Complete Guide to FDM and Resin 3D Printing Materials

The choice of material is one of the most important decisions when 3D printing. Each polymer has unique physical, chemical and aesthetic properties that determine its strength, flexibility, surface finish and cost. In this article we explain the most commonly used materials in FDM and resin 3D printing, their advantages and the most common applications in the industry.

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1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is the most popular material in FDM 3D printing. It is a biodegradable plastic, easy to use and with excellent aesthetic results, ideal for beginners or for design and decoration projects.

✅ Advantages.

• Easy to print, ideal for beginners.
• No hot bed is required.
• Good surface finish and bright colors.
• Low cost and low shrinkage on cooling.
• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

💡 Applications

• Visual prototypes.
• Decorative figures or models.
• Luminaires and design objects.
• Toys or educational pieces.

2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a classic in the plastics industry and a favorite in engineering. It offers excellent mechanical and thermal resistance, making it perfect for parts that require durability and functionality.

✅ Advantages.

• High mechanical and thermal resistance.
• It can be sanded and painted.
• Suitable for functional parts.

⚠️ Considerations

• Emits fumes during printing (requires ventilation).
• It tends to deform if a hot bed or closed chamber is not used.

💡 Applications

• Electronic product housings.
• Automotive parts.
• Tools and functional prototypes.

3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

PETG combines the best of PLA and ABS. It is easy to print, tough and has good flexibility, ideal for those looking for durable parts without printing complications.

✅ Advantages.

• Excellent balance between flexibility and rigidity.
• Good chemical and thermal resistance.
• Easy to print compared to ABS.
• Non-toxic and suitable for food contact (in certain grades).

💡 Applications

• Light mechanical parts.
• Containers or bottles.
• Supports or parts for domestic use.

‍4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is the material of flexibility. Its rubber-like behavior makes it ideal for printing elastic, friction-resistant and shock-absorbing parts.

✅ Advantages.

• High elasticity (similar to rubber).
• Impact and abrasion resistant.
• Waterproof and durable.

💡 Applications

• Gaskets or seals.
• Cell phone cases.
• Shoes or soles.
• Anti-vibration components.

5. Nylon (PA - Polyamide)

Nylon is synonymous with industrial strength and performance. This technical material offers high durability and fatigue resistance, being one of the preferred materials in demanding mechanical applications.

✅ Advantages.

• High mechanical and fatigue resistance.
• High durability and chemical resistance.
• Lightweight and wear resistant.

⚠️ Considerations

• Hygroscopic (absorbs humidity).
• Requires controlled printing conditions.

💡 Applications

• Gears and hinges.
• Industrial components.
• Functional prototypes and short series parts.

6. Ultem (PEI - Polyetherimide)

Ultem is the king of high-performance thermoplastics. Used in aerospace and medical industries, it withstands extreme temperatures and demanding environments where other materials fail.

✅ Advantages.

• Thermal resistance up to 200 °C.
• Superior flame retardant and chemical properties.
• High rigidity and dimensional stability.
• Complies with aerospace and medical standards.

💡 Applications

• Aerospace and automotive industry.
• Electrical or electronic components.
• Molds and parts subjected to high temperatures.

7. Carbon fiber composite materials

Carbon fiber composites take 3D printing to the next level. They combine technical polymers with reinforcing fibers to achieve ultra-rigid, lightweight and professional-looking parts.
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✅ Advantages.

• Much more rigid and resistant than its base version.
• Weight reduction with excellent dimensional stability.
• Very aesthetic matte finish.

⚠️ Considerations

• They require hardened nozzles (abrasives).
• They may be more fragile on impact.

💡 Applications

• Drones and structural parts.
• Clamping tools or molds.
• Automobile or cycling parts.

8. Resin Materials (SLA/DLP)

The resins offer maximum precision and detail. Used in technologies such as SLA or DLP, they are ideal for small parts, high definition and professional finishes.

✅ Main types

• Standard resin: ideal for visual prototypes.
• Flexible resin: imitates rubber.
• Resistant resin: for functional parts.
• Transparent resin: for optics or luminaires.
• Dental resin or biocompatible: medical use.

💡 Applications

• Dental models and jewelry.
• Miniatures and high definition parts.
• Precision components or master molds.

🧭 Conclusion.

3D printing offers a wide variety of materials adaptable to every need.
If you are looking for visual prototypes, PLA or standard resin are ideal.
For functional or technical parts, engineering materials such as ABS, PETG, Nylon or Ultem provide strength and durability.
And if you need extreme rigidity and low weight, carbon fiber composites are the best option.

At Trideo we work with all these materials to offer customized solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality and resistance.
👉 Visit our online quotation tool at cotizador.trideo3d.com and find out which material best suits your project.

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