Plastic Materials

Plastic is the most common type of material used in 3D printing, primarily applied in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology. In this process, plastic filament is heated and extruded layer by layer to form the model. It is low-cost, easy to operate, and suitable for education, home use, and small-scale prototyping.

Common plastics include PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and Nylon (PA). Among them, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the most representative and the preferred choice for FDM printing.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Applicable Printing Technology

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) — the PLA filament is heated, melted, and extruded layer by layer. PLA is one of the most beginner-friendly and easy-to-mold 3D printing materials, ideal for entry-level and mass modeling.

Advantages

Easy to print with minimal warping — beginner-friendly.

Smooth surface and fine layer resolution.

Wide range of colors and glossy finish.

Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Disadvantages

Poor heat resistance (softens above 60 °C).

Relatively brittle — not suitable for load-bearing parts.

Prolonged use may cause degradation.

Typical Applications

Toys, display models, ornaments, training tools, lightweight structures, and prototype designs.

Resin Materials

Resin is a liquid photosensitive material that solidifies under UV light exposure, mainly used in SLA, DLP, and MSLA (LCD Light Curing) technologies. Resin models are known for their high precision, smooth surface finish, and fine details, making them ideal for artistic or detailed prints.

Common types include standard resin, high-strength resin, high-temperature resin, transparent resin, and dental resin, all known for their fine detail performance. However, they typically require post-processing (cleaning and secondary curing).

Standard Resin

Applicable Printing Technology

DLP (Digital Light Processing) and MSLA (LCD Photocuring), which use UV light to cure liquid resin into high-precision models.

Advantages

Extremely high accuracy and fine detail.

Smooth and glossy surface finish.

Ideal for small-batch, precision models such as dental and miniature prototypes.

Wide material variety with options for strength, transparency, and temperature resistance.

Disadvantages

Brittle and less impact-resistant.

Requires cleaning and UV post-curing.

Prolonged UV exposure may cause yellowing.

Avoid direct skin contact during operation.

Typical Applications

Art models, dental models, high-precision prototypes, jewelry molds, display miniatures, and complex figurines.

Metal Materials

Metal materials are mainly used in SLM (Selective Laser Melting) and DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) technologies. In these processes, fine metal powder is completely melted and solidified by high-power lasers layer by layer. This results in components with high density and strength — ideal for aerospace, medical, and industrial manufacturing.

Common metals include stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and tool steel. Among them, stainless steel is one of the most widely used 3D printing metals.

Stainless Steel

Applicable Printing Technology

SLM (Selective Laser Melting) and DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) — using lasers to sinter or melt metal powder layer by layer.

Advantages

Excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance.

Enables direct manufacturing of industrial components.

High density and precision comparable to traditional metal parts.

Ideal for strong structural parts and lightweight CNC-free designs.

Disadvantages

High cost (material and equipment).

The machine has high environmental requirements and needs argon gas protection.

Expensive post-processing (polishing, machining, heat treatment).

Typical Applications

Aerospace components, medical implants, molds, structural parts, mechanical components, automotive parts, and high-end industrial equipment.

Need PLA or Other 3D Consumables?

We offer high-quality PLA consumables (smooth feeding, stable color). Contact us for product details and exclusive offers.