Table 3.

Commonly used 3D printer materials

Materials	Pros	Cons	Cost	Compatible printer	Autoclavable
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene	Tough, impact resistant Natural color similar to bone	Unpleasant fumes High melting point	$20–50/kg	Extrusion printers	Only high temperature ABS
Polylactic acid	Biodegradable Easier to print than ABS	Rough texture Print degrades over time	$20–50/kg	FDM	No
Polyvinyl alcohol	Water soluble Good for supports	Releases toxic vapors	> $100/kg	FDM with multiple extruders	No
Nylon	Medically approved Tough Choice for medical guides	Requires high temperatures to print	$18–70/kg	FDM SLS MJF	Yes
Metals	Custom implants can be made	Expensive	$300–600/kg	DMLS SLS	Yes

MJF multi-jet fusion, DMLS direct material laser sintering