with HP to print their materials,
including electronic, multi-
material, and multicolor
structures.
THE MATERIALS
The three most common
3D-printed materials are
thermoplastic filaments, UV
curable resins, and anything
that can be made into a
powder (metal, ceramic,
or plastics). As 3D printing
becomes more common,
people want to use a wider
variety of materials. These
include metal and plastic
combinations, carbon-fiber
and plastic composites, clay,
plants, human cells, and even chocolate to name just a few. And
3D technology can use recycled materials. Organizations such
as ProtoPrint, the Plastic Bank, and the Perpetual Plastic Project
collect and convert plastic waste (such as milk jugs and water
bottles) into 3D printer filament. Or you can recycle your 3D
plastics with products such as ReDeTec’s ProtoCycler. Meanwhile,
innovators are looking for more ways to recycle materials other
than plastic for 3D printing.
FDM printing uses plastic filaments such
as these. Specialty or composite 3D
printer filaments combine thermoplastics
with metal powder, carbon fiber, wood,
and glow-in-the-dark compounds to
create hybrid materials for printing.
THE HARDWARE
The 3D printers that you’ll find in industrial settings are usually
large and expensive. They cost about $100,000 to more than $1
million. Smaller, more affordable printers for home or office cost
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