The strongest 3D printing material is polycarbonate (PC), which delivers high tensile strength, impact resistance, and heat resistance. It is widely used for engineering and technical applications that require durability and performance. In this article, we will explore the properties, advantages, and challenges of polycarbonate, as well as some alternatives that offer different levels of strength and flexibility.
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material that can be melted and reshaped multiple times without losing its properties. It has a high glass transition temperature of about 150°C, which means it can withstand high temperatures without deforming or softening. It also has a high tensile strength of about 9,800 PSI, which measures the force required to pull the material apart. This makes it stronger than most other 3D printing materials, such as PLA (7,250 PSI), ABS (7,500 PSI), or PET-G (7,700 PSI).
Polycarbonate is also very resistant to impact, which means it can absorb shocks and vibrations without breaking or cracking. It has a high impact strength of about 30 ft-lb/in, which is the energy required to fracture the material. This is much higher than other materials, such as PLA (5 ft-lb/in), ABS (17 ft-lb/in), or PET-G (19 ft-lb/in).
Another advantage of polycarbonate is its transparency and optical clarity, which makes it suitable for applications that require light transmission or visibility. Polycarbonate can be printed in clear or translucent colors, or even mixed with other additives to create different effects, such as glow-in-the-dark or UV-reactive.
However, polycarbonate is not without its challenges. One of the main drawbacks of polycarbonate is its high printing difficulty, which requires a high-temperature extruder (around 260°C) and a heated bed (around 110°C) to prevent warping and cracking. Polycarbonate also tends to shrink and contract as it cools, which can cause dimensional inaccuracies and layer separation. Moreover, polycarbonate is prone to moisture absorption, which can affect its printability and quality. Therefore, polycarbonate should be stored in a dry and cool place, and dried before printing.
Another challenge of polycarbonate is its environmental impact, which is higher than other materials, such as PLA or PET-G. Polycarbonate is derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable and polluting resource. Polycarbonate also releases toxic fumes when heated, which can cause health issues and damage the printer. Therefore, polycarbonate should be printed in a well-ventilated area, and preferably with an enclosure and a filter. Polycarbonate is also not biodegradable, and can only be recycled under certain conditions.
Alternatives to Polycarbonate
While polycarbonate is the strongest 3D printing material, it is not the only option for strong and durable prints. Depending on the specific requirements and preferences of the project, there are other materials that offer different trade-offs between strength, flexibility, and ease of use. Here are some of the alternatives to polycarbonate:
Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic polymer that has high strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. It is also resistant to chemicals, oils, and solvents. Nylon can be printed at lower temperatures than polycarbonate (around 240°C), but still requires a heated bed (around 80°C) and a dry environment. Nylon is also prone to warping and stringing, and can be difficult to adhere to the bed. Nylon can be reinforced with other materials, such as carbon fiber or glass fiber, to increase its stiffness and rigidity.
TPU: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a flexible and elastic material that can stretch and bend without breaking. It has high impact resistance, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. TPU can be printed at moderate temperatures (around 220°C), and does not require a heated bed. TPU is also easy to print and adhere to the bed, and does not warp or shrink. However, TPU is not very rigid or stable, and can deform under load or heat. TPU is also not very transparent or glossy, and can be affected by UV light and moisture.
PET-G: PET-G (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) is a modified version of PET, which is the material used for plastic bottles. PET-G has high strength, toughness, and transparency. It is also resistant to water, chemicals, and UV light. PET-G can be printed at lower temperatures than polycarbonate (around 230°C), and does not require a heated bed. PET-G is also easy to print and adhere to the bed, and does not warp or shrink. However, PET-G is not as strong or heat resistant as polycarbonate, and can be brittle or brittle under stress. PET-G is also prone to stringing and oozing, and can be affected by moisture.
Polycarbonate is the strongest 3D printing material, but it is not the only one. Depending on the project, there are other materials that offer different levels of strength, flexibility, and ease of use. The choice of material depends on the desired properties, performance, and appearance of the print, as well as the availability, cost, and environmental impact of the material. By understanding the advantages and challenges of each material, you can choose the best one for your 3D printing project.
