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Different types of 3d printer filaments
What Are the 6 Different 3D Printer Filament Types?
Consumer 3D printers are no longer restricted to ABS and PLA filaments. The popularity of additive manufacturing technology has led to the influx of many engineering plastics. Although ABS and PLA remain popular, many 3D printing enthusiasts have switched to newer materials.
So, here is everything you need to know about different 3D printing filaments and how to choose one for your specific needs.
How to Choose a 3D Printing Filament
3D printing is unlike most run-of-the-mill hobbies. It involves sophisticated robots creating complicated objects using exotic materials. Like all advanced engineering endeavors, 3D printing relies on the users’ ability to read and follow technical data sheets. Knowing how to make sense of these documents is key to knowing which 3D printing filament to use for specific applications.
Image Credit: Nachiket Mhatre There’s no need to bother with this if your 3D printing needs are restricted to cosmetic prints because PLA is all you will ever need. Printing functional parts, however, needs an understanding of various filament parameters, such as tensile strength, toughness/flexibility, heat resistance, durability, creep, and warping.
So, what are the best 3D printing filaments, and when should you use one over another?
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Polylactic Acid is to 3D printing what training wheels are to bicycles. It’s incredibly easy to print on even the cheapest 3D printers. With print temperatures beginning as low as 180°C, you don’t need an all-metal hot end to print this filament safely. PLA doesn’t even require a heated bed, as long as the ambient room temperature is maintained above 20°C.
Image Credits: Nachiket MhatreThe material practically doesn’t warp and can bridge extremely well if you give adequate part cooling. Not sure what all those terms mean? Check out our Ender-3 upgrade guide to learn more about all-metal hot ends and 3D printer safety.
The bottom line: it’s incredibly difficult to ruin a PLA print.
This allows beginners to gradually learn the many complicated aspects of 3D printing without hitting the brick wall of repeated print failures. As a beginner, sticking to PLA makes it easy to grasp the fundamentals of bed adhesion, first layer calibration, overhangs, and bridging. PLA is the optimal way to test the limits of 3D printing without having to second-guess your printer calibration and slicer settings.
PLA Filament Properties
- Printability: Excellent
- Color Selection: Excellent
- Heat Resistance: Poor
- Tensile Strength: Excellent
- Toughness: Poor
- UV Resistance: Excellent
- Moisture Resistance: Excellent
- Creep Resistance: Poor
When Should You Use PLA 3D Printing Filament?
PLA is great for cosmetic 3D prints but not so much for anything else.
Despite its high tensile strength, it lacks toughness because the material is too hard to flex. This makes it brittle and susceptible to cracking in applications requiring impact resistance and bending. Its low-temperature printability also translates into poor heat resistance. PLA prints warp when subjected to direct sunlight or in-car conditions due to the material’s low glass transition temperature of 57°C.
PLA’s tendency to creep, or to permanently deform under load at room temperature, makes it unviable for any functional print that either uses fasteners or serves any load-bearing purpose. Consequently, most 3D printing enthusiasts move to other materials once they have mastered slicer settings and 3D printer tuning with PLA.
2. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG should ideally be your second filament challenge once you have mastered PLA. It is quite similar to the plastic found in water bottles and food containers, except for the addition of glycol to improve printability.
PETG is better than PLA in most important parameters. It’s slightly tougher, significantly more heat resistant, exhibits excellent creep resistance, and is therefore suitable for functional 3D printing.
However, it is also slightly more difficult to print. That isn’t entirely a bad thing. While it is virtually impossible for a well-tuned printer to mess up PLA prints, getting PETG right requires a better understanding of slicing software and first layer calibration. This makes the filament a safe way to learn these concepts, which are vital to mastering other technically challenging 3D printing filaments.
PETG is also quite hygroscopic, so drying it before printing is necessary if you live in a humid area. The prints themselves aren’t prone to moisture absorption, but a wet filament will cause extrusion and print quality issues. The material can bond permanently to most 3D printing surfaces if the first layer is printed too close to the build surface.
The sticky, viscous nature of the molten filament also makes it a poor choice for bridging and steep overhangs. However, that also translates into the best layer adhesion despite its low printing temperature.
PETG Filament Properties
- Printability: Good
- Color Selection: Good
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Tensile Strength: Good
- Toughness: Good
- UV Resistance: Excellent
- Moisture Resistance: Poor
- Creep Resistance: Good
When Should You Use PETG 3D Printing Filament?
PETG is the perfect compromise between PLA and the much superior ABS filaments. While it lacks the higher temperature resistance of ABS, it is still good enough for prints to be used outdoors or car interiors. It is also considerably tougher than PLA and ideal for applications where impact resistance is desired.
PETG’s resistance to creep also makes it ideal for functional prints and 3D printer components alike.
3. TPE/TPU/TPC (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Polyurethane/Copolyester)
TPE comprises a number of plastics with rubber-like properties. Such filaments are used in applications where flexibility is desired. Regular flexible filaments marketed as TPE are available in various shore hardness, which is a measure of flexibility. In fact, TPE incorporates a broad category of filaments, including urethane-based TPU, which is slightly more rigid to improve printability. TPC is a copolyester-based variant with improved resistance to heat, UV, and chemical agents.
Printing with TPE and its variants are challenging due to the inherent flexibility of the filament. These filaments are particularly difficult to print with Bowden extruders since the lack of rigidity makes it difficult to push the filament through the nozzle. Therefore, direct drive extruders, with a short filament path between the extruder gears and nozzle, are recommended for reliable printing.
The tendency of the filament to compress and elongate also makes retractions unreliable. This leads to excessive stringing in prints, which requires expertise to mitigate. It is also recommended to print these flexible filaments on an unheated bed, preferably with a release agent, such as a glue stick or hairspray. Failure to do that often results in the prints permanently bonding to the build surface.
TPE Filament Properties
- Printability: Average
- Color Selection: Average
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Tensile Strength: Average
- Toughness: Excellent
- UV Resistance: Good
- Moisture Resistance: Poor
- Creep Resistance: Good
When Should You Use TPE/TPU/TPC 3D Printing Filament?
These flexible filaments are excellent in applications where impact resistance, bendability, wear, and grip are more desirable than rigidity.
TPE and TPU are regularly used to 3D print gaskets, phone covers, and wristbands for wearable devices. TPC is a more expensive alternative that offers additional temperature and chemical resistance suitable for harsh environments.
4. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS, in its injection molded avatar, is found in most consumer products in the form of automobile dashboards and switchgear, toys, pipe fittings, and as the chassis of most consumer durables. Not surprisingly, its familiarity, price, and availability made it the material of choice for the commercial 3D printing industry. It’s a terrific material with an unmatched price-to-performance ratio and good heat resistance.
Image Credit: Nachiket Mhatre Its heat resistance makes it incompatible with the cheap PTFE-lined hot ends. Most ABS filaments require nozzle temperatures of around 250°C. This makes all-metal hot ends mandatory for safe printing. The filament also off-gasses harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as styrene, which are known to negatively impact health.
Learn how ABS compares to PLA in our ABS vs. PLA comparison.
ABS filament’s tendency to warp makes it difficult to print unless you own a printer with a heated enclosure, like the Voron series of DIY 3D printers. Delamination, bed adhesion, and warping are persistent issues on large ABS prints on unenclosed printers. Having said that, most modern ABS filament blends print fine, as long as you keep the build volume enclosed and use the heated bed as a passive heat source. Carbon fiber and glass fiber-enhanced ABS composite filaments mitigate these issues to a great extent.
ABS Filament Properties
- Printability: Average
- Color Selection: Average
- Heat Resistance: Good
- Tensile Strength: Good
- Toughness: Good
- UV Resistance: Average
- Moisture Resistance: Good
- Creep Resistance: Excellent
When Should You Use ABS 3D Printing Filament?
ABS exhibits good tensile strength and toughness, which makes it ideal for functional prints and even some engineering applications.
The material can be used in high-temperature applications such as 3D printer hot end components and functional prints for car interiors. Any engineering scenario that demands resistance to heat, impact, and wear can be met cheaply with ABS.
5. ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA is a modified form of ABS that is easier to print and exhibits improved UV resistance. Large ASA prints are easier thanks to their tendency to warp less than ABS. Most ASA filaments also tend to off-gas less VOCs while printing.
And all this is achieved while maintaining the strength, toughness, and temperature resistance comparable to ABS. We see no reason to choose ABS if you can afford the slight premium commanded by ASA filaments.
ASA Filament Properties
- Printability: Good
- Color Selection: Average
- Heat Resistance: Good
- Tensile Strength: Good
- Toughness: Good
- UV Resistance: Excellent
- Moisture Resistance: Good
- Creep Resistance: Excellent
When Should You Use ASA 3D Printing Filament?
ASA can be used for the same applications as ABS, with the added versatility of maintaining durability and color integrity despite heavy exposure to sunlight.
6. PA (Polyamide or Nylon)
Polyamide, better known as its brand name Nylon, is found in consumer durables in the form of gears, hinges, and sliding components—basically in any application that calls for extreme wear resistance, low friction, excellent toughness, and some degree of temperature tolerance. PA is indispensable in powder-sintered 3D printing processes employed in commercial SLS 3D printers.
Image Credit: Nachiket MhatreNylon also exists in the FDM 3D printing space in various blends offering different compromises between heat resistance, toughness, durability, and creep resistance. The latter is important because the material exhibits a tendency to heat creep in its natural state. Therefore, most engineering applications require PA blended with carbon or glass fiber to improve tensile strength, creep resistance, and temperature tolerance.
The material’s high glass transition temperature and an innate tendency to warp make it difficult to print on cheap, unenclosed printers. Furthermore, PA’s chronic tendency to absorb moisture requires filament dryers that can reliably maintain 80°C chamber temperatures. In fact, successful printing also requires the filament to be routed through a dry box while printing. It’s a great engineering filament that demands a capable printer and an experienced operator.
PA Filament Properties
- Printability: Poor
- Color Selection: Poor
- Heat Resistance: Good
- Tensile Strength: Good
- Toughness: Excellent
- UV Resistance: Average
- Moisture Resistance: Poor
- Creep Resistance: Average
When Should You Use PA 3D Printing Filament?
Functional PA prints work well as mechanical parts, such as gears, hinges, and levers. The material is also tough enough to be used to manufacture custom tools and prototypes requiring strong meshing parts subjected to friction and impact. Various glass fiber and carbon fiber blends can also be used to modify the rigidity and flexibility of the material to suit different engineering demands.
6. PC (Polycarbonate)
PC is one of the strongest 3D printing filaments accessible to consumer 3D printers. How strong, you ask? Well, the material is used to manufacture everything from bullet-proof glass to fighter jet canopies. PC can withstand temperatures as high as 110°C, with some blends even outperforming that impressive figure.
PC has the unique distinction of exhibiting high tensile strength while also being extremely impact resistant. This gives it the distinction of excelling in applications where even Nylon falls short. However, these physical properties make PC challenging to print. It isn’t uncommon for some PC blends to require nozzle temperatures of 300 °C, with the heated bed maintained in excess of 100 °C.
The material is also prone to excessive warping and only adheres well to polycarbonate build surfaces or polyimide tape. However, like Nylon, PC is available in various blends, making it more printable.
PC Filament Properties
- Printability: Poor
- Color Selection: Poor
- Heat Resistance: Excellent
- Tensile Strength: Excellent
- Toughness: Excellent
- UV Resistance: Excellent
- Moisture Resistance: Poor
- Creep Resistance: Excellent
When Should You Use PC 3D Printing Filament?
PC is employed in various industrial, automotive, and electrical applications—especially those requiring high strength and temperature resistance. The inherent optical clarity of the material also makes it ideal for transparent prints, as long as the wall thickness is kept minimal.
Choose Your 3D Printing Filament Wisely
Now that you have a handy means to compare various physical properties and performance parameters of consumer-grade filaments, choosing the right one is a matter of evaluating which parameters are best suited to your particular applications.
If you are new to 3D printing, we recommend starting with PLA and graduating to PETG before taking on more challenging materials such as ABS and Nylon.
Types of 3D Printer Filaments
FDM (Fused deposition modeling) 3D printers make use of filaments. These materials are supplied on a 3D printer spool and are directed through a heated nozzle by means of an extruder. The extruded plastic is then used to build up a 3D printed part, layer by layer. There are different 3D printer filament types. However, 10 of the most commonly used will be described in this article including their mechanical properties, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
1. PLA Filament
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic monomer made from organic sources. This is in contrast to other 3D printer filament types that are made from petroleum products. PLA is easy to print and is environmentally friendly. However, it is brittle and has poor UV resistance. Additional key characteristics are:
- Warping: PLA does not warp easily during printing
- Solubility: PLA is not soluble in water.
But, it can be dissolved in acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, or caustic soda.
- Food Safety: PLA is food safe
Table 1 lists the mechanical properties of PLA:
Table 1. PLA Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 65 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | 3.8 GPa |
Print Temperature | 130 to 180 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 50 °C |
Some types of PLA filament can be conductive, for more information see our full guide on Conductive PLA Filaments for 3D Printing.
2. ABS Filament
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a widely used engineering plastic and 3D printing filament type. ABS exhibits excellent toughness and can withstand relatively high temperatures. Printing with ABS requires high temperatures for both the hot end and the printer bed.
Heated build volumes are also required for good results. Additionally, all types of ABS tend to warp during printing, which results in poor dimensional accuracy. Additional key characteristics are:
- Durability: ABS has excellent resistance to overall wear and tear. It is both tough and impact resistant.
- Solubility: ABS is not soluble in water. However organic solvents like acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and esters will dissolve ABS.
- Food Safety: ABS is a food-grade plastic
Table 2 lists the mechanical properties of ABS:
Table 2. ABS Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 40 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | 1.6 to 2.4 GPa |
Print Temperature | 220 to 250 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 95 to 110 °C |
For more information see our full guide on ABS 3D Printer Filament.
3. Carbon Fiber Filament
3D printer filaments can be made with specific additives to either improve their mechanical properties or aesthetic appearance. Typical 3D printing filament types used include PLA, PETG, or ABS. For the purpose of comparison, ABS-filled 3D printer plastic will be used.
Carbon-fiber-filled filaments have improved mechanical properties when compared to unfilled thermoplastics. They also have good dimensional stability. Carbon fiber filaments are brittle and clog easily. Listed below are additional key characteristics:
- Durability: The addition of carbon fiber improves the durability of ABS
- Warping: The addition of carbon fiber reduces the amount of warping that is common with unfilled ABS
- Solubility: Carbon-fiber-filled ABS is soluble in organic solvents like acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and esters.
Table 3 lists the mechanical properties of Carbon fiber filament:
Table 3.
Carbon Fiber Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 46 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | 5.26 GPa |
Print Temperature | 220 to 240 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 100 to 110 °C |
4. Nylon Filament
Nylon or polyamide is a widely used engineering thermoplastic due to its excellent wear resistance and durability. The most commonly used grade of nylon for 3D printer filaments is PA 6. Nylon is both impact and wear-resistant. However, nylon tends to absorb moisture easily. It also requires relatively high print temperatures of up to 265 °C. Below is a list of nylon’s other key characteristics:
- Warping: Due to the high temperatures involved, nylon tends to warp during printing. As such, a heated enclosure is recommended.
- Solubility: Nylon expands when exposed to water due to its hygroscopic nature. Acetic acid and formic acid will dissolve nylon.
- Food Safety: There are grades of nylon that are food safe
Table 4 lists the mechanical properties of nylon:
Table 4. Nylon Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 40 to 85 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | 0.8 to 2 GPa |
Print Temperature | 225 to 265 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 70 to 90 °C |
For more information see our full guide on Nylon 3D Printer Filament.
5. FLEX Filament
FLEX filament is a proprietary blend of polymers that creates a flexible copolymer 3D printing filament type. Flex is part of the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) family of materials.
Parts printed with this material can achieve a shore A hardness of 93 A. They are also flexible and impact resistant. Parts printed using flex are hygroscopic. This means that it should be dried before use and kept dry during long prints. Other key characteristics are:
- Durability: Flexible materials are by their nature durable; this is no different with FLEX filaments
- Warping: No warping
Table 5 lists the mechanical properties of FLEX filament:
Table 5. FLEX Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 40 MPa |
100% Modulus | 9.5 MPa |
Hardness | 93 Shore A |
Elongation at Break | 500% |
Print Temperature | 210 to 230 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 60 °C |
For more information see our full guide on Flex 3D Printer Filament.
6. HIPS Filament
High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a thermoplastic often used for pre-production machining prototypes. However, it is also one of two 3D printing filament types used as a soluble support material, alongside ABS. HIPS has similar properties to ABS, making it an ideal second extruder material. Despite being soluble, HIPS produces harmful fumes during printing. As such, it is recommended to print in a well-ventilated area or to direct fumes outside with a duct. Other key characteristics are:
- Durability: HIPS has excellent durability due to its unique mix of flexibility and strength
- Warping: HIPS can suffer from excessive warping if temperatures are not carefully controlled. Heated enclosures are recommended.
- Solubility: HIPS is soluble in D-limonene
- Food Safety: HIPS is a food-safe material
Table 6 lists the mechanical properties of HIPS:
Table 6. HIPS Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 32 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | 1.5 to 3 GPa |
Print Temperature | 230 to 245 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 100 to 115 °C |
7. PVA Filament
Polyvinyl alcohol is a biodegradable 3D printer plastic that dissolves easily in water. It also has printing properties close to that of PLA. This makes PVA one of the more ideal 3D printing filament types for PLA support material. Although PVA is easy to use, it can be expensive due to it being used as a sacrificial support material. Some key characteristics of PVA are listed below:
- Durability: Due to its water solubility, PVA is not useful in most applications, as moisture will degrade the plastic
- Warping: PVA can warp to some degree
- Food Safety: PVA will dissolve in the presence of water; as such it is not recommended for use with food
Table 7 lists the mechanical properties of PVA:
Table 7.
PVA Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 78 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | N/A |
Print Temperature | 185 to 200 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 45 to 60 °C |
For more information, see our full guide on PVA 3D Printer Filament.
8. PETG Filament
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) is a modified variant of PET. The addition of glycol lowers the melting temperature sufficiently for PETG to be more user-friendly. Aside from being easy to print, PETG is also UV-resistant. Its key disadvantages are its poor adhesion and its tendency to create strings when the printhead crosses empty space between features. Other key characteristics of PETG are:
- Durability: PETG has excellent mechanical properties, while also being resistant to a wide range of chemicals and high temperatures
- Warping: PETG is not particularly prone to warping
- Solubility: PETG is soluble in toluene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
- Food Safety: PET is food safe and by extension so is PETG
Table 8 lists the mechanical properties of PETG :
Table 8.
PETG Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 53 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | 2.2 GPa |
Print Temperature | 230 to 250 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 75 to 90 °C |
For more information see our full guide on PETG 3D Printer Filament.
9. TPE Filament
Thermoplastic elastomers are flexible materials that can be melt-processed in most types of 3D printers. There are many 3D printing filament types of TPE, and it is easy to confuse TPE with TPU. TPU is generally on the harder shore A range whereas TPE is softer. The properties and characteristics described in this section are based on the FilaFlex TPE filament. FilaFlex has high elasticity and good bondability. It is expensive, however. Some key characteristics of TPE are:
- Durability: TPE has good abrasion resistance and excellent flexibility
- Warping: TPE does not warp
- Food Safety: TPE is not food safe
Table 9 lists the mechanical properties of TPE:
Table 9.
TPE Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 32 MPa |
100% Modulus | 3.6 MPa |
Hardness | 70 A |
Elongation at Break | 900% |
10. PC Filament
Polycarbonate (PC) is an advanced engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties and is the strongest 3D printer filament. It has high strength and a glass transition temperature of 150 °C, making it ideal for high-temperature applications. However, PC needs to be printed at very high temperatures of up to 310 °C. It is very hygroscopic and will readily absorb moisture. This moisture can then cause defects in the printed part. Other key characteristics of PC are:
- Durability: PC is one of the most durable 3D printing filament types
- Warping: PC is very prone to warping
- Solubility: PC can be dissolved in tetrachloromethane, pyridine, and chloroform
- Food Safety: PC can be used for food containers
Table 10 lists the mechanical properties of PC:
Table 10.
PC Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength | 72 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | 2.2 to 2.5 GPa |
Print Temperature | 260 to 310 °C |
Print Bed Temperature | 80 to 120 °C |
How to Choose the Best Type of Filaments?
Selecting the best 3D printer filament depends on the application. If a quick prototype is required then PLA will suffice. However, if more strength is required ABS might be a better choice. It is also ideal to choose a material that doesn't warp readily and does not absorb moisture. Eliminating these two common problem areas will make the print easier. For more information, see our guide on printing in 3D.
Which Filament Produces the Smoothest Prints?
PETG is one of the 3D printing filament types that produces very smooth prints provided the printer is properly calibrated.
However, printing in ABS and then smoothing with acetone can also create very smooth parts.
What Is the Strongest 3D Printer Filament?
Polycarbonate is the strongest 3D printer filament, provided it is printed correctly.
What Is the Best Filament To use?
For general purpose use, PETG is an excellent option as it is cheap, easy to print, and has good mechanical properties.
What Is the Best Filament for Beginners?
PLA is a good filament for beginners as it is cheap, is often shipped with new printers, and is very easy to get up and running.
What Are the Differences Between ABS and PLA Filaments?
Both PLA and ABS are widely used types of 3D printer filament. For more information, see our guide on PLA vs ABS – What's The Difference?
Table 11 shows the comparison between the two:
Table 11. PLA vs. ABS Comparison
| Property | PLA | ABS |
|---|---|---|
Property Tensile Strength | PLA 65 MPa | ABS 40 MPa |
Property Stiffness | PLA 3. | ABS 1.6 to 2.4 GPa |
Property Glass Transition Temperature | PLA 50 to 80 °C | ABS 105 °C |
Property Ease of printing | PLA Essentially plug-and-play | ABS Requires high temperatures, tends to warp, and requires a heated build volume |
Property Chemical resistance | PLA Good chemical resistance | ABS Good chemical resistance |
Property Durability | PLA PLA is brittle and cracks easily. PLA cannot withstand long-term outdoor exposure | ABS ABS is very durable, with high impact resistance and good wear resistance |
8 GPaIn terms of a functional material for real-world applications, ABS is the better material.
Summary
This article reviewed 10 of the most common 3D printer filaments and presented their mechanical properties, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. To learn more about 3D printer filament types and uses and how Xometry can assist with 3D printed parts, contact a Xometry representative.
Xometry offers a full range of 3D printing services for your project needs. Visit our Instant Quote Engine to get a free, no-obligation quote in minutes.
Disclaimer
The content appearing on this webpage is for informational purposes only. Xometry makes no representation or warranty of any kind, be it expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be inferred to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or manufacturers through Xometry’s network. Buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for those parts. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.
Team Xometry
This article was written by various Xometry contributors. Xometry is a leading resource on manufacturing with CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, injection molding, urethane casting, and more.
Best 3D Printer Filaments (Review 2021)
Once you've chosen your 3D printer, you need to choose the type of filament intended for your project. Filament is a raw material used in 3D printers that will be heated to a high temperature to turn it into a semi-solid state. At this point, the printer can easily create the appropriate design layers and print the entire 3D CAD model onto a plate.
However, as you research the various 3D printer filaments, you will hear of numerous materials that can only make it harder to choose the right one for you. This is especially true for people who are just starting to explore the world of the 3D printing process.
While most of us are not new to PLA and ABS, there are other fiber materials you should be aware of such as HIPS, PET, PETG, TPE, TPU, TPC and a few others. And to get a better idea of them, here are some of the more typical types of 3D printer filaments available on the market.
3D Printer Filament Types
PLA Filament
Polylactic acid (PLA) reigns supreme in the industrial 3D printing world. 3D printing with PLA is so easy. It has a lower plate temperature, so it doesn't need a heating bed and therefore has fewer warping issues.
It is widely used in prototyping, such as printing low-wear toys, prototype parts and containers. Please note that it cannot be used for anything that has a temperature rating of 60°C or higher as it warps at 60°C. For all other purposes, PLA is suitable for a general 3D printer.
ABS Filament
ABS (also known as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the second most popular 3D printing filament. In general, ABS withstands high loads and high temperatures. Thus, it is suitable for most applications. It is great for items that are frequently handled, dropped or heated. For example, mobile phone cases, high-wear items, automotive trim parts, and electronic houses.
Nylon filament
Nylon is the preferred family of synthetic polymers for many industries, professional 3D printing being one of them. As for other forms of filament, they have better performance, efficiency, versatility and durability. Given the strength and versatility of nylon, this type of 3D printer filament can be used to make loops, buckles or gears, as well as working prototypes.
PET (G) thread
The most widely used plastic in the world is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is best known as water bottle thread, but it is also used in clothing fibers as well as food containers. Although PET is commonly used in 3D printing, its modified version PETG is becoming more common.
The G in PET stands for glycol, resulting in a more transparent filament that is less prone to cracking and easier to use. PETG is versatile but surpasses many forms of 3D printer filament in its strength and inability to reach high temperatures or withstand strong impacts. The fulfillment of the following conditions makes it an excellent choice for 3D printing filament for practical parts such as mechanical parts, printer parts, and protective materials.
TPE, TPU, TPC filament
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE) is a flexible and durable plastic similar to rubber. In addition, TPE is mainly used for the production of auto parts and household appliances.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyester E) is a special form of TPE that is very common among high end 3D printers. Compared to conventional TPE, TPU is significantly more flexible, hence allowing more control during printing.
What's more, TPC (Thermoplastic Copolyester) is also another form of TPE that is not as widely used as TPU. The key advantage of TPC over TPE is its greater resistance to chemical and UV attack, as well as heat (up to 150°C).
If you need to create items that require a lot of wear, use TPE or TPU because these filaments use 3D printed filaments that are vulnerable to deformation. Products such as toys, mobile phone cases, or wearable items such as wristbands can be some examples of its application. On the other hand, TPC performs well for comparable applications, but outperforms it in harsher environments, including outdoors.
Wood filament
Technically not wood because it contains wood fiber in enhanced PLA. Generally speaking, wood products are valued for their natural beauty rather than their practical utility. When printing items for tables, tables or shelves, it is recommended to use wood 3D printing media. Any of the application examples include chalices, figurines, and trophies. What's more, it's a truly innovative application for 3D printers, which are often used to model real buildings, structures, or trees.
Metal thread
Like wood thread, it is not 100% metal. Specifically, it is composed of metal powder, and one of the following materials is PLA or ABS. However, the effects also have a metal-like aesthetic appeal. Metal Infused can be printed for both decorative and practical purposes. Figures, prototypes, toys, including tokens, can be 3D printed from metal and give them a great look. You can also use metallic 3D printer filament to make parts such as tools or finishing components in light applications.
Biodegradable (biophila) filament
This biodegradable 3D printer filament aims to reduce the impact of all plastic waste into the atmosphere. Although biodegradable 3D filament was originally environmentally friendly, it can still produce quality printed products. Choose this biophile if you don't have special requirements for strength, versatility or endurance. For projects that require prototyping, you can also benefit from these flawless fiber prints that can be biodegraded responsibly.
Conductive thread
This is a kind of three-dimensional material with conductive carbon particles in it. It is ideal for Arduino-based open source businesses. You'll want to look into this filament if you want to make circuits, LEDs, sensors, and other low voltage projects.
Magnetic filament
PLA magnetic iron filament is as magnetic as the name suggests. This one-of-a-kind filament is made from PLA material impregnated with powdered iron. It is ideal for making fridge magnets and other custom-made decorative items. Also, it can be used to create multiple DIY structures, sensors, educational resources, etc.0003
Top Five 3D Printer Filaments
Access to a 3D printer creates a whole new world of creative printing. There are several purposes and hobbies that 3D printing serves, but they all rely on the same raw material - 3D printer filament.
While unique materials are recommended for durable and impressive models, you need to select the right material for your 3D image. need printer. You also need to consider the quality and attributes of the thread. That being said, finding the right 3D filament is no picnic.
As such, we sought the advice of tech experts and 3D printer enthusiasts to find the most popular 3D printing filaments on the market. And to give you a clearer idea of their main features and specifications, we have done a detailed analysis to better understand which filament you should pair with your 3D printer. Also, don't forget to click on the buttons below to get the best deals on Amazon!
What is the best plastic for 3D printing? Let's figure it out together!
Plastic for 3D printing
After purchasing your own FDM 3D printer, as well as in the course of choosing it, it becomes necessary to choose the right plastic for 3D printing. But how to do this if you are new to 3D printing and have little to no understanding of this issue? Plastic for printing on a 3D printer is in most cases the main component of successful product reproduction. Therefore, we will not save on knowledge, and will tell you how to choose the best plastic for 3D printing.
Types of plastic for a 3D printer
First of all, you need to consider the types of plastic for a 3D printer. Plastic for 3D printing, or filament, is produced in the form of a thin thread with a diameter of 1.75 mm and 3 mm. Most often, filaments with a thickness of 1.75 mm are used in the basic configuration, but some manufacturers of 3D printers provide the ability to install a 3 mm plastic feed system. Plastic for 3D printing has many varieties, among which the most common are ABS and PLA plastic.
Plastic for 3D printing: varieties
By popularity in the Ukrainian market, the following types of plastic for 3D printing can be distinguished:
- PLA (PLA) or polylactide. Organic and short lived. Suitable for 3D printing of decorative products, but not able to withstand high mechanical loads;
- ABS (ABS) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It has a long life and excellent mechanical properties. Heat-resistant and used for industrial purposes.
Shrinks on cooling. It is recommended to print in ventilated areas;
- PVA (PVA) or polyvinyl alcohol. A water-soluble material that is used as a support;
- Nylone (Nylon). An alternative to ABS plastic, suitable for many engineering structures. When printing with nylon, it is recommended to ventilate the room;
- HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene). In terms of physical properties, it is a cross between PLA and ABS. May also emit toxic fumes when printed.
Other questions and answers about 3D printers and 3D printing:
What is the best plastic for a 3D printer?
In fact, there are many more types of plastic for 3D printing. This can include flexible, fluorescent and luminescent filament, wood and metallized materials. But in practice, such consumables are rarely used and are needed for narrowly specific purposes. Metallized plastics are interesting in their own right, but they are at the initial stage of development and are inferior in performance to ordinary reinforced materials. “And what plastic is best for a 3D printer?” - you ask. You should choose based on specific goals. If you intend to print decorative elements that will not be subject to payload, you can look at PLA plastic. If your goal is to print gears, structural parts and other things, look at reinforced materials for 3D printing.
What kind of plastic to print?
Please note that not every printer supports the full range of 3D printing materials. Before buying a specific filament, check the specifications of your own device to avoid wasting money. The rest is up to you and your imagination. A huge range of colors and shades of plastic is available for sale, matte and glossy, semi- and fully transparent materials. Such a variety will allow you to make almost any product to your taste.
Remember that if you need to buy plastic for 3D printing - 3DDevice store is at your service! We offer a wide range of different materials in all possible color options and are ready to provide advice when choosing a filament.
