Hey @krystle. There are three main products now: ABS, ABS+ and PLA. They all have there pluses and minuses. PLA is mostly organic so is not toxic but has a lower melting point so anything made from this will most likely melt in your car on a hot day (esp. here in Brissy).
ABS has a higher melting point and will hold its shape more, is stronger can be sanded and finished better. It can be toxic if eaten in huge amounts, but you would have to have a strong jaw to bite through it. ABS+ is sort of in between. Its a newer product and its properties are somewhere in between PLA and ABS.
I have been using ABS+ lately but it is harder to work with (as is ABS). I am going to start posting some technology in education stuff soon and I'll start with the 3D Printing and include some more information there. Hope that helps a bit
I have been using PLA so far, but it was really hard to find bulk suppliers offering a wide range of colours.
I ended up buying ABS as I had been watching some youtube tutorials and noticed that you can file, paint and create an all around nicer finish with it - I did not know that it was toxic though :( I was hoping to give it to my kids, but they have pica and they will eat whatever toys I give them.
I hope I can use the ABS and I haven't just spent a bunch of money on something, that is a lot harder to work with.
Anyways only time will tell how I go with it, cheers for letting me know the differences - I will look into ABS+ might be safer around the kids, but not sure it's well stocked in Australia might have to get it shipped in.
Cheers :)
Hi @Krystle. I have some contacts and suppliers we use for 3D printing supplies and they have access to all sorts of filaments. Happy to DM details if you like. Most will supply to private customers too.
As for the ABS, you need to eat a lot of it to get sick. The PLA digests easier too as its organic (if eaten)