Which plastics can I process in my 3D printer?
This depends mainly on three factors:
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What is the highest possible printing temperature?
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Do I have a heated print bed?
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How is my filament extruder designed?
Many printers have a maximum temperature of 250°C. This allows them to process PLA, PET-G, TPU (TPE), PS (polystyrene), PP (polypropylene), and possibly ABS. Depending on the type, ABS is processed between 245 and 270°C. If you have a printer that goes up to 270°C, you can easily process ABS and ASA. The temperature limit usually depends on the PTFE tube used in the print head. The tube softens at 270°C. If you want to print with PC (polycarbonate) or PA (polyamide), a printer with an even higher adjustable temperature is better.
If I don't have a heated print bed, my only options are to print with PLA or TPU. If I can heat my print bed to at least 100°C, then all other plastics will also work.
The type of extruder that forces the filament into the nozzle is also crucial. There are essentially three different designs.
The Bowden extruder
The extruder is not integrated directly into the print head. It is usually located externally on the printer housing. These systems are suitable for all hard and rigid plastics, such as PLA, ABS, PET-G, etc. For flexible plastics like TPU (TPE), it depends on the quality of the Bowden extruder. TPU typically has a hardness ranging from 95 Shore A to over 60 Shore D.
The direct extruder
The direct extruder sits above the nozzle on the movable print head. If there is a gap of several millimeters between the feed unit and the PTFE tube, the choice of materials is just as limited as with a Bowden system. Filament that is too soft will be forced out between the feed unit and the PTFE guide tube, leading to filament jams.
A well-designed direct extruder has no gap between the feed unit and the PTFE guide tube. This type of extruder can also process very soft filaments. TPU is suitable from approximately 60/70 Shore A. Anything harder or stiffer is generally compatible.
