Types of 3D Printer Filament (Comprehensive Guide)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the different types of 3D printer filament! If you are new to 3D printing or looking to expand your knowledge, this guide is for you. In this article, we will explore the most commonly used filaments and their properties, helping you choose the best one for your 3D printing needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different 3D printer filaments.
• Discover the best filament options for cosmetic prints, durable functional parts, flexible applications, and more.
• Understand the importance of considering mechanical properties, printing requirements, and environmental factors when selecting filament.
• Explore popular filament choices such as PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, TPU, carbon fiber, HIPS, and PVA.
• Make informed decisions for your 3D printing projects based on the properties and applications of each filament type.

PLA Filament: The Eco-Friendly Option

When it comes to 3D printing filaments, PLA (Polylactic acid) stands out as the eco-friendly choice. Derived from organic sources like sugar cane or corn, PLA is known for its sustainable and biodegradable properties. It is widely used in various applications, from hobbyist projects to professional prototypes.

One of the key advantages of PLA filament is its ease of use. It has a low melting point and exhibits minimal warping during printing, making it ideal for beginners and those without access to advanced printing setups. Additionally, PLA is food safe, making it suitable for creating custom kitchen utensils or containers.

However, it’s important to note that PLA does have some limitations. It is relatively brittle compared to other filaments, which means it may not be the best choice for parts that require high impact resistance. PLA also has poor UV resistance and may degrade when exposed to high temperatures, limiting its use in certain applications.

“PLA filament offers an eco-friendly solution for 3D printing enthusiasts who prioritize sustainability. Its ease of use and food-safe properties make it a popular choice for various projects. However, it’s important to consider its limitations, such as brittleness and sensitivity to high temperatures.”

Properties of PLA Filament:

ABS Filament: The Durable Workhorse

When it comes to 3D printing filaments, ABS is a popular choice for its exceptional durability and toughness. ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear. If you’re looking to create functional parts that can withstand heavy use, ABS filament is an excellent option.

One of the key advantages of ABS filament is its high temperature resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. However, it’s important to note that ABS requires higher print temperatures compared to other filaments, typically ranging from 230 to 250 degrees Celsius. Additionally, ABS filament tends to warp during the printing process, necessitating the use of a heated enclosure to maintain optimal printing conditions.

One notable feature of ABS is its solubility in organic solvents like acetone. This allows for post-printing processes, such as smoothing the surface finish or welding multiple ABS parts together. It’s important to exercise caution when working with ABS filament, as the fumes emitted during printing can be harmful if not properly ventilated.

Advantages of ABS Filament:

• Exceptional durability and toughness
• High temperature resistance
• Soluble in organic solvents like acetone

Disadvantages of ABS Filament:

• Potential warping during printing
• Requires a heated enclosure for optimal printing conditions
• Emits harmful fumes during printing

“ABS filament is a durable and versatile material that is widely used for creating functional parts in 3D printing. Its high temperature resistance and solubility in organic solvents make it a valuable option for various applications. However, it’s important to take precautions when working with ABS filament, such as ensuring proper ventilation to avoid exposure to fumes.”

PETG Filament: The Versatile Choice

PETG filament, short for Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, is a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts due to its versatility and wide range of applications. This filament is a modified version of PET, offering improved heat resistance, excellent UV resistance, and good toughness. Its unique combination of properties makes it suitable for various projects, from functional prints to outdoor applications.

One of the key advantages of PETG filament is its resistance to moisture and water. Unlike some other filaments, PETG is not hygroscopic, meaning it does not absorb water from the air. This makes PETG an ideal choice for prints that require contact with liquids or humid environments. Additionally, PETG offers good layer adhesion, resulting in strong and durable prints.

When it comes to printing with PETG, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. PETG filament is not prone to warping, making it easier to achieve successful prints compared to materials like ABS. However, it can be hygroscopic to some extent, so it is crucial to properly dry the filament before printing to avoid moisture-related issues. It is also recommended to use a heated bed for optimal adhesion and print quality.

In summary, PETG filament is a versatile choice for 3D printing with its excellent heat resistance, UV resistance, and toughness. Its resistance to moisture and water expands its range of applications, making it suitable for functional prints and outdoor projects. By following proper drying procedures and using a heated bed, you can achieve high-quality prints with PETG filament.

Table: Comparison of PETG Filament Properties

Nylon Filament: The Wear-Resistant Option

Nylon filament, also known as polyamide, is a popular choice for 3D printing due to its excellent wear resistance and durability. It is widely used in engineering applications where strength and flexibility are required. Nylon filament can withstand heavy loads and is resistant to impact, making it ideal for creating functional parts that need to endure high-stress environments.

When printing with nylon filament, it is important to note that it requires high print temperatures and tends to warp during the printing process. To minimize warping, a heated enclosure is often necessary to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the print. Additionally, nylon filament is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. It is crucial to dry the filament before printing to prevent print quality issues.

Nylon filament offers excellent layer adhesion, allowing for the creation of strong and durable prints. It is frequently used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and robotics, where parts need to withstand demanding conditions. With its exceptional mechanical properties, nylon filament provides an optimal solution for projects that require wear-resistant and resilient components.

Benefits of Nylon Filament:

• High wear resistance
• Excellent durability
• Strong and flexible prints
• Ideal for functional parts
• Used in automotive, aerospace, and robotics industries

By harnessing the capabilities of nylon filament, 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals can create reliable and long-lasting parts that meet the demands of even the most challenging applications.

TPU Filament: The Flexible Material

When it comes to 3D printing, TPU filament is the go-to choice for creating flexible and impact-resistant parts. TPU, short for Thermoplastic Polyurethane, belongs to the thermoplastic elastomer family and offers unique properties that make it ideal for a variety of applications. Its flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion set it apart from other filament types.

One of the standout features of TPU filament is its ability to create elastic parts. Whether you’re designing phone cases, grips, or wearable accessories, TPU can provide the necessary flexibility while maintaining its structural integrity. However, printing with TPU can be challenging due to its softness and flexibility. It requires a direct drive extruder and careful temperature management to ensure successful prints.

It’s important to note that TPU filament is not food safe, so it should not be used for objects that come into contact with food. Additionally, TPU offers good abrasion resistance, making it suitable for parts that require long-lasting performance. If you’re in need of a filament that can withstand repeated wear and tear, TPU is an excellent choice.

Benefits of TPU Filament:

• Flexible and impact-resistant
• Creates elastic parts
• Good abrasion resistance

“TPU filament is the perfect choice for creating flexible parts that can withstand impact and abrasion. Its ability to create elastic prints opens up a world of possibilities for designers and makers.”

Overall, TPU filament offers a unique combination of flexibility, durability, and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for various applications. Whether you’re looking to create functional prototypes or flexible accessories, TPU can deliver the desired results. Just be sure to have the right equipment and temperature control in place to achieve successful prints.

Carbon Fiber Filament: The High-Strength Option

When it comes to achieving exceptional strength and rigidity in 3D printed parts, carbon fiber filament is a top choice. This composite material combines a base filament with carbon fibers, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and dimensional stability. With its high strength-to-weight ratio, carbon fiber filament is particularly suitable for applications that require robust and lightweight components.

One of the key advantages of carbon fiber filament is its superior tensile strength. Compared to unfilled thermoplastics, it offers significantly higher resistance to forces pulling the material apart. This makes it an ideal option for parts subjected to high stress or structural loads, such as mechanical components, drone frames, or automotive prototypes.

However, it’s important to note that carbon fiber filament does have some limitations. Due to the nature of carbon fibers, it can be brittle, which may make it prone to breakage under certain circumstances. Additionally, the unique properties of carbon fiber filament can present challenges during the printing process, such as nozzle clogs or abrasion on the printer’s components. Therefore, proper print settings, including nozzle size and temperature control, are crucial for successful prints.

Carbon Fiber Filament Specifications

In conclusion, carbon fiber filament offers exceptional strength and rigidity, making it a popular choice for high-performance applications. While it does require careful handling and specific print settings, the superior mechanical properties of carbon fiber filament can result in durable and reliable 3D printed parts.

HIPS Filament: The Soluble Support Material

HIPS filament, also known as High Impact Polystyrene, is commonly used as a soluble support material in dual extruder 3D printing setups. It offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for creating complex prints with intricate geometries. One of the key benefits of HIPS is its high impact resistance, which ensures the durability and stability of the support structures during the printing process. This allows for the creation of more complex designs with minimal risk of breakage or deformation.

Another significant advantage of HIPS filament is its solubility in citric-based acids. This property enables easy removal of the supports from the finished prints without causing any damage or leaving behind any residue. By immersing the printed object in a citric acid solution, the HIPS supports dissolve, leaving a clean and smooth surface. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with intricate models or those with hard-to-reach support structures that cannot be manually removed without risking damage to the print itself.

However, it’s important to note that HIPS filament does have a tendency to warp if temperature control is not properly managed during the printing process. To minimize this issue, it is recommended to use a heated build plate and ensure proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of fumes. Additionally, HIPS filament is not suitable for food-related applications and should be used exclusively for support structures in dual extrusion setups.

Applications

HIPS filament finds its primary application as a soluble support material in combination with other filaments such as ABS. Its ability to dissolve in citric-based acids makes it an ideal choice for creating support structures that can be easily removed without leaving any marks or damaging the main print. This makes HIPS filament particularly suitable for complex prints, models with intricate geometries, or designs that require support structures that cannot be accessed or removed manually.

Table: Comparison of HIPS Filament

PVA Filament: The Water-Soluble Support Material

PVA filament, also known as Polyvinyl Alcohol filament, is a popular choice for 3D printing support materials. It is primarily used to create temporary supports for complex geometric prints that would be difficult or impossible to remove with traditional support structures. PVA is water-soluble, meaning it can easily dissolve when immersed in water, leaving behind a clean and smooth surface on the printed object.

One of the main advantages of PVA filament is its compatibility with a wide range of filaments, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and more. This makes it a versatile choice for multi-material prints, where different filaments are used simultaneously to achieve desired properties. PVA supports can be easily printed on dual extruder setups, where one extruder prints the main material and the other extruder prints the PVA support material.

However, it is important to note that PVA filament has some limitations. Firstly, it is not suitable for long-term use as it degrades in the presence of moisture. This means that if your printed object will be exposed to high humidity or water, the PVA supports may dissolve over time. Additionally, PVA filament can warp to some degree during printing, so it is recommended to use a heated bed and ensure proper temperature management to minimize warping.

In conclusion, PVA filament is an excellent choice for creating water-soluble support structures in 3D printing. Its ability to dissolve in water makes post-processing much easier and allows for the creation of intricate designs. However, it is important to consider the limitations of PVA, such as its degradation in the presence of moisture and the potential for warping. By understanding the properties and applications of PVA filament, you can make informed decisions when choosing the best support material for your 3D printing projects.

Table: Comparison of PVA Filament Properties

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to selecting the best filament for your 3D printing needs, it’s important to consider the specific application and desired properties of the printed part. Each type of filament has its own unique characteristics and advantages.

For cosmetic prints and prototypes, PLA filament is an eco-friendly and easy-to-print option. If durability is what you’re after, ABS filament offers excellent toughness and resistance to wear and tear. PETG filament is a versatile choice with good heat resistance and UV resistance, making it suitable for functional prints and outdoor applications.

If you require wear-resistant parts, Nylon filament is a popular choice due to its excellent wear resistance and durability. For flexible and impact-resistant prints, TPU filament is the way to go. Carbon fiber filament enhances strength and rigidity, making it ideal for high-strength applications.

When it comes to support materials, HIPS filament is soluble in citric-based acids and is often used in dual extruder setups. PVA filament, on the other hand, is water-soluble and compatible with a wide range of filaments, making it a great choice for complex geometric prints.

Remember to consider the mechanical properties, printing requirements, and environmental factors when selecting the best filament for your 3D printing projects. With the right filament in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to create high-quality and functional 3D printed parts.