## 5 Applications Across Diverse Sectors
### New Materials  
In this chapter, we will explore the various materials used in 3D printing, with a particular focus on advanced and novel filaments. While the article primarily concentrates on these innovative filaments, it is essential to first consider some of the foundational materials that have been instrumental in the field. These include widely used engineering thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamides (PAs), and polyesters, as well as high-performance polymers like polyetherketone (PEK) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). By examining these materials, we can better understand their role in traditional and additive manufacturing processes, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the emerging filaments driving the evolution of 3D printing. These new filaments play a crucial role in advancing additive manufacturing. They offer improved properties and functionalities beyond what traditional manufacturing methods can achieve. These filaments come in various compositions, including advanced polymers, composite materials, and specialty filaments with unique features like flexibility, conductivity, and heat resistance. By focusing on these innovative filaments, the article aims to delve into the forefront of materials science in 3D printing, appealing to readers interested in the latest developments and applications driving the evolution of additive manufacturing technology. Based on a vast experience in plastic processing and profile extrusion, Fiberlogy stands out for the production of new filaments that have unique properties and parameters for FFF/FDM printers. A selection of these materials is presented in Table 4.  
The development of new materials that now encompass a larger spectrum of materials that may be used to build top-notch components and goods has been a huge achievement in 3D printing. These include wood, paper, sandstone, as well as an extensive selection of plastics, metals, minerals, and organic substances. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a widely utilized engineering thermoplastic in 3D printing, renowned for its balanced properties of rigidity and lightweight design. Its versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including in biomedical, industrial, and electronics sectors. Extensive research has focused on optimizing printing parameters and enhancing the mechanical properties of ABS, particularly in fused filament fabrication (FFF). Techniques such as photoinduced graft polymerization have been employed to improve biocompatibility for medical uses, while dynamic chemical processing has facilitated the production of conductive components for automotive applications. In selective laser sintering (SLS), optimizing factors like laser power and scan speed is essential for achieving high-quality prints, particularly for non-structural automotive parts. To further enhance ABS's performance, blending with thermoplastic elastomers such as TPU has emerged as an effective strategy. This approach not only improves viscoelastic properties but also allows for room-temperature printing, reducing energy consumption and production costs. Additionally, fiber-reinforced ABS composites, particularly those containing continuous carbon fibers (CFs), can be customized for load-bearing applications in automotive and aerospace industries, although higher CF content may present extrusion challenges. Sustainable alternatives, including natural fillers like rice straw and macadamia nut shells, have been investigated to create eco-friendly composites. While these natural fillers may reduce mechanical properties and increase water absorption, macadamia shells offer a cost-effective solution that supports circular economy initiatives. Moreover, nanocomposites integrating fillers such as lignin-coated cellulose nanocrystals and organically modified montmorillonite provide benefits like reduced weight and increased stiffness. These materials can enhance tensile strength and thermal stability, although issues related to porosity and layer adhesion can affect overall performance.