Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has been rapidly growing in the manufacturing industry. This process involves the creation of 3D objects by layering material on top of each other, which is different from subtractive manufacturing, where materials are cut away. One of the essential components of additive manufacturing is filament.
Filament refers to the material that is used in additive manufacturing to create 3D prints. It is a thin and long strand of material that is fed into a machine to be melted, extruded, and layered to create a 3D model. It is commonly made of thermoplastic materials such as PLA, ABS, and PETG. Here are the different types of filament used in 3D printing:
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid) – It is one of the most commonly used filaments due to its ease of use, cost, and environmental friendliness. It is derived from natural resources such as corn starch and sugarcane.
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – It is known for its strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. It is commonly used in creating automotive parts, toys, and electronic housings.
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) – It is known for being strong, lightweight and having good flexibility. It is commonly used in creating bottles, containers, and electronic parts.
Filaments come in different sizes, typically measured in millimeters. The standard size for most filaments is 1.75mm or 2.85mm. Choosing the right size will depend on the 3D printer’s extruder.
Apart from the size and type, filaments also come in different colors, allowing you to unleash your creativity when designing your 3D models. Some filaments even have special properties like being conductive, magnetic, or glow-in-the-dark.
In summary, filament is a crucial component of additive manufacturing. It comes in different types, sizes, and colors, and choosing the right one will depend on the 3D printing application. By understanding the different types of filaments, you can create high-quality 3D prints in no time.