При выборе plastic materials for manufacturing—whether for rapid prototyping, small-batch customization, or large-scale production—understanding the gaps between 3D printing plastic materials и ordinary plastic materials необходимо. This article breaks down their core differences in molding processes, structural traits, Свойства материала, и сценарии применения, helping you pick the right material for your project.
1. Краткое сравнение: 3D Печать против. Ordinary Plastic Materials
To quickly grasp the biggest contrasts, start with this comprehensive table. It highlights 6 key dimensions that directly impact material performance and usability.
| Размер сравнения | 3D Printing Plastic Materials | Ordinary Plastic Materials |
| Molding Process | Аддитивное производство: Layer-by-layer stacking (НАПРИМЕР., ФДМ, СЛА) | Subtractive/forming manufacturing: Инъекционное формование, extrusion molding |
| Structural Characteristics | Layered bonds; weaker strength in vertical (layer-thickness) direction; potential interlayer gaps | Uniform internal structure (Инъекционное формование); good lengthwise continuity (экструзия); minimal interlayer issues |
| Механические свойства | Lower tensile/flexural/impact strength (НАПРИМЕР., Плата: ~50MPa tensile strength); improved via annealing | Более высокая сила (НАПРИМЕР., АБС: ~40MPa tensile strength, ПК: ~65MPa); optimized via formula/process |
| Тепловая стабильность | Poor for some types; prone to deformation/discoloration (due to repeated heating/cooling) | Переменная (PC/nylon: good stability; PE film: poor stability) |
| Точность размеров | ± 0,1–0,5 мм (industrial-grade); improved with high-end equipment | CT4–CT5 levels (Инъекционное формование); lower for extrusion (good lengthwise stability) |
| Качество поверхности | Грубый (layered texture); improved via sanding/polishing | Гладкий (Инъекционное формование, via mold finish); Необходима минимальная пост-обработка |
2. Глубокое погружение в основные различия
Below is an in-depth analysis of the most critical differences, using a “process + trait + example” structure to connect technical details to real-world use cases.
2.1 Molding Process & Structural Characteristics: Layered Stacking vs. Uniform Forming
The way materials are shaped directly defines their internal structure:
- 3D Printing Plastic Materials: They rely on layer-by-layer accumulation. Например, в ФДМ (Моделирование сплавленного осаждения), PLA filament is heated to ~190–220°C, extruded through a 0.4mm nozzle, and deposited on the platform one 0.1mm-thick layer at a time. This creates a structure where layers bond externally but may have tiny gaps internally. Как результат, the material is weaker in the vertical direction—e.g., a 3D-printed plastic bracket may break when pulled vertically but hold up better when pulled horizontally.
- Ordinary Plastic Materials: Они используют high-pressure forming или экструзия. В Инъекционное формование, ABS particles are heated to ~220–260°C, injected into a mold cavity at high pressure (~50–150MPa), и охлажденный. This forces the material to fill every mold detail, creating a uniform internal structure with regular molecular arrangement. Например, an injection-molded plastic toy has consistent strength in all directions—no weak vertical layers. В extrusion molding, PE is melted and pushed through a pipe-shaped die, resulting in good continuity along the pipe’s length (ideal for water pipes).
Почему это важно: 3D printing’s layered structure limits its use in load-bearing parts, while ordinary plastics’ uniform structure makes them suitable for structural components.
2.2 Свойства материала: Сила, Тепловая стабильность & Точность
How well do these materials perform under real-world conditions?
2.2.1 Механическая прочность: Lower Baseline vs. Optimized Performance
- 3D Printing Plastics: Their strength is inherently lower. Например, 3D-printed PLA has a tensile strength of ~50MPa—enough for a decorative prototype but not for a phone case that needs to withstand drops. Однако, post-processing like отжиг (heating to ~60–80°C for 1–2 hours) can improve interlayer bonding, boosting tensile strength by ~10–15%.
- Ordinary Plastics: Their strength is optimized for function. Engineering plastics like PC (поликарбонат) have a tensile strength of ~65MPa—strong enough for laptop casings. АБС, used in Lego bricks, has high impact resistance—able to withstand repeated drops without breaking—thanks to its formula and injection molding process.
2.2.2 Тепловая стабильность: Repeated Heating Risks vs. Material-Specific Durability
- 3D Printing Plastics: Many struggle with high temperatures. Плата, например, softens at ~60°C—leaving a 3D-printed PLA cup deformed if filled with hot coffee. This is because the material undergoes multiple heating/cooling cycles during printing, weakening its thermal resistance.
- Ordinary Plastics: Stability varies by type. PC can withstand temperatures up to ~130°C—safe for microwave-safe food containers. Нейлон (used in 3D printing too, but more commonly in ordinary plastics) has a melting point of ~220°C, making it suitable for engine bay components in cars. Однако, ordinary PE film melts at ~110°C—unsuitable for hot applications.
2.2.3 Точность размеров & Качество поверхности: Rough vs. Refined
- 3D Printing Plastics: Accuracy depends on equipment. A consumer-grade FDM printer has ±0.3mm accuracy—fine for a prototype but not for a part that needs to fit with other components. The surface is rough (Ra ~5–10μm) due to layered stacking; sanding with 400-grit paper can smooth it to Ra ~1–2μm, but this adds time.
- Ordinary Plastics: Injection molding delivers precision. It reaches CT4–CT5 tolerance levels (± 0,05–0,1 мм)—perfect for smartphone components that need exact fits. The surface is smooth (Ra ~0.8–1.6μm) right out of the mold, thanks to the mold’s polished finish—no post-processing needed for most applications.
2.3 Сценарии приложения: Прототипирование против. Массовое производство
Each material excels in specific use cases, based on their traits:
| Тип материала | Ключевые сценарии применения |
| 3D Printing Plastic Materials | – Быстрое прототипирование: Convert digital models to physical samples in hours (НАПРИМЕР., auto interior prototypes for ergonomic tests).- Small-batch customization: Make personalized parts (НАПРИМЕР., medical implants tailored to a patient’s anatomy).- Сложные структуры: Print parts with internal cavities/lattices (НАПРИМЕР., lightweight drone frames with wiring channels). |
| Ordinary Plastic Materials | – Крупномасштабное производство: Mass-produce standardized goods (НАПРИМЕР., injection-molded plastic containers, extrusion-molded water pipes).- Структурные компоненты: Make durable parts (НАПРИМЕР., PC laptop casings, ABS toy parts).- Everyday items: Manufacture low-cost products (НАПРИМЕР., PE plastic bags, PP food containers). |
3. Yigu Technology’s View on 3D Printing vs. Ordinary Plastic Materials
В Yigu Technology, we see 3D printing and ordinary plastic materials as complementary, не конкурирует. For rapid design iterations (НАПРИМЕР., тестирование 3 versions of a product prototype), 3D printing saves time and reduces waste. Для массового производства (НАПРИМЕР., 10,000+ plastic toys), ordinary plastics via injection molding are more cost-effective and durable. We often guide clients to combine both: use 3D printing to validate designs, then switch to ordinary plastics for production. We’re also exploring modified 3D printing plastics (НАПРИМЕР., reinforced PLA with glass fibers) to bridge the strength gap, making them more viable for functional parts.
4. Часто задаваемые вопросы: Common Questions About 3D Printing vs. Ordinary Plastic Materials
1 квартал: Can 3D printing plastic materials replace ordinary plastics for mass production?
Нет. 3D printing is too slow (a single part takes hours) and has higher per-unit costs for large batches. Ordinary plastics via injection molding can produce 1,000+ parts per hour at lower cost—making them better for mass production.
2 квартал: Is 3D printing plastic always weaker than ordinary plastic?
Не всегда. High-performance 3D printing plastics like carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon have tensile strength (~80MPa) that matches or exceeds some ordinary plastics (НАПРИМЕР., АБС: ~40MPa). Однако, these 3D printing materials are more expensive and require specialized printers.
Q3: Can ordinary plastic materials be used for complex structures (НАПРИМЕР., Внутренние полости)?
It’s possible but costly. Ordinary plastics need custom molds for complex structures—mold costs can reach $10,000+ Для замысловатых дизайнов. 3D printing can make these structures without molds, saving money for small batches or prototypes.