Complete Guide to Choosing the Right 3D Printing Filament Types

Picking the right 3D printing filament can sometimes feel like trying to crack a secret code, right? With all the different types out there, each promising the best results for various projects, it’s easy to get lost. 

Whether you’re just starting with some fun projects or you’re deep into creating professional-grade parts, choosing poorly can lead to a whole bunch of frustration and, let’s not forget, wasted money and time. 

But don’t worry! This guide is here to cut through the confusion, giving you the lowdown on what’s what in the filament world. Together, we’ll find that perfect match for your 3D printing adventures, making sure your creations come to life just the way you imagined.

A Quick Overview of 3D Printing Filaments

Notes:

*PLA is generally considered food safe, but the food safety of a printed object also depends on the manufacturing process, dyes, and other additives used in the filament. It’s also crucial to consider the porosity of printed parts that can harbor bacteria.

**PETG can be food-safe depending on the specific filament brand and whether it contains any harmful additives. However, as with PLA, the porosity of 3D printing objects and the printing process itself can affect their suitability for food contact.

Best 3D Printing Filaments for Those Just Starting Out

PETG Filament (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified)

PETG combines the ease of printing found in PLA with the strength and durability of ABS. It is known for its excellent layer adhesion, low shrinkage, and glossy finish.

PETG is resistant to moisture and many chemicals, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including containers and functional prototypes. It prints at a temperature similar to ABS but without the odor, making it a user-friendly alternative.

Pros:

• Combines ease of printing with durability, offering a balance between PLA and ABS.
• Good chemical resistance and is less prone to warping than ABS.
• More flexible and impact-resistant than PLA, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.

Cons:

• Stringing or oozing can occur during printing, requiring fine-tuning of printer settings.
• It may absorb moisture from the air, needing to be stored properly to maintain quality.

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources, making it the most environmentally friendly option in the 3D printing world. Ideal for beginners due to its ease of use, PLA prints at lower temperatures and does not require a heated bed.

It offers excellent detail and is perfect for cosmetic prints, prototypes, and household items. However, it has lower heat resistance and is less durable than other filaments.

Pros:

• Easy to print with a low risk of warping, making it ideal for simple projects.
• Environmentally friendly, as it’s derived from renewable resources like cornstarch.
• Wide range of colors and finishes, including translucent, glow-in-the-dark, and metallic.

Cons:

• Brittle nature limits its use in functional parts that require flexibility or durability.
• Poor temperature resistance, making it unsuitable for objects exposed to heat.

Best for Advanced and Professional Users

PPGF30 (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene)

PPGF30 combines the versatile properties of polypropylene with the strength and stiffness of glass fibers, resulting in a filament that offers exceptional durability and lightweight characteristics. It is designed for use in applications that demand high-impact resistance, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and moisture.

PPGF30 is particularly suitable for automotive components, outdoor equipment, and industrial applications where weight reduction without sacrificing strength is critical.

Pros:

• High impact resistance and flexibility.
• Resistant to chemicals and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor and industrial applications.
• Lower density compared to other filaments, resulting in lighter parts.

Cons:

• Printing can be challenging due to its tendency to warp and shrink.
• Requires specialized print bed surfaces or adhesives to prevent warping.

PAHT CF15 (Polyamide High-Temperature Carbon Fiber)

PAHT CF15 is a high-performance filament that blends polyamide’s thermal resistance and mechanical properties with the lightweight strength of carbon fibers.

This combination results in a filament that is exceptionally suited for producing structural parts requiring high strength, stiffness, and thermal resistance. Applications range from automotive to aerospace, where durability, weight reduction, and stability under thermal stress are paramount.

Pros:

• High strength and stiffness, ideal for structural parts.
• Excellent thermal resistance and dimensional stability.
• Carbon fiber reinforcement offers improved durability and reduced weight.

Cons:

• Requires a high-temperature nozzle and may wear out standard nozzles due to carbon fibers.
• Higher cost compared to non-reinforced filaments.

Best for Prototyping and Tooling Projects

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS is a strong, durable filament known for its high heat resistance and toughness. It is often used to create functional parts that withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress, such as automotive components and electronic housings.

ABS requires a heated bed and an enclosed printer to prevent warping. Proper ventilation is also recommended due to the fumes produced during printing.

Pros:

• Excellent mechanical properties, including high toughness and impact resistance.
• Good temperature resistance is suitable for parts exposed to higher temperatures.
• Easily sanded and machined for post-processing.

Cons:

• Prone to warping requires a heated bed and ideally a heated enclosure for best results.
• Emits unpleasant fumes during printing, necessitating good ventilation.

Nylon Filament

Nylon is a synthetic polymer that stands out for its flexibility, durability, and high resistance to impact and heat. It’s ideal for functional prototypes, gears, and mechanical parts that require strength and durability. Nylon’s versatility also makes it suitable for aesthetic items.

Pros:

• Excellent strength, flexibility, and heat resistance.
• High impact resistance, making it ideal for mechanical parts.
• Resistant to abrasion and chemicals.

Cons:

• Moisture absorption can affect printing and material properties.
• Requires a high print temperature and potentially a heated bed.

Best for Commercial Use and Applications

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a highly versatile elastomer that bridges the gap between rubber and plastic. Its exceptional flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion, tearing, and various chemicals make it a preferred choice for various commercial applications.

TPU is extensively used to manufacture flexible and durable goods, including phone cases, wearable devices, and protective coverings, as well as in industrial applications where parts may be subject to stress or need to resist wear and tear over time.

Pros:

• Highly flexible and durable, ideal for products requiring elasticity such as phone cases or wearable devices.
• Good abrasion and tear resistance.
• Resistant to oils, greases, and various chemicals.

Cons:

• Can be challenging to print due to its flexibility, requiring specific printer settings and possibly modifications.
• Not suitable for high-temperature applications due to lower heat resistance.

Best for High-Stress Environments and Applications

PC (Polycarbonate)

PC filament is renowned for its strength, toughness, and heat resistance, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 110°C. It’s used in applications that demand high durability, such as protective gear, automotive parts, and medical devices.

Polycarbonate requires high print temperatures and a heated bed, making it more suitable for experienced users. It also benefits from an enclosed print environment to maintain temperature consistency.

Pros:

• Superior strength and heat resistance, suitable for high-stress and high-temperature environments.
• Excellent dimensional stability and clarity, ideal for transparent applications.
• Good electrical insulation properties.

Cons:

• Requires very high print temperatures, making printing challenging without a high-temperature printer.
• Prone to absorbing moisture, which can affect print quality and requires drying before use.

PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its versatile applications across various industries, owing to its unique blend of properties. It stands out for its exceptional chemical and moisture resistance, durability, and flexibility.

PP is particularly favored for creating parts and containers exposed to chemicals or requiring a high degree of resilience to bending and flexing, such as living hinges. Its low-density nature makes it ideal for manufacturing lightweight parts, contributing to its popularity in the automotive, packaging, and consumer goods sectors.

Pros:

• Excellent chemical and moisture resistance, suitable for containers and parts exposed to chemicals.
• Durable and flexible, making it resistant to fatigue from repetitive use.
• Low-density results in lightweight parts.

Cons:

• Difficult to adhere to the print bed, often requiring special adhesives or preparation.
• Limited color options and finishes compared to other materials.

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

ASA filament offers superior UV, heat, and impact resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications that need to withstand harsh weather conditions without fading or losing strength. Its properties are similar to ABS but with improved weather resistance, making it perfect for outdoor fixtures, sports equipment, and automotive parts.

Pros:

• Excellent UV, heat, and weather resistance.
• Does not yellow over time, maintaining color and properties.
• High strength and durability for outdoor use.

Cons:

• Similar to ABS, it requires a heated bed and good ventilation due to fumes.
• Prone to warping, necessitating careful calibration and printing conditions.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Type of 3D Printer Filament 

When choosing the right type of 3D printer filament, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure you select the best material for your project. These factors can affect the final quality, durability, and appearance of your 3D-printed object. Here are the key considerations:

1. 3D Printing Material Properties: Each filament type has unique properties that can affect the strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and durability of the printed object. For example, PLA is biodegradable and easy to print with but has lower temperature resistance, while ABS is stronger and more heat-resistant but can be more challenging to print with due to warping. Unlock a world of possibilities with our guide to 3D printing filament, featuring a wide range of materials and properties
   
2. Print Temperature: Different filaments require different print temperatures. Ensuring your 3D printer can reach and maintain the required temperature for the filament you choose is crucial for successful printing.
   
3. Bed Temperature: Some filaments adhere better to the print bed at higher temperatures. Knowing the ideal bed temperature for your filament can help reduce warping and improve print quality.
   
4. Print Speed: The recommended print speed can vary significantly between different types of filaments. Some materials may print better at slower speeds, while others can handle faster printing without quality loss.
   
5. Layer Adhesion: Filament types vary in how well each layer adheres to the one below it. Materials with good layer adhesion properties will produce stronger and more durable objects.
   
6. Post-Processing: Consider what post-processing your object will need. Some materials are easier to sand, paint, or glue than others. For example, PLA is easy to sand and paint, while nylon might require special treatments.
   
7. Environmental Conditions: Certain materials are more sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity and temperature. Filaments like PVA or Nylon can absorb moisture from the air, which can affect print quality and require dry storage.
   
8. Application of the Printed Object: Think about the intended use of your printed object. Will it be exposed to high temperatures, mechanical stress, or outdoor conditions? Choose a material that suits the application’s demands.
   
9. Cost: Filament prices vary widely depending on the material type and quality. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, consider the trade-offs in quality and durability for your project.
   
10. Availability and Compatibility: Ensure that the filament type you choose is readily available and compatible with your 3D printer. Some printers might require proprietary filaments or have limitations on the diameters they can use.
    
11. Color and Transparency: Filament comes in a wide range of colors and levels of transparency. Consider what aesthetic qualities your project requires.
    

Final Words

Wrapping up our guide, picking the right 3D printing filament really does make all the difference. Whether you’re starting off or tackling complex projects, knowing your filaments – from the easy-going PLA to the tough-as-nails Nylon – sets you up for success. It’s about matching the filament to what you need, be it for looks, durability, or something else.

But hey, if diving into filament details isn’t your thing, or if you’re after top-notch quality without the guesswork, why not check out printing services? Over on our site, we’ve got a whole section dedicated to it. It’s a great way to get professional results, explore new possibilities, and take your 3D printing game to the next level.

So, why not give our printing services a look and see how they can help bring your ideas to life?

Frequently Asked Questions