Eco Recycling Today
  • Home
  • Recycling
    • Recycling Near Me
    • Styrofoam Recycling Near Me
    • Recycling Revenue Estimator
      • Scrap Recycling Calculator
      • Metal Recycling Calculator
      • Plastic Recycling Calculator
      • Bottles Recycling Calculator
      • Cardboard Recycling Calculator
      • E-Waste Recycling Calculator
    • Waste Generation Calculator
    • Recycling Carbon Reduction Calculator
    • Recycling Quiz
  • Waste Management
    • Commercial Waste Management
    • Residential Waste Management
    • Hazardous Waste Disposal
    • Waste to Energy
    • Recycling Strategy
    • Recycling Grant
    • Recycling Equipment
      • Reverse Vending Machine
      • Balers
      • Compactors
      • Shredders
      • Crushers
      • Squeezers
      • Sorting Machine
      • Label Remover Machine
      • Dust Collection System
      • Washing System
      • Drying Machine
      • Mixer Machine
      • Pelletizers
  • Recycling Technology
    • Plastic Recycling
      • PET Recycling
      • HDPE Recycling
      • LDPE Recycling
      • PP Recycling
      • PS Recycling
      • PVC Recycling
    • Metals Recycling
      • Aluminum Recycling
      • Iron Recycling
      • Copper Recycling
      • Steel Recycling
    • E-Waste Recycling
      • Computer Recycling
      • TV Recycling
      • Battery Recycling
      • Light Bulb Recycling
      • Refrigerator Recycling
    • Cardboard Recycling
    • Wood Recycling
    • Paper Recycling
    • Glass Recycling
    • Mattress Recycling
    • Rubber Recycling
    • Textile Recycling
    • Tire Recycling
    • Biological Recycling
    • Curbside Recycling
    • Municipal Recycling
  • Resource Recovery
    • Plastic Recovery
    • Metal Recovery
      • Gold Recovery
      • Silver Recovery
    • Mineral Recovery
    • Oil Recovery
  • Products
    • Recycled Plastic Pellets
      • Recycled HDPE Pellets
      • Recycled LDPE Pellets
      • Recycled PP Pellets Black
      • Recycled PP Pellets Food Grade
      • Recycled PET Pellets White
      • Recycled PET Pellets Clear
      • Recycled PVC Pellets
      • Recycled ABS Pellets
      • Recycled EPS Pellets
      • Recycled EVA Pellets
      • PET Flake Blue
      • PET Flake Clear
      • PET Flake Green
    • Recycled Plastic Filament
    • Recycled Plastic Packaging
      • Recycled PP Bags
      • Recycled PET Bags
    • Biodegradable Pellets
      • PLA Pellets
      • PHA Pellets
      • PBAT Pellets
    • Biodegradable 3D filament
    • Biodegradable Packaging
      • Biodegradable Trash Bags
      • Biodegradable Mailing Bags
      • Biodegradable Tote Bags
  • News
  • Contact
My Account
Log in Register
English
Español
français
Eco Recycling Today
  • Home
  • Recycling
    • Recycling Near Me
    • Styrofoam Recycling Near Me
    • Recycling Revenue Estimator
      • Scrap Recycling Calculator
      • Metal Recycling Calculator
      • Plastic Recycling Calculator
      • Bottles Recycling Calculator
      • Cardboard Recycling Calculator
      • E-Waste Recycling Calculator
    • Waste Generation Calculator
    • Recycling Carbon Reduction Calculator
    • Recycling Quiz
  • Waste Management
    • Commercial Waste Management
    • Residential Waste Management
    • Hazardous Waste Disposal
    • Waste to Energy
    • Recycling Strategy
    • Recycling Grant
    • Recycling Equipment
      • Reverse Vending Machine
      • Balers
      • Compactors
      • Shredders
      • Crushers
      • Squeezers
      • Sorting Machine
      • Label Remover Machine
      • Dust Collection System
      • Washing System
      • Drying Machine
      • Mixer Machine
      • Pelletizers
  • Recycling Technology
    • Plastic Recycling
      • PET Recycling
      • HDPE Recycling
      • LDPE Recycling
      • PP Recycling
      • PS Recycling
      • PVC Recycling
    • Metals Recycling
      • Aluminum Recycling
      • Iron Recycling
      • Copper Recycling
      • Steel Recycling
    • E-Waste Recycling
      • Computer Recycling
      • TV Recycling
      • Battery Recycling
      • Light Bulb Recycling
      • Refrigerator Recycling
    • Cardboard Recycling
    • Wood Recycling
    • Paper Recycling
    • Glass Recycling
    • Mattress Recycling
    • Rubber Recycling
    • Textile Recycling
    • Tire Recycling
    • Biological Recycling
    • Curbside Recycling
    • Municipal Recycling
  • Resource Recovery
    • Plastic Recovery
    • Metal Recovery
      • Gold Recovery
      • Silver Recovery
    • Mineral Recovery
    • Oil Recovery
  • Products
    • Recycled Plastic Pellets
      • Recycled HDPE Pellets
      • Recycled LDPE Pellets
      • Recycled PP Pellets Black
      • Recycled PP Pellets Food Grade
      • Recycled PET Pellets White
      • Recycled PET Pellets Clear
      • Recycled PVC Pellets
      • Recycled ABS Pellets
      • Recycled EPS Pellets
      • Recycled EVA Pellets
      • PET Flake Blue
      • PET Flake Clear
      • PET Flake Green
    • Recycled Plastic Filament
    • Recycled Plastic Packaging
      • Recycled PP Bags
      • Recycled PET Bags
    • Biodegradable Pellets
      • PLA Pellets
      • PHA Pellets
      • PBAT Pellets
    • Biodegradable 3D filament
    • Biodegradable Packaging
      • Biodegradable Trash Bags
      • Biodegradable Mailing Bags
      • Biodegradable Tote Bags
  • News
  • Contact
English
Español
français

Search our store

Eco Recycling Today
Popular Searches:
foam plastic recycling
News

Plastic Granules for 3D Printing: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

As 3D printing continues to revolutionize manufacturing, prototyping, and even the arts, one material is quickly rising in popularity: plastic granules. These tiny pellets are becoming a cost-effective, customizable alternative to traditional filament spools—especially for industrial-scale 3D printing.

If you’re a buyer, hobbyist, or manufacturer exploring plastic granules for 3D printing, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from material types to sourcing tips—to make smart purchasing decisions.

Plastic Granules in 3D Printing

Plastic granules, also known as pellets or resins, are small cylindrical pieces of thermoplastic material. In 3D printing, these granules are typically used with pellet extruders, which melt and shape them directly into objects—bypassing the need for pre-made filaments.

Popular Plastic Granules for 3D Printing

Not all plastic granules are ideal for 3D printing. Here are the top materials commonly used:

1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

  • Biodegradable and easy to print
  • Low warping, perfect for beginners
  • Available in both filament and pellet form

2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

  • Tough and impact-resistant
  • Requires a heated bed and proper ventilation
  • Ideal for functional parts

3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

  • Strong, slightly flexible, and chemical-resistant
  • Less brittle than PLA and easier to print than ABS

4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

  • Highly flexible and durable
  • Great for wearables, phone cases, and shock-absorbing parts

5. Nylon (Polyamide)

  • High strength and wear resistance
  • Absorbs moisture, so needs careful storage

Factors to Consider When Buying Plastic Granules

1. Pellet Size and Shape

Ensure uniform pellet size to maintain consistent extrusion. Irregular sizes can clog your extruder and affect print quality.

2. Moisture Content

Plastic granules can absorb moisture from the air, which may cause bubbles and poor adhesion when printing.

Tip: Dry your granules before use with a filament dryer or industrial-grade dehumidifier.

3. Melt Flow Index (MFI)

MFI determines how easily the plastic flows when melted. It's crucial to match the MFI to your 3D printer’s capabilities.

4. Material Purity

High-quality granules should be free from contamination or foreign polymers. Impurities can damage your printer and compromise print integrity.

5. Application Requirements

Are you printing prototypes, end-use parts, or artistic models? Choose materials that match the durability, flexibility, and finish you need.

Virgin vs Recycled Granules: Which Should You Choose?

  • Virgin Granules: Best for high-performance, precise applications. Consistent quality and purity.
  • Recycled Granules: Eco-friendly and cost-effective. Suitable for non-critical parts or experimental projects.

Tip: If using recycled pellets, ask the supplier for quality certificates and test samples.

Where to Buy Plastic Granules for 3D Printing

When sourcing granules, choose suppliers who:

  • Offer technical data sheets (TDS) and safety data sheets (SDS)
  • Provide material testing and MFI data
  • Are transparent about origin and recycling processes (if applicable)
  • Allow small-batch purchases for testing

Cost Comparison: Filament vs Granules

Material Type Avg. Price per Kg (Filament) Avg. Price per Kg (Granules)
PLA $20–30 $5–15
ABS $18–28 $4–12
PETG $22–35 $6–18

Note: Pellet extruder setups can be more expensive initially but offer major savings for bulk or large-format printing.

Switching to plastic granules for 3D printing is a smart move for anyone seeking affordability, customization, and industrial-scale output. By understanding material types, quality indicators, and sourcing tips, you can make confident, cost-effective purchases.

Previous
Step-by-Step Process of Plastic Recycling Using a Shredder
Next
Types of Plastic Granules and Their Uses

Related Articles

How Biodegradable Trash Bags Are Changing Eco-Friendly Living

How to Bale Plastic: A Complete Guide for Recycling and Profit

EV Battery Recycling: Driving the Green Transition in the Automotive Industry

Top 10 Upcycling Business Ideas for a Profitable Green Startup

Recent Post

How Biodegradable Trash Bags Are Changing Eco-Friendly Living
How to Bale Plastic: A Complete Guide for Recycling and Profit
EV Battery Recycling: Driving the Green Transition in the Automotive Industry
Top 10 Upcycling Business Ideas for a Profitable Green Startup
What Is Upcycling? A Complete Guide to Sustainable Creativity

Category

  • Home
  • Recycling
  • Waste Management
  • Recycling Technology
  • Resource Recovery
  • Products
  • News
  • Contact
© recyclingtoday.org 2025

Confirm your age

Are you 18 years old or older?

Come back when you're older

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Shopping Cart

Your cart is currently empty.
Add note for seller
Estimate shipping rates
Add a discount code
Subtotal $0.00
View Cart