What characteristic distinguishes thermoplastics from thermosets in 3D printing?

Thermoplastics are known for their ability to be reprocessed and reshaped multiple times without undergoing any chemical change. This characteristic is due to their molecular structure, which consists of long, linear chains that can flow when heated. As a result, thermoplastics can be melted, molded, and then solidified again repeatedly, making them highly versatile for 3D printing applications. This property is particularly useful for prototyping, recycling materials, or manufacturing parts that may require adjustments after their initial production.

In contrast, thermosets undergo a chemical transformation when heated, resulting in a rigid structure that cannot be reshaped once it has set. This fundamental difference in behavior during processing is key to their applications and performance in 3D printing.

While other characteristics may vary between thermoplastics and thermosets, such as environmental impact, durability, or printing temperature requirements, the ability to reshape thermoplastics multiple times is the defining characteristic that sets them apart in the context of 3D printing.