It was projected that the value of the global additive manufacturing market would reach USD 13.84 billion in 2021, and between 2022 and 2030, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8 percent is forecast. Similarly, it is expected that the total number of 3D printer units shipped around the world would increase to 21.5 million by the year 2030, from a figure of 2.2 million in 2021. It is anticipated that factors such as an increase in demand for prototype applications from a variety of industries and industrial verticals, such as healthcare, automotive, and aerospace & military, as well as active research and development in 3D printing, will drive the market. This growth in demand for prototype applications is expected to occur in the coming years [13].
Luyu Zhou (2018), constructively analyzed the different forms of 3D printers and materials used in art design, focusing on China. In his study, Zhou choose Chinese art designers as the objects to express the significance of 3D printing to their designs, based on the findings of the study of the situation of 3D printing in China. He then separates all of the art design fields into 14 distinct specialties based on the departments that are established in China's most prestigious universities and then analyzes the professional characteristics of the work performed in each specialty to determine the preferred requirements and primary concerns that art designers from each specialty to consider when selecting and making use of 3D printers and materials. Zhou provides some recommendations for art designers working in a variety of professions regarding the selection and purchase of 3D printers and materials by analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of performance characteristics of 3D printers, including printing accuracy, printing speed, printable materials, and printing volume. In addition, the author examines the colors, tensile strength, and flexibility of the materials that are most commonly found on the Chinese market and has a positive reputation [14].
2.1 Types of Filaments:
a. Polylactic Acid (PLA):
PLA is a more popular 3D printer filament because of its general characteristics, such as simplicity, availability, and biodegradability. It is odorless and possesses a pleasant smell, because of its natural state, made from sugarcane, maize starch, and other organic products. In addition, the printing temperature is quite low, because this filament does not easily warp, and a heating bed is not required in the printing.
PLA has become a widely used material due to its low production costs. It was the second most widely used bioplastic in the world in 2010, even though it is not a commodity polymer. Several flaws in the physical and processing aspects of this technology have prevented it from being widely used. In 3D printing, PLA is the most commonly used plastic filament material. Therefore, it is a suitable material for this because of its low melting point, strong strength, minimal thermal expansion, good layer adhesion, and high heat resistance when annealed. In comparison to other commonly used 3D printing polymers, PLA's heat resistance is the lowest without annealing [16].
b. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS):
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene abbreviated as ABS is a 3D printing filament that is resistant to high temperatures. However, PLA is the material that is more commonly used for everyday and casual applications, but ABS has better mechanical characteristics. Additionally, ABS warp more but has more complications during printing. Furthermore, ABS is a terpolymer created through the polymerization of styrene, polybutadiene, and acrylonitrile. Possible proportions include 15–35% acrylonitrile, 40–60 percent styrene, and 5–30 percent butadiene.
Some of the disadvantages of ABS filaments is that it requires adequate ventilation before use. Also, ABS that has been melted produces vapors that are both poisonous with an offensive smell. However, ABS is superior to PLA despite having some limitations. Because of its superior material qualities, it can tolerate both high temperatures and a great deal of pressure. Make use of it for things that you frequently handle, heat, or drop [17].
c. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG):
PETG is the most popular type of thermoplastic polymer resin that belongs to the polyester family. It is utilized in the production of fibers for garments, containers for beverages and foods, thermoforming for manufacturing, and engineering resins when combined with glass fiber. Similarly, PETG is renowned for its long-lasting properties, including its flexibility, tolerance to high temperatures, and resistance to impact. It is commonly used to print functional materials that will be subjected to sudden or prolonged stress. When compared to its contemporary filaments, this filament is easier to print, clearer, and less brittle. However, PETG may be able to satisfy someone’s requirements if the person is undecided between PLA and ABS. Some of PETG’s characteristics include its ability to print easily, similar to PLA, but it also has the flexibility and resistance of ABS [18].
d. Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE):
Thermoplastic elastomers, also known as thermoplastic rubbers, are a type of copolymer or a physical combination of polymers (typically plastic and rubber) that include components with both thermoplastic and elastomeric attributes. The term "thermoplastic elastomers" (TPE) is occasionally used interchangeably with "thermoplastic rubbers." TPE is a rubber-like filament that is utilized in the manufacturing of stretchable and long-lasting products. It is capable of withstanding strain and force that is beyond the capabilities of PLA and ABS. Therefore, because of its qualities, it is suitable for use in the 3D printing of a wide variety of items, including but not limited to toys, medical supplies, and components for automobiles. Some of the characteristics include its ability to be clearer after printing, easy to use, and less brittle. However, extrusion might be challenging, also, the printing pace is considerably slower. In addition, for an improved 3D printing experience, you can get around this problem by using a variation of the material known as TPE [19].
e. Nylon:
Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers called polyamides, and it is the general designation for this group. Thermoplastic material with a silk-like appearance, nylon is often derived from petroleum and can be molten-processed into threads, films, or other forms. Nylon is a strong filament that can be utilized in the production of working prototypes, gears, and other sorts of mechanical components. Because it absorbs a lot of moisture, coloring it either before or after the printing process is very simple [20].
Similar to ABS, Nylon filament demands a high temperature for both the print bed and the nozzle. If you do not use a heated bed, you will experience warping and below-average output. The fact that nylon must be printed at a high temperature makes the material more difficult to work with, but it also gives the material a high level of durability and resistance to abrasion and impact.
Another aspect of working with nylon that can be troublesome is the material's hygroscopic quality, which is its capacity to take up moisture from the surrounding air. The product's quality can be negatively impacted by even brief contact with dampness. When you print with an exposed nylon filament, rather than getting a smooth finish, you will get "bubbles" in the output of your 3D printer. To ensure that it stays in pristine shape, you should always keep it stored in a cool, dry place [21].
f. Polycarbonates (PC):
PC is a class of thermoplastic polymers that, within their molecular structures, contain carbonate groups. The polycarbonates that are utilized in engineering are materials that are durable and sturdy, and some grades are transparent to the human eye. Furthermore, they may be worked readily and easily molded and thermoformed. Thus, because of these qualities, polycarbonates are useful in a wide variety of applications.
Furthermore, PC is one of the most durable filaments because it is resistant to both high temperatures and rapid physical shocks. This makes it one of the strongest filaments. As a result of its transparency and a moderate degree of adaptability, it is an essential component in the manufacturing of components for the automotive, electrical, and mechanical industries. Therefore, because polycarbonate absorbs moisture in the air much as nylon does, you need to focus on keeping it safe to preserve its quality [22].
g. Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA):
Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), which is also referred to as acrylic styrene acrylonitrile, is described as an amorphous thermoplastic, developed as a potential substitute to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), with better weather tolerance. It is frequently used in the automotive industry and is a popular choice among manufacturers.
Similarly, prints made using ASA filaments are heat-resistant, robust, and more rigid than those made with ABS filaments. ASA filament is an alternative to ABS filament. Due to its superior resistance to the effects of ultraviolet light and severe weather, it is ideal for use in applications that are exposed to the elements. In addition to this, it is not affected by contact with chemicals. However, even though it is generally considered to be a superior version of ABS, ASA still warps during printing [23].