The system of 3D printing materials has expanded from early thermoplastics to over a dozen major categories including metals, ceramics, composites, bio-inks, wax materials, and concrete. Different materials exhibit significant differences in process compatibility, performance orientation, and application scenarios. The following is a systematic organization based on five dimensions: “Category – Typical Varieties – Core Characteristics – Main Uses – Applicable Processes” for quick comparison and selection.
—-1. Plastics (Most Mature, Largest Stock)
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Characteristics: Corn starch-based, biodegradable, low shrinkage, printing temperature 210-225 °C, no heated bed required.
Uses: Education, prototyping, cultural and creative products, packaging containers.
Processes: Mainstream FDM; also available in SLA modified resin form.
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)
Characteristics: Good toughness, temperature resistance 80 °C, post-processing (sanding/painting) possible, significant shrinkage requires heated bed at 100 °C.
Uses: Functional parts, enclosures, automotive interiors, toys.
Processes: FDM; industrial-grade also uses SLA/MJF.
3. PETG (Glycol-modified PET)
Characteristics: Transparent, chemical resistant, toughness between PLA and ABS, food-grade contact.
Uses: Beverage bottle preforms, medical device housings, gears.
Processes: FDM; PETG powder is also used for SLS.
4. PA (Nylon) Series
Characteristics: High strength, wear-resistant, self-lubricating, improved toughness after moisture absorption; melting point 180-220 °C.
Uses: Buckles, movable hinges, drone frames, power tool housings.
Processes: FDM (requires drying), SLS, MJF.
5. TPU/TPE (Thermoplastic Polyurethane/Elastomer)
Characteristics: Shore hardness 60A-95A, can be bent repeatedly; slow printing, prone to clogging.
Uses: Shoe midsoles, watch bands, seals, vibration pads.
Processes: FDM (low speed 15-30 mm/s), SLA (flexible resin).
—-2. Metals (High Value for Industrial Use)
1. Stainless Steel 316L/17-4PH
Characteristics: Corrosion-resistant, polishable, strength 500-800 MPa.
Uses: Surgical instruments, pump valves, clamps.
Processes: SLM, EBM, BMD (Desktop Metal).
2. Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V
Characteristics: High specific strength, biocompatible, high-temperature resistance 400 °C.
Uses: Aerospace blades, orthopedic implants, dental crowns.
Processes: SLM, EBM.
3. Aluminum Alloy AlSi10Mg
Characteristics: Lightweight, good thermal conductivity, post-processing can be anodized.
Uses: Automotive radiators, drone frames, electronic housings.
Processes: SLM, DMLS.
4. Nickel-based Alloys IN718/IN625
Characteristics: Creep-resistant, retains strength at 1000 °C.
Uses: Turbine blades, rocket nozzles, nuclear logging instruments.
Processes: SLM, EBM.
5. Copper Alloy CuCrZr
Characteristics: Conductivity/thermal conductivity ≈ 80% of pure copper, but printability is limited.
Uses: Induction coils, microchannels for heat exchange.
Processes: SLM (requires high power 500 W+ green/red laser).
—-3. Ceramics (High Temperature, Corrosion Resistant, Insulating)
1. Alumina Al₂O₃
Characteristics: Hardness HV 1800, insulating, temperature resistance 1600 °C.
Uses: Aerospace igniters, electronic packaging, artificial joint ball heads.
Processes: SLA (photo-curable slurry), binder jetting + sintering.
2. Zirconia ZrO₂
Characteristics: Fracture toughness 6-8 MPa·m¹/², can undergo phase transformation toughening.
Uses: Dental crowns and bridges, watch cases, cutting blades.
Processes: SLA, DLP.
3. Hydroxyapatite HA/Tricalcium Phosphate TCP
Characteristics: Bioactive, biodegradable, bone-inducing.
Uses: Personalized cranial plates, spinal fusion devices.
Processes: Low-temperature SLA + vacuum sintering.
—-4. Composites (Reinforcement Phase Embedded in Plastic/Metal Matrix)
1. Carbon Fiber Reinforced PLA/PETG/PA
Characteristics: Stiffness ↑30-50%, shrinkage ↓, lightweight; abrasion-resistant requires hardened steel nozzles.
Uses: Tooling fixtures, racing intake manifolds, bicycle frames.
Processes: FDM (granules or filaments), SLS (carbon fiber-filled PA powder).
2. Glass Fiber Reinforced PP/PC
Characteristics: Electrical insulation, chemical resistance, low cost.
Uses: Drone arms, pump housings, microwave lenses.
Processes: FDM, MJF.
—-5. Special/Support Materials
1. Water-soluble Support PVA, BVOH: Soluble in cold water, used with dual nozzles for PLA/PETG; VXL alkaline solution: Compatible with ABS/PC/TPU, dissolves faster, stable dimensions.
2. Wax Materials (Lost Wax Casting)
Characteristics: Melting point 60-90 °C, ash content <0.02%.
Uses: Jewelry, precision casting prototypes for turbine blades.
Processes: FDM (MoldLay type), DLP (blue light wax slurry), MJ (multi-jet).
3. Concrete/Mortar
Characteristics: Early strength, low shrinkage, pumpable with layer thickness of 30-50 mm.
Uses: 3D printed houses, landscape components (Swiss Tor Alva case at 29.87 m high).
Processes: Gantry/robotic arm extrusion + subsequent prestressing with rebar.
4. Bio-ink Composition: Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) + hyaluronic acid + living cells + photoinitiator.
Characteristics: Can be photo-crosslinked, biocompatible, conductive new ink (GHCM) solves the “cell-friendly – printable – conductive” triangular contradiction.
Uses: Skin, vascular, myocardial patches, drug screening models.
Processes: Embedded multi-axis bioprinting (coaxial/multi-nozzle), microfluidic coaxial.
—-6. Quick Selection Recommendations
1. Education/Cultural and Creative → PLA, PETG (FDM)
2. Functional Prototypes/Small Batches → PA12+ Short Carbon Fiber (MJF), 316L (SLM)
3. High Temperature/Wear Resistant → IN718, Al₂O₃, SiC Ceramics
4. Flexible/Vibration Damping → TPU 82A, 95A; for high elasticity use 60A
5. Precision Casting → Blue Wax (DLP) or MoldLay Wax Filament (FDM)
6. Medical Implants → Ti-6Al-4V, ZrO₂, HA Ceramics
7. Tissue Engineering → GelMA-based conductive bio-ink + embedded printing
—-7. Trend Overview
• Low-cost high-speed metals: BMD, filament + debinding sintering, liquid metal jetting
• High-temperature engineering plastics: PPSU, PEEK/CF-PEEK, aimed at small aerospace parts
• Gradient ceramics: Interlayer composition/porosity adjustable for bone ingrowth and mechanical matching
• Green building materials: Low-carbon concrete, geopolymer 3D printing, reducing cement usage by 40%
• 4D Bioprinting: Degradable shape memory GelMA scaffolds that dynamically change stiffness with tissue growth.