Which materials are commonly used in FDM printing?

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) primarily utilizes thermoplastic materials that can be melted and extruded through a nozzle during the printing process. The correct answer identifies a range of commonly used thermoplastics: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), and nylon.

These materials have been widely adopted due to their favorable properties for 3D printing. For instance, ABS is strong and slightly flexible, making it ideal for a variety of applications, while PLA is more biodegradable and easier to print with due to its low warping tendencies. PETG combines the ease of printing of PLA with the durability of ABS, which makes it great for functional prints. TPU is notable for its rubber-like qualities, allowing flexibility in prints, and nylon is prized for its strength and durability.

The other options consist of materials that either do not conform to the requirements of FDM printing processes or are not thermoplastics suitable for this technique. Wood, metal, and glass generally require different manufacturing methods, while rubber, silicone, and composites do not align with the extrusion principles central to FDM.