Plastic 3D printing

A variety of plastics can work with 3D Printing. In general, plastics 3D Printing materials can be divided into three types: plastic filaments, liquid resins, and plastic powders. The key distinction between these materials is different 3D Printing technologies. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) uses plastic filament; Stereolithography (SLA) works with liquid resins; both Select Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) are using nylon powders. Material performance combines with dedicated 3D Printing technology, we can generate many possibilities through plastic 3D Printing.

wenext All uploads are secure and confidential.

3D Printing Plastic Materials

Choose plastic 3D Printing to produce highly detailed prototypes. Plastic 3D Printing is an ideal manufacturing solution to create parts require smooth surface, end-use quality, and high precision. We offer on-demand plastic 3D Printing services with a wide range of materials.

All Materials	Description
Resin	Smooth surface, high dimensional accuracy, good toughness, waterproof.	View Resin Materials
Nylon	Excellent mechanical properties, high chemical resistance, no support structures needed, high strength, high toughness.	View Nylon Materials
Polypropylene	Excellent mechanical properties, waterproof, high chemical resistance, no support structures needed, electrical insulation, high toughness.	View Polypropylene Materials

Types of Plastic 3D Printing

There are mainly four types of plastic 3D Printing: FDM, SLA, SLS, and MJF.

FDM, as known as Fused Deposition Modeling, is the same as FFM (Fused Filament Modeling) and FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). FDM fuses and melts thermoplastic filaments such as PLA filaments, ABS filaments, and PETG filaments, etc. The filaments are heated and melted through the hot nozzle and extruded on the build plate layer by layer to create an object.

SLA, also known as Stereolithography, uses UV-laser light to cure liquid resins layer by layer, and eventually create a solid object with highly detailed and smooth surface.

SLS, also called Selective Laser Sintering, uses a high-power laser to sinter polymer/ non-metallic powders in the selective area, fusing the material together and building a solid object. SLS is more complex than FDM and SLA due to the high laser energy and plastic materials.

MJF (Multi Jet Fusion), the exclusive technology invented by HP, is a process of deposit both fusing and detailing agents onto the powder bed by inkjet heads, then fusing the materials by infrared heating unit layer by layer until the object is formed.

Plastic 3D Printing Process

Different kind of plastics can be 3D prinetd, one of the most typical and special 3D printing plastic is liquid resin. Generally, resin parts can be created by SLA/DLP. Let's see how SLA prints resin parts:

Step1

Material Preparation

Pouring enough liquid 3D resin into the material pool and make sure there is no debris in the material pool.

Step2

Laser Light Movement

The laser light will be guided to right coordinates according to the computer-controlled mirror in the printer.

Step3

Make sure each layer is even.

The scraper sweeps the material pool after one layer in being cured, which ensures an even surface. The balance weight can make sure the liquid resin remains in the same place even though the print bed goes down.

Step4

Process repeats until the final parts are shaped.

The process repeats and the laser light scans the resin through the dancing spots, and curing the surface into a right shape.

Step5

Printing bed lifts up.

The resin 3D prints will emerge from the material pool.

Step6

Let the parts sit.

Takes time to wait for residual un-cured resins running down.

Step7

Post-processing

Send resin parts for post-processing, including ultrasonic cleaning, removing supports, re-curing through UV light, sanding, sandblasting, threading, tapping, painting, etc.

Why Choose Plastic 3D Printing?

Create high quality plastic prototypes rapidly for your project, ensuring an efficient and effective production cycle.

Utilizing SLA to fabricate parts with high precision and smooth surface finishes. Create hollow parts are available with SLA 3D Printing.

Select SLS or MJF to produce end-use functional parts with high strength, high toughness, and high dimensional accuracy.

Create parts without support structures are feasible through SLS or MJF 3D Printing.

Plastic 3D Printing Service at Wenext

We offer SLA, SLS, and MJF 3D Printing service with a wide range of materials available.

With powerful manufacturability, high quality and high precision parts will be delivered in short lead time.

Capabilities
Process	Maximum Printing Size	Lead Time	Tolerance	Minimum Layer Thickness
SLA	1650760580mm	48 hours or 72 hours	± 200μm or 0.2%mm	0.6 mm
SLS	350350400mm	48 hours or 72 hours	± 300μm or 0.3%mm	0.8 mm
MJF	370270380mm	48 hours or 72 hours	± 300μm or 0.3%mm	0.8 mm

* For expedited lead times or parts that exceed the maximum printing size contact hello@wenext.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does 3D printing plastic last?

Depending on where and how you store it, 3D printed objects made from plastics can last from a month, to 2 years and up to many years. It can break down at different rates depending on its environment.

2. What is the strongest plastic to 3D print with?

One of the strongest 3D printing materials in terms of durability and heat resistance is PA (Polyamide). This semicrystalline plastic is used for prints that will undergo heavy-duty applications. PA has high strength, excellent impact resistance, and is fatigue-resistant, making it ideal for moving parts. SLS/ MJF supports printing PA.

3. Can 3D printed plastic be reused?

Yes. Reuse waste plastic for your 3D prints is possible.

4. How thin can you 3D print plastic?

Most 3D printers have a set minimum layer thickness, please check our design guidelines HERE.

5. What are the limitations of metal 3D Printing?

If you need your 3D print to be weatherproof, then Polypropylene will be a great option. We provide PPGB Glass Filled for SLS 3D Printing.

6. How much Does Plastic 3D Printing Cost?

Generally, the cost of a plastic 3D printed part depends on part complexity, type of printing material, and post-processing.

7. What are the post-processing options for the plastic 3D printed parts?

We provide a wide range of post-processing options for your parts, including tapping, threading, painting, polishing, grinding, etc. Contact our Customer Success Manger or email hello@wenext.com for more about plastic parts post-processing.