need.

Strength

If you find that strength is the greater need, you will most likely want to choose an ABS-like, nylon, or ABS material. If your part requires both high strength and high resolution, we recommend using a mix of ABS-like and Nylon material. Otherwise, pure ABS will get the job done.

Flexibility

If your part requires flexibility, there is only one option. Go with a rubber-like material for maximum elasticity.

Mechanical Properties: Not Required

When you’re in the process of preparing to build your part, and you find that it does not require mechanical properties, consider the look and feel of your product to determine what material is best. You want to think about transparency, the resolution requirements, and if it has complex geometry or not.

Transparency

If you’re printing transparent parts, you have a few options. You can choose a clear transparent paper or a color-tinted transparent paper.

High Resolution and Complex Geometry

There are four options when considering material for high res and complex geometry printing materials. First, if your part requires high resolution and complex geometry, you will want to go with Visiclear. Second, if you need high-resolution printing but no complex geometry, it is best to go with Verowhite. Thirdly, we recommend that you go with ABS if your part doesn’t require high resolution, but it does have complex geometry. The fourth option is to print your material with PLA. PLA is best for parts that have no high-res requirements and no complex geometry.

Summary

So, how do you decide what 3D printing material is best for your project? By asking yourself these simple questions and creating a plan that is effective.

We know it can be overwhelming, but with this information, you can easily break it down and determine everything you’ll need before you get started. There are so many resources out there that are available to you to help you find what will work best for your specific goals!

If you still feel overwhelmed, we recommend taking a masterclass to educate yourself further on the CNC machining service industry.

Best of luck on your 3D printing endeavours!

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