Materials

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a common thermoplastic polymer used for injection molding and 3D printing. Its glass transition temperature is around 105°C and its melting temperature is between 220 - 250°C. ABS is tough and heat resistant but is not suitable for UV exposure. This material costs around $15 - $25 per kg.

Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate is a less common thermoplastic polymer mostly used for 3D printing. Its glass transition temperature is around 100°C and its melting temperature is between 230 - 260°C. ASA is tough and extremely resistant to heat, chemicals, and UV exposure, making it a great alternative to ABS for outdoor use. This material costs around $25 - $50 per kg.

Nylon, specifically PA12 is a polyamide thermoplastic mostly used for injection molding and 3D printing. Its glass transition temperature is around 48°C and its melting temperature is between 220 - 260°C. Nylon is widely used for products that need to be impact resistant, flexible, or chemical resistant. It is great for these applications due to it's softness. This material costs around $30 - $60 per kg.

Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic with carbonate functional groups. Its glass transition temperature is around 147 °C and its melting temperature is between 295 - 315°C. PC is widely used for lenses, DVDs, CDs, headlight housings and many other products. Due to the fact that it is transparent it is inherently UV resistant. This material costs around $25 - $60 per kg.

Polyether ether ketone is a colorless organic thermoplastic polymer. Its glass transition temperature is around 143°C and its melting temperature is around 343°C. PEEK is a high performance engineered polymer typically used for light weight parts that must be heat resistant and incredibly strong. This material is the most expensive plastic that you can 3D print with costing around $1000 - $1200 per kg.

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol is a thermoplastic polyester commonly used in injection molding and blow molding for making liquid containers. Its glass transition temperature is around 85°C and its melting temperature is between 220 - 260°C. It is an excellent 3D printing material, giving adequate strength, good print quality, moderate UV resistance, and affordability. This material costs around $15 - $25 per kg.

Poly-lactic Acid is a renewable, natural polymer, made from sugar cane or corn pulp. Its glass transition temperature is around 60°C and its melting temperature is between 170 - 180°C. PLA is widely used for prototyping as well as functional parts that will not experience UV or high heat. This material is very dimensionally stable while printing and creates a rigid part. This material is the most easily obtainable 3D printing material, costing around $15 - $30 per kg.

Polypropylene is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic typically used for light weight, durable, highly-flexible parts. Polypropylene is one of the least toxic thermoplastics available and is suitable for items that will come into contact with food. Its glass transition temperature is around 55°C and its melting temperature is around 160°C. This material costs around $35 - $60 per kg.

Thermoplastic polyurethane is a highly flexible thermoplastic used for seals, gaskets, bushings, and anti-vibration couplings as a replacement for natural rubber. It is extremely resistant to heat and chemicals. Its glass transition temperature is around 60 °C and its melting temperature is around 225°C. This material costs around $15 - $25 per kg.