What materials are predominantly used in FDM printing?

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing predominantly utilizes thermoplastic materials that can be heated and extruded through a nozzle to create objects layer by layer. Among the commonly used materials, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is favored for its ease of use and environmentally friendly properties, as it is derived from renewable resources. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is known for its toughness and impact resistance, making it suitable for functional parts. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) combines the sturdiness of ABS with the ease of printing associated with PLA, offering good chemical resistance and durability. Nylon is valued for its strength, flexibility, and wear resistance, making it appropriate for items that require durability.

These materials are specifically designed for the FDM process, as they can be melted and solidified repeatedly, allowing for the creation of complex geometries that FDM is known for. The other options do not align with the types of materials used in FDM; for example, liquid resins and metal powders are more characteristic of other additive manufacturing processes such as SLA (Stereolithography) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), respectively.