How to Choose a Polymer for Your 3D Printing Application? Experts Give Their Advice!

Today, there are a wide variety of materials that are compatible with additive manufacturing technologies, from thermoplastics to metals, ceramics and photosensitive resins. The largest family of these materials is polymers, which can be found in different forms depending on the 3D printing method used. However, choosing the right 3D printing polymer for each application and sector can be a complicated task. It is important to know the properties and characteristics of each material to ensure the correct performance of the final parts. In order to better understand how to choose the appropriate polymer for each 3D printing application, we have spoken to three industry experts. What types of polymers can we find? Which applications are they most suitable for? What should be taken into account when choosing the material? Our experts will answer these questions and more.

Our first expert is Krzysztof Kardach, Chief of Technology – FFF 3D Printing at OMNI3D. He has been a part of the company for nearly 10 years, focusing his efforts on 3D printing technology and filaments development. Moreover, he has used his application-oriented approach to help small and large companies to adopt polymer 3D printing. Next, the second expert is Fernanda Kronjäger, Sales Manager in Technical Consulting 3D at the chemical company BASF. A specialist in selective laser sintering, Fernanda helps users to find the right polymer for each application. Last but not least, we have Martin Opustil, Marketing Specialist at Fillamentum, who answered in conjunction with the R&D department. At Fillamentum, the teams are dedicated to creating innovative 3D printing materials to meet the needs of the market. Through his close work with the other teams, Martin has been able to gain invaluable insights into cutting-edge materials and techniques in the field of 3D printing.

What Polymers Are on the Market Today?

There is currently a wide range of polymers available for 3D printing. In fact, this family of materials, in addition to being extensive, can be found in both a liquid state as a resin or solid as filaments or powders. The main ones that come to mind are thermoplastics (PLA or ABS), elastomers (TPA or TPU, in filament or powder form), photosensitive polymers such as resin, and soluble polymers that help us to create support structures. In addition, there is also polyamide, which is usually found in powder form (PA11, PA12) for selective laser sintering or SLS, but is also in filament form (PA6) compatible with extrusion methods.