1 Topic by murti

  • murti
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  • Registered: 2015-05-08
  • Posts: 1

Topic: ABS vs PLA? Which one for printing accessories?

Dear community members,

I'm thinking of getting into 3D Printer business. I found the 3d printer which i'm going to buy. And now the second biggest issue is choosing the right filament for my shopping business.

I'm thinking of printing accessories like smartphone cases, jewellery and some nice usable little stuff. 2 things are key factors for me: Being able to be smoothed easily with acetone or epoxy resin and 2nd the most important: Durability as i'm going to sell those printed items.

So what is your suggestion due to your experiences so far?

Best Regards
M.

2 Reply by widespreaddeadhead

  • widespreaddeadhead
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  • From: Quad Cities IA/IL
  • Registered: 2015-01-20
  • Posts: 471

Re: ABS vs PLA? Which one for printing accessories?

Print in ABS, acetone can give you some really great looking finishing results if you take the time and do it right.

FuseBox 1.5 CoreXY - e3dv6 - Graphic Smart Display
Solidoodle 2 - e3dv6 - Hobb Goblin - e3d Titan - lawsy carriages - Direct Drive Y Axis - T8 Z axis - OctoPi

3 Reply by heartless

  • heartless
  • heartless
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  • From: Northcentral Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2015-04-08
  • Posts: 2,152

Re: ABS vs PLA? Which one for printing accessories?

agree with the ABS - much more durable than PLA

PLA is easier as far as the actual printing goes (imho) - lower temps, doesn't have to have a heated bed, and the translucence of some of the colors is kind of neat... but it will degrade in temperature extremes (being left in a car for example), high moisture (left in the bathroom), etc., and isn't as easily "finished" post printing.

ABS is a bit more finicky to print with - requires higher temps, heated bed, enclosure to prevent warping/cracking, but once mastered it produces some great pieces that will hold up much better and are more easily "finished" after printing with acetone.

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1