Thermoplastics are polymers which become soft and pliable when heated above a certain temperature and solidify when cooled down. Once solid, they can be re-melted and reformed again and again. In 3D printing, thermoplastics are mainly used in the extrusion and sintering processes, where they are first melted and then reshaped according to the geometry of the 3D CAD model.
Some of the thermoplastics used commonly by us for 3D printing are ABS, PLA, PETG, Nylon.
Thermosetting resins, on the other hand, cannot be melted and reshaped by heating once they are solidified. When subject to high temperatures, they will decompose. In 3D printing, thermosetting resins, primarily photopolymer resins, are cured through photopolymerization processes with the aid of UV light.
Thermosetting resins used commonly by us for 3D printing are ceramic resin, standard resin, castable resin and clear resin.
To check out the complete list of 3D printing materials including various thermoplastics and thermosets, you may visit
this page.
