3D printing is a versatile technology that can use a variety of materials to create objects. The most common materials used in 3D printing are plastics, but other materials such as metals, concrete, wood, and composites are also used. The following is a list of some of the most commonly used materials in 3D printing:
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Plastics: Plastic is the most common material used in 3D printing. It is versatile, comes in a variety of colors, and is relatively inexpensive. The most common types of plastic used in 3D printing are ABS, PLA, and PETG.
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Metals: Metal is another popular material used in 3D printing. Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is the most common method used to 3D print metal. This technique has been embraced by manufacturers of air-travel equipment who have used metal 3D printing to speed up and simplify the construction of parts.
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Composites: Composites are materials that are made up of two or more different materials. They can be used to mimic materials like marble, ceramic, and wood. Carbon fiber is a common composite material used in 3D printing.
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Concrete: Concrete is a relatively new material used in 3D printing. It is used to create large-scale objects such as buildings and bridges.
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Wood: Wood is another material that can be used in 3D printing. Composites can be used to mimic the look and feel of wood, but there are also 3D printers that can print with actual wood.
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Resins: Resins are used in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. They are liquid materials that are cured by a laser to create solid objects. Resins can be used to create objects with high levels of detail and smooth surfaces.
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Powders: Powders are used in selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing. They are melted and distributed in layers until the desired thickness, texture, and patterns are made. The most common powders used in 3D printing are nylon, aluminum, and titanium.
In conclusion, 3D printing can use a variety of materials to create objects, including plastics, metals, composites, concrete, wood, resins, and powders. The choice of material depends on the desired properties of the object being printed, such as strength, flexibility, and surface finish.