What is 3D Printing;

3D Printing is additive manufacturing that uses 3rd dimensional computer models and produces physical representation of these computer models

In order to produce these 3rd dimensional objects, you will need to have access to a 3D printer. There are many brands, models and types of 3D printers out in the market today. The price range for some of these printers can be accessible for the home market. Make sure to research each printer for material compatibility, most will be compatible with ABS and PLA filament, but there are other printers that also use a resin material to print.


You can download and create pre-made models from the internet or you can create your own using modeling software. Most 3D printers are not plug and play, meaning; you might need to completely or partially assemble the unit and install software/drivers onto your computer.  


You’re able to manufacture your own modifications, parts and upgrades for your 3D printer by finding pre-made 3d models of the parts online. Some units are bare bones (bare minimum) or come partially assembled in its own case.


ABS Vs. PLA:

ABS:


  • ABS is short for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. ABS material is produced as a bi-product of natural gas and petroleum (fossil fuels) it is a crystalized liquid; when heated ABS is slow to transit from a gel to liquid.


  • In order to print using ABS filament, there’s a few things that you will have to account for. For example; ABS will require a heated bed in order to the material to adhere and stay put during the build. The heated bed should also be layered with polyimide tape (kapton tape) in order to allow a smooth surface for the ABS material to adhere to as it is printing.


  • Typically for ABS printing your heating bed temperature settings should be set to within the range of 80°C and 105°C. If the heated bed temperature becomes too hot, the base of the model will warp, this will cause the build to most likely fail or deform. Keeping the build area as warm as possible will help the ABS from warping during the printing process. You can cover the printer to insulate it during the build to ensure that there’s distributed heat within the build area.


  • The optimal extruding temperature for ABS materials is between 215°C and 225°C. Hybrid materials may use different extruder settings so check the manufacturer suggested print settings for more information.


  • ABS is considered to be a more flexible material over PLA. ABS is prone to cracking, delamination and warping over time.


  • ABS can be bonded using either solvents or adhesives.


  • While printing ABS will have a distinct smell. In order to prevent these fumes from affecting you it is highly recommended that you print using ABS filament is a room where you will not be for an extended amount of time. While the smell is not too bad for us, it might be for someone else.



PLA:


  • PLA is short for Polylactic acid. PLA is produced from lactic acid, which can be made by fermenting corn. The material is completely biodegradable and safe for the environment. PLA instantly transits from solid to liquid.


  • PLA material is much easier to use when it comes to printing, there aren’t too many requirements that are needed in order to use the material. You also have different options as to what to use to allow the PLA to adhere better to the print surface. You can use polyimide tape for your heating bed, but it can be expensive. You’re also able to use blue painters tape in order for the PLA to adhere on the print surface. Another trick you can use is to simply spray some maximum hold hair spray on the heating bed.


  • As with ABS a heated plate will help with the build, but it isn’t required as PLA adheres to cold surfaces. Depending on the type of build, you will need to set the heat bed temperature. Our recommended heat bed settings are from 30°C to 45°C for best results.


  • PLA benefits greatly when the material is being cooled as it is printing. This will allow for finer details on properly tuned machines.


  • PLA is considered to be more brittle and will snap if the model is bent by force. It is susceptible to breaking or having a brittle model.


  • Can be bonded using adhesives


  • PLA does not give out a strong smell like ABS material, this is due to the natural ingredients used to make the material. It will not give much of a smell at all during the printing process.



Diameter and Sizing differences:


  • PLA and ABS are currently being used in filament rolls that vary in size. Check the specifications of each roll to make sure that it will spool correctly on your printer.
  • The standard diameter sizes for both ABS and PLA are set at 1.75mm and 3.0mm. Even though filaments are rated at 1.75mm and 3.0mm respectably, the diameter sizes with fluctuate as the filament roll is used.
  • For 3mm, the maximum diameter of the filament should not exceed 3mm. The nominal diameter is 2.88mm
  • For 1.75 however the nominal measurement is 1.75mm and must not go below 1.75mm or there will be difficulty in feeding filament onto the extruder.
  • Some printers may use proprietary diameters that are slightly different than the standard 1.75mm or 3.0mm. Make sure to read the specifications for your machine to make sure that you’re getting the appropriate filament roll.


Precision, Strength and limitations


It is easier to maintain better tolerances with ABS filament than you would with PLA. ABS is considered to be more flexible than PLA ABS will give you smooth textures as it prints, but it’s not capable of handling fine details due to the transition point from gel to liquid. PLA is much more brittle after it has printed due to the chemical composition. PLA is capable of printing fine detail with properly calibrated machines. 1.75 extruders are best when printing small items or fairly detailed items. 3.0 extruders are more suitable for models that don’t require precision.


If your printer has a built in heated bed, make sure that it can heat to over 100°C for a more versatile printing experience.

ABS requires your printer to have a heated bed, if this feature is not present, then you will not be able to print using ABS filament. ABS filament will not adhere to an unheated or under-heated surface. If the heating bed is over heated the ABS model tends to warp.


If you have an unheated bed, or one that doesn’t get hot enough, It would be best to use PLA material as it is much easier for the printed material to adhere onto an unheated bed.

If your 3D Printer is open to the air and you’re printing in an environment with relatively cold air, you’re much more likely to experience cracking and warping with ABS than with PLA. When the ambient air temperature is very cold, such as in a basement or shop during the winter, layers of ABS will have more of a tendency to come apart and peel away from each other.

PLA Prints typically do not last in hot temperature; it will deform and melt under the hot sun.


There are of course many other factors that can play into how a model is printed and what will need to be done to get a finished product. This could include sanding down, painting and detailing the models by hand. Also a finely tuned machine will work wonders for you. Not only would a calibrated machine be more efficient at printing, it can also print in great detail. You will need to occasionally buy and replace parts for your printer and even have your machine tuned up by an expert to have a reliable printing machine. Make sure to store print filaments in a dry storage area. Moisture will affect the composition of your filament material and compromises the integrity of the material.

If you have any questions at all, please contact our support staff: