An in-depth guide to 3D printing filament

What is 3D printing filament?

3D printing filament is the material used in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers. It comes in long coils of plastic that are melted and laid layer by layer to build your desired object. Filament comes in many different types, each with its own properties and applications.

Types of 3D printing filament

There are many different types of 3D printing filament, but here are some of the most popular:

1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is the most widely used filament for 3D printing and a great choice for beginners. It's easy to work with, requires low printing temperatures and is environmentally friendly as it's made from biodegradable materials like cornstarch. PLA is perfect for hobby projects, prototypes and decorative objects, but it's not as strong or heat-resistant as some other filaments.

2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is stronger and more durable than PLA, making it popular in industrial production and for functional parts. It is heat-resistant and can handle heavier loads. However, it requires higher temperatures to melt and can emit an unpleasant odor when printed, so good ventilation is necessary.

3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)

PETG combines the best properties of PLA and ABS. It is durable, flexible and more resistant to heat than PLA. It is also easier to work with than ABS and does not emit a strong odor during printing. It's ideal for functional parts that need to withstand stress.

4. Nylon

Nylon is known for its high strength and flexibility, making it suitable for mechanical parts, gears and tools. However, it requires higher temperatures and can be slightly more difficult to work with as it tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can affect print quality.

5. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is a flexible filament often used to create elastic and soft objects such as rubber-like parts, phone covers or bendable components. It is easy to print with on a standard FDM printer and allows you to create objects with high flexibility and elasticity.

What should you consider when choosing filament?

1. Application: What type of project are you working on? Decorative objects, functional parts or mechanical components may require different types of filament.
2. Strength and durability: Does your object need to withstand stress or heat? Materials like ABS and nylon are better for demanding applications, while PLA is better for lightweight tasks.
3. Flexibility: If you need elastic or bendable parts, TPU or flexible PLA blends can be ideal.
4. Print settings: Different filaments require different temperatures and print settings. For example, ABS needs a higher temperature and often a heated build plate to avoid deformation.

Pros and cons of different filament types

PLA

Benefits: Biodegradable, easy to print, low temperature

Cons: Less durable, not heat resistant

ABS

Benefits: Strong, heat resistant, durable

Cons: Requires higher temperature, smells during printing

PETG

Benefits: Durable, easy to work with, flexible

Cons: Can be sensitive to moisture

Nylon

Benefits: Very strong and flexible

Cons: Harder to work with, absorbs moisture

TPU

Benefits: Highly flexible and elastic

Cons: Slower printing, not suitable for rigid objects

Tips for storing 3D print filament

As many filaments such as PLA, PETG and especially nylon are prone to absorbing moisture, proper storage is important to maintain their quality. Filaments should be stored in an airtight container with a moisture-absorbing package when not in use. Moisture can cause the filament to crack or print with poor quality.

Closing thoughts

Choosing the right filament for your 3D printing projects is crucial to achieve the best results. Whether you're working on decorative objects, functional parts or industrial applications, there is a filament to suit your needs. With the right knowledge of the different types of filament, their pros and cons, and proper storage, you can maximize your 3D printing success.

Are you ready to experiment with new filament types? Try testing different materials and see how they affect your 3D printing projects!