Plastic
Material Introduction
Plastics for 3D printing represent one of the most versatile, lightweight, and cost-effective material families available for additive manufacturing. Their wide range of mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties enables engineers to create functional prototypes, production components, and complex geometries across consumer products, electronics, medical devices, and industrial equipment. With Neway’s advanced 3D printing service, high-performance plastics such as ABS, Nylon, PEEK, Polycarbonate, and PP can be fabricated with precision and repeatability. These materials support a broad spectrum of additive technologies, including FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, and high-temperature extrusion systems. Their inherent design flexibility, ease of processing, and compatibility with post-machining using CNC machining make plastics a powerful choice for rapid, affordable, and high-performance product development.
International Names or Representative Grades
Region | Common Name | Representative Grades |
|---|---|---|
USA | Engineering Plastics | ABS, Nylon (PA), PC, PEEK |
Europe | Technical Polymers | POM, PP, PETG |
Japan | Industrial Plastics | PC-ABS, PEI, PVC |
China | Engineering Plastics | ABS, PA6, POM, PP |
3D Printing Industry | Performance Polymers | PLA, TPU, PA12, PEEK |
Alternative Material Options
Depending on performance requirements such as strength, temperature endurance, or conductivity, alternative materials may be better suited for specific applications. Metals such as aluminum alloys offer higher structural strength and thermal performance for industrial components. In high-temperature or corrosive environments, advanced nickel alloys such as Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 offer exceptional durability. For lightweight structural designs requiring strength-to-weight optimization, titanium alloys deliver excellent mechanical performance. Applications requiring electrical or thermal conductivity may benefit from the use of copper or brass. For wear-resistant, high-hardness applications, cobalt-based alloys may be more suitable. These alternatives allow engineers to tailor material choice based on mechanical loads, environmental exposure, and functional requirements.
Design Purpose
Plastics were engineered to deliver lightweight, chemically resistant, low-cost, and easily formable materials for consumer and industrial applications. In additive manufacturing, plastics are designed to make prototyping faster, reduce tooling complexity, and enable the creation of geometries that are not feasible with metal or traditional forming processes. Their purpose includes achieving high flexibility, impact resistance, insulation properties, and transparency when needed. High-performance grades, such as PEEK, were developed for extreme environments, including aerospace, automotive, and medical applications that require sterilization, mechanical endurance, and thermal stability.
Chemical Composition (Typical)
Polymer Type | Primary Composition |
|---|---|
ABS | Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, Styrene |
Nylon (PA) | Polyamide chains (C, H, O, N) |
PEEK | Aromatic polymer with ketone and ether groups |
Polycarbonate | Bisphenol A + Carbonate groups |
Polypropylene | Propylene monomers (C₃H₆) |
Physical Properties
Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
Density | 0.9–1.4 g/cm³ |
Thermal Conductivity | 0.1–0.4 W/m·K |
Electrical Resistivity | Extremely high (insulating) |
Heat Deflection Temperature | 60–280°C depending on polymer |
Water Absorption | Minimal to moderate (varies by polymer) |
Mechanical Properties
Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 30–100 MPa |
Young’s Modulus | 1–4 GPa |
Hardness | R70–R120 (varies by type) |
Elongation at Break | 10–300% |
Impact Resistance | Moderate to high |
Key Material Characteristics
Wide range of mechanical and thermal profiles, supporting flexible, rigid, impact-resistant, and high-temperature applications.
Excellent manufacturability with FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, and photopolymer printing technologies.
Lightweight performance ideal for housings, functional prototypes, and consumer products.
Excellent dielectric properties useful for insulation, electronic casings, and RF components.
High transparency potential with Polycarbonate and Acrylic.
Biocompatibility in medical-grade polymers such as PEEK and medical Nylon.
Impact-resistant and durable performance in ABS and Nylon materials.
Easy post-processing compatibility with CNC machining and finishing operations.
Lower cost and faster development cycles for rapid prototyping.
Manufacturability in Different Processes
FDM printing: Ideal for ABS, PLA, Nylon, TPU, and PC-ABS for rapid prototypes and lower-cost parts.
SLS printing: Produces strong, functional Nylon components with excellent surface finish and durability.
SLA printing: High-precision resin prints suitable for aesthetics, fine detail, and medical applications.
MJF printing: Creates tough, uniform Nylon parts with exceptional mechanical consistency.
CNC machining: Printed plastics can be finished using precision machining for tight tolerances.
Thermoforming: Some printed plastics can be reheated and formed depending on polymer grade.
Bonding and welding: Plastic prints can be assembled using adhesives, thermal welding, or solvent bonding.
Suitable Post-Processing Methods
Precision machining and shaping using CNC milling or CNC turning.
Polishing, sanding, and smoothing for aesthetic surfaces.
Coating and painting using industrial painting to enhance appearance.
Surface texturing or brushing using brushing processes.
Heat treatment or annealing to improve layer adhesion and dimensional stability.
Vapor smoothing for ABS or specialized polymers.
Common Industries and Applications
Consumer electronics housings, clips, brackets, and structural shells.
Medical components requiring biocompatibility and sterilization resistance.
Automotive interior parts, connectors, and lightweight enclosures.
Industrial machinery covers, handles, and functional prototypes.
Robotics components requiring lightweight designs and rapid iteration.
Product development prototypes requiring fast turnaround and functional testing.
When to Choose This Material
When lightweight structures are required without compromising mechanical strength.
When rapid prototyping or low-volume production is needed at low cost.
When electrical insulation or dielectric performance is essential.
When chemical resistance or environmental durability is required.
When producing flexible, transparent, or impact-resistant parts.
When designing components with complex geometries not feasible in metal.
When heat-resistant, biocompatible, or sterilizable materials like PEEK are necessary.
When reduced tooling time and design freedom are priorities.
