Where to buy 3d printer filament locally

11 Best Stores To Buy 3D Filament Locally – Printing It 3D

A 3D printing process can’t proceed without a filament, as it’s the input that produces the final product. Now, to make a high-quality print, you also need a top-notch material. So, what are the best stores to buy 3D filament locally?

Here are the 11 best stores to purchase 3D filament locally in the US:

1. MatterHackers Hardware Store
2. Walmart
3. Staples
4. iMakr Store New York
5. Imagine That 3D
6. Micro Center
7. Lowe’s
8. Ultimate 3D Printing Store
9. 3DXTech
10. Grainger
11. Plug n Play 3D

Let’s have a closer look at these 3D filament sellers in detail. Read on to learn about their pricing, ordering, and delivery policies.

1. MatterHackers Hardware Store

Apart from being one of the most sought-after manufacturers of 3D products, MatterHackers also owns a popular hardware store.  

The shop is in Lake Forest, California, and it is open from Monday to Friday (10 am to 5 pm). The Californian-based brand sells top-notch 3D appliances, including filaments, 3D printers, printer components, adhesives, resins, and laser cutters.

MatterHackers offers one of the largest 3D filament collections. So, you’ll find a variety of industry-proven filaments that include the MH Build and the professional-grade (Pro) series. 

These filaments are made from different high-quality materials, including: 

• PLA
• Nylon
• ABS
• PETG
• TPE
• TPU
• Polycarbonates
• Flexibles

Apart from their own 3D printing filaments, MatterHackers sells 3D filaments from other reputable manufacturers. These brands include Ultimaker, Proto-pasta, ColorFabb, and eSun. However, the filaments are cheaper than those from MatterHackers.

MatterHackers offers curbside pickup and delivery for customers who can’t make it to the store. Moreover, the manufacturer houses a team of experts who test all their items before sale. Hence, their showroom in Valencia, California, is open for visits following appointments during weekdays, from 10 am to 5 pm.

2. Walmart

Walmart is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a local retailer that will serve all your 3D printing needs. 

The multinational corporation has thousands of hypermarkets, departmental warehouses, and grocery stores that offer a wide range of items, including 3D printing essentials such as printers, filaments, scanners, and resins. 

So, you can visit the nearest Walmart branch for in-store shopping or order your preferred 3D filament online and then pick it up later.

Since Walmart isn’t a manufacturer, it sources its products from reputable local and international brands. Despite importing some items, the retailer sells the items at reasonable prices. Moreover, the staff in every store is always ready to assist and meet the customers’ needs.

Walmart has strived to improve customer experience in every branch. Hence, their stores stock a vast array of 3D filaments and accessories. Moreover, buyers can navigate their e-store beforehand to view the available products and prices. Hence, it becomes convenient, as they’ll already know what they’re looking for when they visit the stores physically.

3. Staples

Staples, a US-based chain retailer, is renowned for offering brand-name electronics and printing services and distributing office tools and furniture. 

Staples branches stock high-end 3D filaments, printers, printing resins, and other accessories from premium brands, such as MakerBot. Their great 3D filaments come in several materials, including PETG, PLA, PVA, ASA, and TPU.

Staples guarantees that they only sell high-precision 3D filaments that have passed through quality checks. Moreover, these filaments are available in multiple diameters and a wide variety of colors. Also, you can get assorted colors in 9-packs to suit your needs.

Staples has customer-friendly pricing, so you’re sure to find a bargain here. However, the in-store prices may differ from those displayed on their e-store. So, find out how much your preferred 3D filament costs at your nearest Staples branch.

Staples stores offer free delivery for enrolled members. Moreover, members can enjoy up to 5% back in rewards, among other benefits. Staples also allows the return and exchange of goods bought in-store, as long as they’re in their original condition.

4. iMakr Store New York

Located in Manhattan, New York, iMakr Store is one of the largest retailers for 3D printers, scanners, and filaments. 

The retailer also comprises a dedicated team of experts who offer 3D printing (on-demand) services and classes. iMakr Store also provides consulting and advising services and hosts 3D printing demos and events.

iMakr Store offers various 3D printing filaments from renowned brands, including MakerBot, NinjaTek, PolyMaker, and 3DXTech. What’s more, the filaments are available in a wide array of materials such as ABS, PLA, PETG, ASA, Carbon fiber, and nylon.

Potential customers can also visit iMakr Store’s website to check out discounted products and deals. Moreover, the store sells ex-demo and used products that its engineers have reconditioned. So, if you’re planning to buy a 3D filament from this retailer, you can also try out one of these reconstructed appliances.

5. Imagine That 3D

Located in Murray, Utah, Imagine That 3D is a local store that sells 3D printers and consumables from well-known and less popular brands. 

The retailer offers customers and visitors an opportunity to try out their printers and 3D printing materials, including filaments and resins. Additionally, the passionate in-house experts offer live demonstrations during interactive sessions.

Imagine That 3D stocks various 3D Printing filaments, allowing customers to choose their preferred types and sizes. Moreover, they display models made from these filaments, enabling potential buyers to test and see how the filaments turn out. The prices are also customer-friendly.

Apart from selling 3D printing products, Imagine That 3D allows customers and visitors to access their computer labs. Here, they teach customers about various 3D printing software. Additionally, customers can view the latest design tools and 3D scanners.

Imagine That 3D’s customer service is top-notch, and they offer 24hr customer support. Moreover, the store provides maintenance and repair for their products. Customers can visit the store between Monday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.

6. Micro Center

If you’re a seasoned expert in 3D printing, you might be familiar with Micro Center. The US-based Computer and Electronic Device retailer has its headquarters in Hilliard, Ohio. Micro Center has 25 stores in 16 states, enabling customers from all over the USA to access products and services conveniently.

Micro Center’s stores have expanded their departments to include a vast selection of goods. Also, they offer quick one-stop shopping and customer assistance. All their shops are easily accessible and have ample parking.

Micro Center stores are renowned for selling premium and high-performance 3D printing products, including printers, filaments, and resins. So, you’ll find a generous selection of 3D printing filaments, from the most popular ones to the most pocket-friendly. Additionally, Micro Center accepts several payment methods, including credit cards.

Micro Center offers customers the Micro Center Insider Credit Card for only in-store purchases. So, customers can obtain the card after approval by Wells Fargo bank. Moreover, they can enjoy promotional offers using the card if they bring their original cards to the stores.

Micro Center also allows customers to make pre-orders on the retailer’s website and then pick the items in-store. Hence, buyers have the advantage of checking the latest arrivals, highly rated 3D filaments, and the most affordable brands. Once they make their orders, the filaments are packed, and a buyer can pick them up in a couple of minutes.

7. Lowe’s

Initially a little hardware store in North Carolina, Lowe’s is one of the leading home improvement retailers. The mega-store has partnered with over 300,000 associates and serves more than 20 million customers per week. Moreover, Lowe’s has over nine store support centers in the US and Canada.

Lowe’s offers a wide selection of 3D printing products, including filaments. The retailer sells 3D printing filaments from two highly sought-after brands Dremel and Made in Space. These high-quality 3D filaments can help you turn your wildest dreams and designs into reality by creating appealing products.

Apart from selling 3D printing consumables, Lowe’s offers many home improvement services and ideas. Hence, you can find interesting DIY projects to try out on their website. Moreover, the retailer has numerous deals for its customers and unlimited rewards for enrolled members.

8. Ultimate 3D Printing Store

Ultimate 3D Printing Store (U3DPS) is a family-owned company based in the US. You can find it in Odessa, Florida, and its warehouse is open during weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. 

U3DPS allows showroom visits and live demonstrations on 3D printing on designated days.

The brand takes pride in creating opportunities for hobbyists, public corporations, and customers who want to advance their enthusiasm for 3D printing and technology. Hence, it provides all 3D printing tools and supplies, including filaments, resins, printers, laser cutters, printer components (nozzles, hot ends, and extruders), and accessories.

U3DPS is a one-stop shop for all your 3D filament needs. The distributor has partnered with other reputable manufacturers and has a wide selection of high-quality filaments. These 3D filaments are made from different materials, including ABS, PLA, carbon fiber, copolyester, and fiberglass, to serve home-based and industrial 3D printers.

If you’re wondering about their pricing, U3DPS has options for all types of customers. Hence, it provides products in a wide price bracket ranging from the most inexpensive to high-end filaments. Moreover, the leading seller has frequent deals and discounted offers for all customers.

U3DPS has a Rewards Program where all sellers benefit from redeemable reward points to boost their sales and improve customer loyalty. 

It’s super easy to join this program, as you only have to register by entering your details. Hence, you’ll be earning some points when you buy goods from this platform, share information about the brand on social media, or refer people to make purchases from the site.

9. 3DXTech

3DXTech is an American-based Company located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. 

The brand takes pride in manufacturing and distributing high-quality filaments. So, 3DXTech utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and well-thought-of processes to produce professional-grade filaments.

3DXTech serves the needs of 3D printing hobbyists and experts by offering a wide array of filaments for creating industrial-grade objects and complex engineered products. They’re available in different materials, including carbon fiber, PLA, HIPS, and Nylons, to mention a few.

The brand’s factory store is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Apart from serving the local community at Grand Rapids and Michigan, 3DXTech delivers 3D printing filaments to customers in other parts of the country. Moreover, free shipping is available for orders exceeding $50.

10. Grainger

Are you looking for unique 3D filaments to actualize your creative designs? Grainger has your back. 

The renowned distributor has served customers for over 90 years by delivering MRO and industrial products. Therefore, it also retails 3D filaments to meet your 3D printing needs.

The 3D printing filaments available come in various colors and materials, including PLA, PETG, HTPLA, and carbon fiber. They also exhibit attractive qualities such as abrasive, ultra-rigid, metal-filled, glossy, or matte materials. Moreover, they’re from sought-after manufacturers, including LulzBot, Dremel, and Creality.

Grainger has numerous branches that offer over-the-counter services in over 200 locations. So, you might easily find a Grainger store in your locality. Moreover, these stores accept all forms of payment, including credit cards and cash.

Customers can choose their preferred filaments from their website in different categories. So, you can use filter options, including collection, color, material, or finish, to get your ideal filament. Then, you can make your order and have the filament ready for pick up at your nearest store.

Most Grainger stores are open during weekdays, but the opening hours may vary. However, a customer can make an order even past working hours and pick it up later for a small fee. Moreover, the retailer’s staff members offer round-the-clock customer support and answer all queries.

11. Plug N Play 3D

Plug n Play 3D is another US-based distributor of high-tech 3D products. 

The distributor stocks a wide selection of 3D filaments from famous brands like Protoplast. Therefore, it meets the needs of 3D printing customers in commercial, industrial, and professional sectors.

Plug n Play 3D’s store is in Sacramento, California. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (4 pm during the weekend). Apart from sales, the distributor offers service assistance even during the off-hours.

Now, you’ll find a vast array of 3D printing filaments at the Plug n Play 3D store. The high-quality filaments are made from different materials, including PLA, PET CF, PPS CF, Nylon, PETG, and TPU. Moreover, the retailer offers customer resources on 3D printing on its website.

Plug n Play 3D is committed to strengthening customer relations and improving their shopping experience. So, it has a reasonable pricing mechanism and offers prompt customer support. Moreover, educator coupons for teachers and gift cards are available from the store.

Staples® Official Online Store

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From employees' tax forms to software to keep your finance in order, or software to get your taxes done, Staples has you covered this upcoming tax season!

Whether you are sending business documents or customer products, shipping and mailroom supplies from Staples make the process seamless.

Keep packing supplies ready for easy shipping. Padded envelopes and bubble mailers are perfect for shipping small, non-fragile items. Pack larger items in shipping boxes that are slightly larger than the item and use packing peanuts, bubble roll, or other packing materials to keep objects from moving in the box during transport. Choose the right packing tape to seal shipping boxes and keep them sealed. Staples carries clear acrylic packing tape for everyday shipping and reinforced packing tape, or water activated tape for packages that require a heavier duty seal.

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How PLA is made for 3d printers. Report from the shop / Sudo Null IT News

A pistol shot was the signal to create a business.

In order to dispel the myths that plastic spools for 3d printers grow on trees can only be bought and resold, as well as that it is enough to buy an all-in-one extruder and start your own business, I went on reconnaissance to the Moscow manufacturers of ABS and PLA (and HIPS). Indeed, I ended up in a professional workshop with industrial equipment, with high-precision measuring and control devices, high standards of cleanliness (because the production process is very responsible) and sociable founders (ready to share knowledge with an inquisitive and thinking audience), who have a lot of techno-creative ideas and takeover plans world market. (+5 National Pride Level)

As the co-founder of the company told me: "First we saw a fruit knife open and an orange peeled with it, then the video of Cody Wilson's gun came as a shock and away we go..."
At the time when I wrote the first 2 articles about 3d printers on Habré (spring 2013), these guys had already started creating a plastic production business. It is interesting that both I and they came up with a similar idea, how to supplement the saying, they say, a person can endlessly look at fire, water, how another person works and how a 3d printer prints.

Polylactide (PLA, PLA) is a biodegradable, biocompatible, thermoplastic, aliphatic polyester whose monomer is lactic acid. The raw materials for production are annually renewable resources such as corn and sugar cane. It is used for the production of products with a short service life (food packaging, disposable tableware, bags, various containers), as well as in medicine, for the production of surgical sutures and pins.

Under the cut - the main stages of turning raw materials into coils with PLA for 3d printers

Shop panorama

Right to left

There was a corn, then it is processed into such balls and put in such boxes

About 900 kg of plastic is obtained from a ton of raw materials

Since this is a natural product, it is afraid of light and moisture, so it is protected with such a bag and a piece of silica gel

And this is a "vacuum cleaner" with which 100 kg of "corn balls" are scooped up and sent to container

Here the raw materials are dried, while the smell is like in a confectionery

Add a “pinch” of dye (also completely natural, Austrian quality)

Here the raw material is heated and turns into a viscous mass.
Under the pressure of the shaft, we pass through the heating elements.

The diameter of the outlet of the "furnace" is about 3 mm, the plastic acquires the desired diameter (1.75 mm) due to the fact that it is immediately pulled, and the draft is very precisely adjusted

Bosh. For ABS and PLA different temperatures

The diameter of the cooled plastic is measured by a laser device. Thread diameter tolerance set to ±0.03 mm

Remote monitoring of plastic diameter

Laser threading speed 55 meters per minute

Traction management. It is the thrust that creates the desired diameter. Using this unit, you can very accurately select the thrust of the motors and thereby adjust the diameter of the plastic.

"Spindle" - controls the speed of winding on the coil. No on COIL.

Here is the COIL.

Without plastic

It is important to note the uniformity of filling the spool

After the large spool is full, it is removed and the thread is rewound onto small (usual for everyone) spools.
Ordinary coils fall into the caring hands of the girl who completes the box

Dust-proof bag, moisture-proof silica gel, strong box to protect from direct sunlight and stickers. The stickers indicate the recommended melting temperature (they are different for ABS and PLA), filament diameter, weight and material.

From here they will go all over Moscow and the CIS countries

Purity

What I noticed is that the workshop is very clean, all measures have been taken to keep dust as low as possible: windows are sealed with adhesive tape, cleaning is often done, antistatic liquid is used, especially important places are covered with polyethylene.

soluble plastic

high-strength polystyrene (HIPS), which in its characteristics is very similar to conventional ABS (for which Rep 2X is “optimized”). HIPS dissolves in limonene, a citrus-based substance. Complex objects can be printed with standard ABS or PLA, and HIPS can be used as support material. The final product is immersed in a limonene bath where the HIPS dissolves in a few hours. In addition, HIPS has a close operating temperature, adheres well to ABS and the platform. The consumption of limonene is small, since most of the support is usually removed by hand. A lemon bath is a slightly more complicated procedure than if it were ordinary water, but it has its own plus: after bathing, the item smells like lemon.

A couple of tips on how to choose good plastic.
PLA is very sensitive to storage conditions (dark, dry and dust-free). The twig should be clean, without inclusions, smooth, without delamination, on the surface - a slight sheen.

The presence of foreign bodies is checked at the rupture site. If you pull yourself up and tear a piece of plastic (and it breaks where it is “thin”), then the place of the gap should be uniform - this is a sign of good quality.

Durability/Biodegradability

(picture for environmental investors)

and here is the data that is similar to the truth

examples from PLA

20 most common 3D printing problems (Part 2)

A continuation of the translation of the article Troubleshooting Guide to 20 Common 3D Printing Problems, Part 1 is available here.

3D Printing Issue #11: Layers Offset

• Issue Description

  The top and bottom layers are misaligned, creating a step effect in the printout.

  Why did the problem occur?

  There can be many reasons for misalignment of layers - even pushing the printer during printing can provoke it. Also, it can be affected by: bent or misaligned studs, a nozzle that hits the printout and moves it on the platform, etc.

Solution

• The printer must be placed on a stable stand. Place the printer on a stable stand where no one can accidentally push or move it. Even slight movement of the printer during printing can cause the layers to shift.
• Make sure the printer platform is secure. Some 3D printers use a detachable platform. This is convenient enough for taking printouts, and it saves the printer from possible damage. But we must remember that the screws and clamps loosen over time, which leads to the movement of the platform. Make sure you secure the printer platform properly so that it does not move when printing.
• Watch for distortion of the top layers of the printout. The top layers of the print can warp easily if cooled too quickly. When the layers deform, they rise and can create an obstacle for the moving nozzle. If the top layers of the printout are warping, try lowering the fan speed.
• Printing too fast. Printing time can be increased by increasing the temperature and flow rate. But this can affect the amount of filament released. If you hear a tapping noise while printing, the printer is running too fast. If you hear a knock, check if the filament is slipping (in the extruder) before setting the print speed in the slicer settings. Set Other > Default Printing Speed ​​(mm/min)' to Simply 3D. In Cura, adjust the print speed in ‘Basic > Print Speed ​​(mm/s).
• Check belts. If the layers continue to shift, check the belts. To do this, simply tension the two belts at the same time. The tension should be the same, if not, tighten the loose belt until the tension is even. Rubber belts stretch over time (you can tell by the way they begin to slip on the pulley) and it's best to replace them with new ones. Too tight belts can also be a problem, but this problem only occurs if you assemble the printer yourself. Printers such as the Prusa i3 have screws that allow you to adjust the tension of the belts.
• Check the pulley. Pulleys are usually connected directly to the stepper motor or to the main pin that moves the print head. If you carefully turn the pulley, you will see a buzzard. Twist it to secure the pulley.
• Check that the studs are clean and grease them. Over time, filament residue sticks to the studs, causing them to have more resistance, which in turn affects the free movement of the head and the displacement of the layers. Clean and oil the studs to fix this problem.
• Bent or misaligned studs. If you notice that the print head is oscillating, a bent pin may be the cause. This can be determined by turning off the printer and moving the print head through the X and Y axes. If you feel resistance, something is wrong. Check if the studs are straight and if so remove them and lay them on a flat surface. If they are bent, you will immediately see it.

Checklist:

• Make sure the printer is on a stable surface.
• Check that the platform is securely fastened.
• Be careful with warped top layers.
• How much to print may be too high for your printer.
• Check belts.
• Check pulley.
• Clean and grease the studs.
• Bent or misaligned studs.

3D printing problem #12: Clogged nozzle

Problem Description0004 You start printing, but nothing comes out of the nozzle. Reloading the thread doesn't help.