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What is 3D Ink?

Published in 3D Printing Materials 2 mins read

While often called "ink," 3D printing, especially in common desktop models, doesn't actually use ink in the traditional sense. Instead, it primarily uses thermoplastic filaments.

In simpler terms, 3D "ink" is usually a material that is melted and extruded to build a three-dimensional object layer by layer. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

What it Really Is: Filament

  • Thermoplastic Filament: The most prevalent type of "3D ink." This is a plastic material that becomes pliable when heated and solidifies upon cooling.
  • Common Materials:
    • PLA (Polylactic Acid): A biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. PLA is known for its ease of use and lower printing temperatures.
    • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A petroleum-based plastic known for its durability, impact resistance, and higher printing temperatures.
  • How it Works: The filament is fed into a heated print head (extruder), where it melts. The melted plastic is then deposited onto a build platform according to a digital design.

Why the Term "Ink" is Used

The term "ink" is often used informally because:

  • It's Analogous: Just like ink in a regular printer, the 3D printing material is what "creates" the final product.
  • Simplicity: It's a simpler and more easily understandable term for the general public.

Beyond Filament: Other 3D Printing Materials

While thermoplastic filaments are most common, other materials used in 3D printing could also be loosely described as "3D ink," including:

  • Resins: Used in stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) 3D printers. These are liquid photopolymers that solidify when exposed to ultraviolet light.
  • Powders: Used in selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM) 3D printers. These are powdered materials (like nylon, metal, or ceramics) that are fused together by a laser.

In conclusion, while often referred to as "3D ink," the primary material used in common 3D printing is thermoplastic filament. The term is used for its simplicity, but it's important to understand the true nature of the materials involved.