3D printing has revolutionized the way we create objects, from prototypes to intricate designs. One of the most crucial components of this technology is the filament used in the printing process. With various types of filaments available, each with its unique properties, understanding their characteristics will help you choose the right one for your project.
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is one of the most popular filaments among beginners due to its ease of use and eco-friendliness. But it is not only for beginners, as many manufacturers and 3D printing enthusiasts prefer this filament for prototyping and tooling. While it is not suitable for high-temperature applications due to its lower heat resistance, PLA remains a versatile and accessible option for anyone looking to dive into the world of 3D printing. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, PLA is a fantastic starting point for your creative projects.
Filament Feature:
- Easy to Print: Low warping and good adhesion to the print bed, making it beginner-friendly.
- Wide Color Options: PLA filament is available in an extensive array of colors and finishes. This broad selection allows users to choose the perfect hue for their projects, whether they are creating vibrant prototypes, artistic pieces, or functional parts.
- High-Quality Printability: PLA filament can achieve high-resolution prints with smooth finishes, making it suitable for detailed models and prototypes.
- Eco-Friendly and Versatile: Made from renewable plant-based materials, this filament supports sustainable manufacturing and emits minimal fumes, making it suitable for indoor use with proper ventilation.
Recommended Printing Settings:
- Temperature: 190-220°C
- Recommended Surface Material: Textured PEI
- Bed Temperature: 25-60°C (can be printed without a heated bed)
- Cooling fan: Turned on
- Printing Speed: 40-70 mm/s
- Raft Separation Distance: 0.1-0.2(mm)
- Retraction Distance: 1-3(mm)
- Retraction Speed: 20-40(mm/s)
- Threshold Overhang Angle: 60(°)
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a widely used material in the 3D printing world, renowned for its strength, durability, and versatility. As a thermoplastic, ABS is resistant to impact and heat, making it an excellent choice for producing functional parts, prototypes, and even toys.
For those looking to create durable and high-quality prints, ABS filament is a fantastic option that offers both reliability and flexibility in design.
Filament Feature:
- Heat Resistant: ABS is capable of withstanding temperatures up to approximately 100˚C. The ability to maintain structural integrity under heat ensures that ABS parts perform reliably in demanding environments.
- High Impact Resistance: this property allows it to absorb shocks and withstand mechanical stress without cracking or breaking. This durability makes ABS an ideal material for applications that require resilience, such as protective housings, robotics, and functional prototypes.
- Mechanical Usage: ABS combines strength, toughness, and stability, making it ideal for producing parts that require reliability and performance. Its ease of post-processing, including sanding and painting, further enhances its usability in mechanical projects.
- Odoriferous Material: While ABS offers many advantages, it is important to note that it is an odoriferous material during the printing process. Be sure to open a window or cover the top panel of the printer when printing with ABS.
Recommended Printing Settings:
- Temperature: 245-265°C
- Recommended Surface Material: Textured PEI
- Bed Temperature: 80-100°C
- Cooling fan: Turned off
- Printing Speed: 30-70 mm/s
- Raft Separation Distance: 0.1-0.2(mm)
- Retraction Distance: 1-3(mm)
- Retraction Speed: 20-40(mm/s)
- Threshold Overhang Angle: 50(°)
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)
PETG is a widely recognized filament in 3D printing community, celebrated for its unique combination of strength, flexibility, and ease of use. This thermoplastic material is a modified version of PET, known for its durability and resistance to impact, making it ideal for creating functional parts, prototypes, and everyday objects.
Another noteworthy feature of PETG is its chemical resistance, which makes it a great option for applications that may come into contact with various substances. While it can exhibit some stringing during printing, this can often be managed with proper settings and adjustments. Overall, PETG is a versatile and accessible filament that strikes a perfect balance between performance and user-friendliness, making it an excellent choice
for both beginners and professionals.
Filament Feature:
- Good Layer Adhesion: PETG is renowned for its excellent layer adhesion, which contributes to the overall strength and durability of printed parts. This feature allows layers to bond effectively during the printing process, reducing the likelihood of delamination and ensuring that your prints maintain their integrity. .
- Low Shrinkage Rate: One of the standout characteristics of PETG is its low shrinkage rate, which minimizes warping and deformation during the cooling process. This means that prints maintain their intended dimensions and shapes, leading to more accurate and precise results. The low shrinkage rate is particularly beneficial for larger prints or complex geometries, as it helps prevent issues that can arise from uneven cooling.
- High Impact Strength: PETG boasts high impact strength, making it an ideal choice for applications that demand durability and resilience. This feature allows printed parts to withstand shocks and impacts without cracking or breaking, ensuring longevity in various environments. This toughness, combined with its other properties, makes PETG a versatile option for both aesthetic and practical 3D printing projects.
Recommended Printing Settings:
- Temperature: 230-250°C
- Recommended Surface Material: Textured PEI
- Bed Temperature: 80-90°C
- Cooling fan: Turned on
- Printing Speed: 30-50 mm/s
- Raft Separation Distance: 0.1-0.2(mm)
- Retraction Distance: 1-3(mm)
- Retraction Speed: 20-80(mm/s)
- Threshold Overhang Angle: 60(°)
4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU filament is a highly flexible and durable material that has gained popularity in the 3D printing community, particularly for projects requiring elastic properties.
While TPU can be more challenging to print due to its flexibility—requiring slower print speeds and specific settings—its ability to produce high-quality, functional parts makes it worth the effort.
Filament Feature:
- Excellent Flexibility: With a shore hardness of 95A, TPU offers excellent flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications that require bending and stretching. This flexibility allows for the creation of parts that can easily conform to various shapes and movements, making it ideal for items like phone cases, wearable devices, and other flexible designs.
- High Durability: TPU is highly durable and resilient, capable of withstanding wear and tear in demanding environments. Its ability to stretch over three times its original length without breaking ensures that your prints remain intact and functional, even under stress.
- Customizable Properties: By adjusting the wall thickness and infill settings during the printing process, users can fine-tune the flexibility and rigidity of their printed parts. This customization allows for greater design versatility, enabling you to create components tailored to specific performance requirements
Recommended Printing Settings:
- Temperature: 210-230°C
- Recommended Surface Material: Textured PEI, Blue Tape
- Bed Temperature: 25-60°C
- Cooling fan: Turned on
- Printing Speed: 20-40 mm/s
- Raft Separation Distance: 0.1-0.2(mm)
- Retraction Distance: 1-3(mm)
- Retraction Speed: 20-40(mm/s)
- Threshold Overhang Angle: 35(°)
5. Nylon
Known for the high tensile strength and resistance to wear and impact, Nylon is ideal for creating functional parts, mechanical components, and prototypes that require both resilience and performance.
However, it’s important to note that Nylon is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air, which can affect print quality. Proper storage in a dry environment is essential to maintain its performance.
While Nylon can be more challenging to print than other materials due to its tendency to warp and the need for a heated bed, its outstanding properties make it a favorite among experienced makers and professionals.
Filament Feature:
- Exceptional Strength and Durability: Nylon is known for its high strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for creating functional prototypes and mechanical parts that require resilience and toughness. This feature allows nylon prints to withstand significant wear and tear, making them suitable for demanding applications.
- Excellent Layer Adhesion: Nylon exhibits excellent layer adhesion, which helps maintain the shape and integrity of the prints during the printing process.
- Impact Resistance: Nylon possesses inherent resistance to abrasion and impact, making it suitable for applications that involve rough handling or exposure to stress. This property enhances the longevity and performance of printed parts in various environments, including automotive and industrial settings.
Recommended Printing Settings:
- Temperature: 245-260°C
- Recommended Surface Material: PA film, PI film, Textured PEI
- Bed Temperature: 50°C
- Cooling fan: Turned off
- Printing Speed: 30-70 mm/s
- Raft Separation Distance: 0.1-0.2(mm)
- Retraction Distance: 3-6(mm)
- Retraction Speed: 40-60(mm/s)
- Threshold Overhang Angle: 55(°)
Choosing the right 3D printing filament depends on the specific requirements of your project. Whether you need a biodegradable option like PLA, the strength of ABS, the versatility of PETG, the flexibility of TPU, or the durability of Nylon, understanding the pros and cons of each filament type is essential for achieving the best results. Happy printing!
