FDM Materials:
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly filaments used in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printing. It is derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugarcane, making it biodegradable and environmentally friendly. PLA is easy to print with due to its low melting temperature and minimal warping, making it ideal for detailed prints and prototyping. Its strengths include excellent surface finish, a wide range of colors, and a low tendency to warp or shrink. However, PLA is not very heat-resistant and can become brittle over time, which limits its use in functional or outdoor applications where higher mechanical properties or durability are required.
Resin Materials:
Photopolymer Resin
Photopolymer resin is a type of liquid polymer used in 3D printing technologies, particularly in stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) printers. This resin is sensitive to specific wavelengths of light, which causes it to undergo a chemical reaction that hardens the liquid into a solid when exposed to UV light or laser. The process involves carefully projecting or directing light to cure the resin layer by layer, allowing for the creation of highly detailed and precise models. The ability to produce intricate details makes photopolymer resin a popular choice for applications requiring fine resolution, such as in jewelry design, dental prosthetics, and intricate prototypes.