Acrylic A very popular sheet plastic often sold under the trade name Perspex in a variety of colours and finishes such as opaque, clear and translucent. Tough, versatile and available in many thicknesses, acrylic is widely used in schools especially on laser cutters. Look for convenient laser size sheets as they don t need cutting down to use. Cast v Extruded There is little difference between these two types of acrylic with the main differences being in the chemical properties and manufacture. Extruded acrylic is made from acrylic resin being pushed through a roller to form a sheet of consistent thickness while cast is moulded meaning the thickness is much less consistent. Acrylic can be laser cut and engraved to produce some fantastic results. Fabrications Decoration Signage Artwork Glass alternative Plastics knife CNC machine Vacuum former (Extruded XT only)
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) A versatile, impact resistant plastic which is easily formed and fabricated. Commonly used in schools for vacuum forming and quick cost effective prototypes. HIPS is often used in packaging and drinks containers. HIPs is available in food grade allowing it to be used for food packaging or even moulds. HIPS is inexpensive, easy to process and available in many colours. HIPS can be easily vacuum formed. HIPS can be recycled and when used with the Schred recycling system, new sheets can be made from old scraps. Blister packaging Enclosures Prototyping Moulds for food Plastics knife Vacuum former Vacuum form cutter
Polypropylene A tough thermoplastic polymer often used in packaging, stationery and textiles. It can be cut and bent and is particularly ideal for document folders and bespoke containers. It is resistant to many solvents and adhesives and available in lots of colours and finishes. Can be bent repeatedly making it ideal for hinged applications Polypropylene is used in furniture and carpet manufacture Good chemical and heat resistance makes it safe for food storage and packaging Packaging Carpeting Reusable containers Hinges Plastics knife CNC machine Vacuum former
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) MDF is a manufactured wood product made from tiny wood particles which are glued together with a resin binder. They are then compressed by using high pressure and temperature to form sheets. MDF is often used in model making. It can be used in similar applications to plywood and is just as dense. MDF is more uniform than most woods due to it s manufacture, with no knots and a consistent size. It is easy to finish with paint etc. but should be sealed as it is easily damaged by moisture. MDF produces a lot of dust when cut so extraction and dust masks are recommended. This hinge was created by laser cutting the design. Veneered MDF is also available with the added advantage of decorative surface options Furniture Chipboard alternative Table tops Heavy duty storage Models Bandsaw Scrollsaw Handsaw
ABS 3D Printer Filament ABS is a very popular, durable, temperature and impact resistant plastic meaning ABS prints are less affected by post print deformation. ABS doesn t require a lot of force to extrude which is another reason for its popularity and it extrudes at a temperature between 210-250 C. It can warp slightly on the print bed, especially when printing larger objects, which is why a heated print bed is a must for ABS. ABS isn t considered as environmentally friendly as other 3D filaments as it is petroleum based and some fumes are given off during printing so it s always recommended to use in a well ventilated area. ABS is what Lego pieces are made from. ABS prints can be smoothed using acetone vapour ABS requires a heated print surface to avoid warping Pros Very sturdy and hard Suitable for machine or car parts Higher melting point Longer lifespan Cons Not considered environmentally friendly Requires a heated surface Some fumes when printing More difficult to print Not suitable for using with food
PLA 3D Printer Filament The main advantage of PLA is that it is a bioplastic derived from starch so it is completely biodegradable. PLA does not suffer the same warping problems as ABS so does not require a heated print bed. It has a lower melting point than ABS so extrudes at a temperature of 180-210 C which actually helps layer bonding and can help produce sharper detail. PLA can be used in lost PLA casting. PLA is slightly harder to push through the extruder than ABS but adjustment in the extrude temperature can help with this. PLA is a great filament choice for schools with it being environmentally friendly and available in a large range of colours and finishes. Pros Can be printed on a cold surface More environmentally friendly Shinier and smoother appearance No fumes during printing PLA can be printed on a cold surface Cons Can deform because of heat Less sturdy than ABS