Table 2.

Summary of thermoplastic materials used in 3-D printing

Material	Extruded temperature	Bed temperature	Formation	Properties	Advantages	Disadvantages	Application	References
ABS (acrylo-nitrile butadiene styrene)	215–250 °C	80–110 °C	It can be smoothed by sanding or by mixing ABS with acetone	Durable, resistant to corrosion and heat, slightly flexible	Quick solidification Smooth finishing Uneasy to break therefore used in mechanical parts	Non-biodegradable Can decompose through sunlight	Household and consumer goods such as helmet and pipes, toys, sports equipment, automotive parts	[37, 38]
PLA (poly-lactic acid)	170–220 °C	20–55 °C	PLA is made from corn or potatoes starch and is biodegradable	High tensile strength	Not harmful to the environment Pleasant smell during heating Non-toxic High printing speed Less shrinking	Slow cooling process Not heat resistance Needs thicker wall because it is easy to break Prone to clogging the printing nozzle	Low-wear toys, containers, prototype parts, surgical implants and food packaging	[38, 39]
PVA (polyvinyl acetate)	160–170 °C	40 °C	Formed in two steps: polymerizing vinyl acetate followed by hydrolyzed into PVA filament	Water-soluble, possess excellent film formation, good barrier properties and high bonding capabilities	Recyclable Non-toxic Biodegradable	Expensive Require special storage since air moisture can cause deterioration	Supporting material such as rafts and decorative parts	[39, 40]
TPE (thermoplastic elastomers)	180–230 °C	20–55 °C	Flexible and rubber-like textures	Flexible and elastic due to the properties of a soft rubber	Lower melting point Flexible	More difficult to print due to its flexibility Long printing time	Automobile parts, cables, home appliances and wires	[37, 41]
PET (polyethylene terephthalate)	230–255 °C	55–70 °C	PET is a 3D filament made from plastic bottles	Flexible and impact resistant	Easy to print Flexible Hard and shockproof No odour or fumes during printing	Absorbs water from the air	Food containers, tools used for food consumption, phone cases or mechanical parts which require flexibility and impact resistance, jewellery and electronics	[38, 42]
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified)	220–245 °C	70–75 °C	Made of PET filament with glycol-modified	Extremely durable, no odour, high impact resistant, low shrinkage and no brittle	Strong, flexible and recyclable Not brittle No shrinkage Insensitive to moisture from air Does not degrade in water High impact resistant	Operation is complicated Stringing effect will produce thin hairs on the object’s surface	Protective components (e.g.: cell phone cases), mechanical parts and food containers	[38, 43, 44]
PETT (polyethylene cotrimethylene terephthalate)	210–230 °C	45 °C	PETT is a variant of PET, but slightly more rigid than PET	Colourless, water clear, recyclable, strong and flexible	Strong, flexible and biocompatible Does not shrink Insensitive to moisture from the air Non-degradable in water FDA approved Cheap	Uneasy to use Requires fine-tuning of bed and nozzle temperature	Food containers	[45, 46]
HIPS (high impact polystyrene)	220–230 °C	50–60 °C	HIPS is a copolymer that combines polystyrene and rubber	Biodegradable and excellent support material	Can be used as support material Strong Less likely to warp	Requires post-processing to remove supports Curling and adhesion issues	Costumes, models, miniature and prototyping	[42, 47, 48]
Nylon	210–250 °C	60–80 °C	It is a thermoplastic made from petrochemicals	Strong, wear-resistant, light-weight and flexible	Strong, durable and flexible Less brittle than ABS/PLA Will not lose properties even re-melted and re-used	Requires high melting temperature (at least 240ºC) Emits toxic fumes when heated	Machinery and mechanical parts, toolings, gears, dynamic load, toys and consumer products	[38, 42]