PLA/ABS/PETG
makerPLA, ABS, and PETG are thermoplastic polymers commonly used in 3D printing.
expanded
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a petroleum-based thermoplastic prized for its strength and rigidity. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) combines the ease of use of PLA with the durability and chemical resistance of ABS. These materials are imperative in additive manufacturing due to their varied properties and functionalities, which cater to a wide range of applications from prototyping to end-use products.
examples
A 3D printed prototype using PLA filament.
PLA is frequently used in educational settings for creating accurate and cost-effective models due to its low warping properties and ease of use. Typical dimensions for educational prototypes can measure 10 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm (4 in x 2 in x 2 in).
An automotive part produced using ABS filament.
ABS is commonly employed in automotive applications for creating durable parts that need to withstand high temperatures, such as in dashboards, which can measure approximately 50 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm (20 in x 8 in x 4 in).
Customizable PETG containers for chemical storage.
PETG's chemical resistance is utilized in laboratory settings to produce containers that withstand solvent exposure, with typical dimensions being 15 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm (6 in x 4 in x 4 in).