Plastics for 3D printing
Plastics are the most widely used materials in 3D printing due to their versatility, processability, and balance between cost and performance. They are available in different forms such as filaments, granules, and powders, allowing compatibility with a variety of additive manufacturing technologies including FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), and extrusion-based systems.
The most common plastics for 3D printing include:
• PLA (Polylactic Acid): A biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn starch. It is easy to print, offers good dimensional accuracy, and is popular for prototyping, educational use, and decorative parts.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Known for its toughness, impact resistance, and higher thermal stability. ABS is widely used in engineering applications, automotive parts, and functional prototypes.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): A strong, chemical-resistant, and easy-to-print plastic that combines the strength of ABS with the ease of PLA. Ideal for mechanical parts, packaging, and consumer products.
• Nylon (Polyamide): Offers excellent durability, flexibility, and wear resistance. It is commonly used in industrial-grade printing for functional components and parts that require strength and elasticity.
• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): A flexible plastic with rubber-like elasticity, ideal for producing soft-touch components, seals, gaskets, and wearable products.
Plastics for 3D printing are often modified with additives or reinforcements (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or mineral fillers) to enhance properties like strength, heat resistance, or surface finish. This adaptability allows manufacturers and designers to choose the right material for their specific application—whether for rapid prototyping, functional testing, or end-use production.
The most common plastics for 3D printing include:
• PLA (Polylactic Acid): A biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn starch. It is easy to print, offers good dimensional accuracy, and is popular for prototyping, educational use, and decorative parts.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Known for its toughness, impact resistance, and higher thermal stability. ABS is widely used in engineering applications, automotive parts, and functional prototypes.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): A strong, chemical-resistant, and easy-to-print plastic that combines the strength of ABS with the ease of PLA. Ideal for mechanical parts, packaging, and consumer products.
• Nylon (Polyamide): Offers excellent durability, flexibility, and wear resistance. It is commonly used in industrial-grade printing for functional components and parts that require strength and elasticity.
• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): A flexible plastic with rubber-like elasticity, ideal for producing soft-touch components, seals, gaskets, and wearable products.
Plastics for 3D printing are often modified with additives or reinforcements (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or mineral fillers) to enhance properties like strength, heat resistance, or surface finish. This adaptability allows manufacturers and designers to choose the right material for their specific application—whether for rapid prototyping, functional testing, or end-use production.
Elastic Plastic for coverage cables
Elastic plastics, also known as flexible thermoplastics and elastomeric compounds, are widely used for insulating and protecting electrical cables. Their main function is to provide mechanical durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental stress, while ensuring the safety and reliability of power transmission.
The key characteristics of elastic plastics for cable coverings include:
• Flexibility and Bend Resistance: They allow cables to be installed in tight spaces and bent repeatedly without cracking or losing insulation performance.
• Electrical Insulation: High dielectric strength ensures that current is safely contained within the conductor, reducing the risk of short circuits.
• Thermal Stability: Resistant to heat generated during operation, preventing deformation or material degradation.
• Chemical and Weather Resistance: Protection against oils, moisture, UV radiation, and environmental exposure, extending the service life of cables.
• Mechanical Strength: High resistance to abrasion, tearing, and impact, ensuring durability during installation and long-term use.
By combining electrical insulation with elasticity, these plastics not only protect conductors but also enable cables to remain safe, durable, and adaptable in a wide range of applications — from household wiring and consumer electronics to heavy-duty industrial systems.
The key characteristics of elastic plastics for cable coverings include:
• Flexibility and Bend Resistance: They allow cables to be installed in tight spaces and bent repeatedly without cracking or losing insulation performance.
• Electrical Insulation: High dielectric strength ensures that current is safely contained within the conductor, reducing the risk of short circuits.
• Thermal Stability: Resistant to heat generated during operation, preventing deformation or material degradation.
• Chemical and Weather Resistance: Protection against oils, moisture, UV radiation, and environmental exposure, extending the service life of cables.
• Mechanical Strength: High resistance to abrasion, tearing, and impact, ensuring durability during installation and long-term use.
By combining electrical insulation with elasticity, these plastics not only protect conductors but also enable cables to remain safe, durable, and adaptable in a wide range of applications — from household wiring and consumer electronics to heavy-duty industrial systems.