I am deciding between ABS or PLA. What I will probably do is make IPhone cases, some parts for projects (robots, stands, ect.), and random things/modules of stuff (like a dog, or some lego bricks :D). So can you decide what is best?
-EdTheN3rd
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I am deciding between ABS or PLA. What I will probably do is make IPhone cases, some parts for projects (robots, stands, ect.), and random things/modules of stuff (like a dog, or some lego bricks :D). So can you decide what is best?
-EdTheN3rd
Probably could use either. ABS however is a bit more flexible, so might be better for the iPhone cases. ABS is also tougher while PLA is more brittle. The main benefits to PLA are their lower environmental impacts, and less fumes while melting. PA has a much lower melting point which mean you won't have to used as high temperatures while printing.
Yeah like Brian said you could probably use either. Its going to depend on what you want to do and what you think is best. The only thing i would say is make sure that you are using quality filaments. That is the main thing. You can have a great 3d printer but if the filament you are using isn't good your 3d printer wont work up to full potential. I used to go to e bay for my filaments but after getting burned a couple times i started looking for better options. For some time now ive been using cheap3dfilaments they have consistent quality. Alot of times from e bay i would get one good spool then next one would be different. Hope this helps. Good luck
Try Cheap3dfilaments.com or you if you need bulk or cases you can try wholesalefilaments.comQuote:
Originally Posted by EdTheN3rd
Not that I've noticed. All the pla I've used has been every bit as durable and flexible as the abs - in fact the abs breaks where the pla doesn't.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian_Krassenstein
This whole pla versus abs debate is out of date. In the early days of home consumer 3d printing, maybe.
But now, nah pla isn't brittle or highly heat sensitive.
Some pla is much tougher and flexible etc than abs. (polymakr polymax for example)
I haven't even found that much difference in the ability to handle high temperatures either .
On top of this pla prints better, sticks better, warps less - some premium brands don't warp at all - I just can't see me buying any more abs in the future.
Printing wise the lowest I've printed pla is 195, and abs 220-230 - so not much difference.
The biggest difference is that you need a hot heated bed for abs and abs shrinks by 1% so you have to account for that in your model design.
And abs doesn't stick to stuff as easily as pla.
I've printed a fair amount and variety of stuff now - and if I knew someone to sell my abs to I'd sell it. I guess at some point I'll have to use it up. But printing with pla and other pla based specialist filaments is just so much easier and more rewarding, that I honestly don't know when I'll be forced to use abs again :-)
For iphone cases I'd be using flexible pla. Been playing with the polymakr (not beind paid by them, honest - just got a lot of samples from the tct show last year) polyflex. Just amazing stuff.
Easier to use than the tpe based filaments: ninjaflex, filaflex, easyflex etc
In fact it just prints like good pla. No warp, no fuss, no messing about, no stringing.
It's every bit as strong as the ninjaflex, just not quite as stretchy, but cheaper and easier to use.
Plus for a phone case it'll give impact protection you won't get from rigid plastics.
Prints on cold bed, so far I've printed at between 200-210 with no obvious differences at either temp.
My only negative point is that polyflex sticks to blue tape like a bloody limpet on steroids. And I'd just recovered my plate as well lol
WE could do with a forum section on filaments, properties, types, reviews, where to buy etc.
Just looking round my workshop I've got: wood based pla (2 brands), wood like pla (no actual wood - but looks and feels like it is), 3x tpe based flexible rubber filament, 1x pla based flexible filament, 3 brands of pla, conductive abs, glow in the dark pla and abs, 2 brands of pet based filament, bronzefill (pla with bronzepowder), bamboofill (pla with bamboo fibres instead of wood fibres), 2 types of nylon, thermo reactive abs - changes colour when warm, uv reactive filament (not sure if it's abs or pla).
Some are full spools, some are 10-20 metre samples. All of them print best at different settings.
It's probably about time sometime started if not a database, then at least a comprehensive forum section about the different types and use of filament.
For me this is one of the most exciting aspects of 3d printing. The sheer variety of materials and characteristics available. With more announced every week.
Stuff I don't have but would like to try: conductive pla, conductive pla with carbon nano-tubes, carbon fibre based filament, brassfill, various types of pet.
And no doubt there are other flexible pla's out there as well.
I'll happily volunteer to test any filament samples people want to send me. On the reasonable grounds that if you can use it easily on a flashforge creator - it'll probably work on anything :-)
I'll even mod the section if you like Brian. :-)
PLA for me so far. I haven;t had the need for any ABS, and I make iPhone cases, RC car parts, household stuff and just general fooling around.