When discussing the advantages of 3D printing and its incredible versatility, the question of what materials are used in these additive processes frequently arises. The truth is that numerous materials can be used for 3D printing, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Along with the functional characteristics of those materials, the cost of the various materials that can be used for 3D printing is an extremely important consideration for many product engineers. This post looks closely at some of the most common 3D printing materials, discussing their various features, cost concerns, and applications.

MOST COMMON MATERIALS USED FOR 3D PRINTING:
Although many other materials can be used in 3D printing, plastic is the most common. Plastic is extremely versatile and can be used for various applications, including 3D-printed toys and household fixtures. The material used for 3D printing with plastic can be translucent and available in various colors. Plastic filaments for 3D printing are frequently sold on spools and, depending on the manufacturer, can have a glossy or matte finish.
Plastic is a highly appealing material for 3D printing due to its many advantageous properties, such as flexibility, stiffness, smoothness, and a variety of color options. Furthermore, using plastic for 3D printing is significantly less expensive than other materials. Fused deposition modeling is the most common approach to 3D printing that uses plastic material (FDM). The FDM 3D printing technique involves layering thermoplastic filaments to shape the final product. The following plastic types are the most commonly used in FDM 3D printing:

POLYLACTIC ACID:
PLA, or polylactic acid, is a type of plastic that is more environmentally friendly than other types of plastic. It is biodegradable because it is typically made from corn starch or sugar cane. PLA is available in rigid and flexible forms, and its use in 3D printing is expected to grow in the coming years. As the name implies, hard PLA is more durable than soft PLA. As a result, hard PLA is a more versatile plastic that can be used for a wider range of applications than soft PLA.

ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE:
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS for short, is notable for its durability and low cost. ABS filaments have a rigid structure, but they are also surprisingly adaptable. Furthermore, the plastic is available in various colors, making it an excellent choice for applications such as toy manufacturing. Furthermore, ABS is becoming a popular material for handicrafts such as jewelry and interior design.

OTHER COMMON MATERIALS USED FOR 3D PRINTING:

Metal
After plastic, metal is the second most commonly used material in the 3D printing process. DMLS (direct metal laser sintering) is a technique for 3D printing metal material. This technique is used in various applications, including the manufacture of aerospace parts, where there is a growing demand for a manufacturing process that is both quick and lightweight, as well as an overall simplification of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, DMLS three-dimensional printing with metal is becoming popular for jewelry applications. This is because the items can be produced much faster and in larger quantities without the laborious manual effort required to execute fine detail work.

Graphene
Graphene is one of the materials used in 3D printing, which is becoming more popular. Graphene has recently gained popularity due to its conductivity, flexibility, and strength. As a result, the material used in 3D printing is an excellent choice for components of electrical devices requiring flexibility, such as touchscreens. Graphene is also being researched as a potential component in building materials and solar panels. Furthermore, graphene is lightweight, but this does not compromise its strength or versatility, allowing it to be used in a wide range of business sectors.

Composites-based materials
Another type of material that is frequently used in 3D printing is composite materials. Raw materials for composite 3D printing are available in various forms, including filaments and powders. These materials are sought after due to their high levels of strength and stability and their excellent strength-to-weight ratios. Due to their low weight, composite fibers can increase tensile strength without significantly increasing the component's overall volume. Materials for 3D printing of an engineering-grade composite can also be used as alternatives to metal materials.

CONCLUSION:
Many 3D printers already offer metal 3D printing, but the DMLS market will not see the same cost savings due to increased volume until much later. Graphite/carbon fiber 3D printing techniques are also gaining traction in the industry.
Industries are experimenting with various 3D printing applications, making for an exciting yet turbulent period. The new (and "old") 3D printing materials will open up new possibilities for how and what industries produce, from jet parts to lights to rapid prototyping.