What type of material is ideal for you in 3D printing?
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3D printing material selection really depends on the purpose of your project. I mostly prefer FDM (filament) printing for small prototypes and sensor mounts used in home automation. I especially use PLA because it's easy to print, not brittle, and doesn't emit toxic fumes. I also use ABS, but it requires a well-ventilated area since the smell can be unpleasant.
I’ve always considered switching to resin (UV-curing) printing, which is useful for highly detailed prints, like designing enclosures for sensors or printing intricate parts. However, professional methods like metal sintering require a significant budget and equipment, making them unsuitable for hobbyists like me. Those methods are typically used in industrial projects. In short, filament is best for simple prototypes and home automation, while resin is my go-to for detailed work.
Well, honestly, there's no such thing as an ideal material for me—it all depends on the project. Last year, while working on a small robotic arm project, I started with PLA on my first try, but the arm broke easily when I pressed it. Then I switched to ABS, which was a bit flexible but still couldn’t handle impacts. For my final attempt, I decided to use PETG, which was both flexible and durable, and the printing was easy too—it worked flawlessly. So, in my opinion, material selection is basically the story itself.
If you're printing small prototypes or something for home use, resin might be a good choice. For example, my friend printed figures using UV resin and then detailed them with paint—they looked super realistic. But working with resin is a bit messy, and the consumables are expensive, so you have to decide based on the project. Metal sintering, on the other hand, requires a budget and equipment, making it a bit overkill for hobbyists like me.
I'm using PLA filament, it's super easy and handles home prints just fine. I'm curious, what advantages do people who print with resin see? Does it end up being as brittle as glue?
I also started out with PLA filament; it was super practical for small parts I experimented with, odorless, and budget-friendly. Then I tried ABS, but it stank so much that I ended up worrying about it spreading through the house.