3d Filament guide
3d Filament guide
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to 3D printer filament! This guide is designed to help both beginners and experienced users learn more about the different types of filament available for 3D printers. We will go through the most popular filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG and TPU, as well as their advantages, disadvantages and best uses. Whether you're printing prototypes, functional parts or artistic projects, here you'll find all the information you need to make the right choice of filament.
As an introduction in our 3D filament guide is PLA Filament, or Polylactic Acid, one of the most common and user-friendly materials for 3D printing. PLA filament has good prices that can be obtained even better as a 3D printer refill and of course also easy to use. Its eco-friendly properties come from renewable sources such as corn and sugarcane making it a popular choice when it comes to 3D printer. PLA filament is also available in many different colors, giving you extra options for your printing projects.
Nozzle
190-210 °C
Building plate
45-70 °C
Cooling
100%
Advantages of PLA
Cost effective
PLA is often cheaper compared to other filaments due to its popularity and ease of availability.
Easy to use
Due to the properties of the material, PLA is one of the easiest filaments to print with.
Environmentally friendly
Made from renewable resources, making it biodegradable.
Disadvantages of PLA
Skirt
PLA is more prone to breaking under load compared to other materials.
Low heat resistance
Deforms at relatively low temperatures.
Absorbs moisture
May affect print quality if not stored properly.
The difference between PLA and PLA PRO
| Property | PLA | PLA PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Polylactic acid | Fortified polylactic acid |
| Strength | ● ○ ○ | ● ● ● |
| Flexibility | Brittle | Rigid |
| Printability | ● ● ● | ● ● ○ |
| Surface finish | Standard | Smooth |
| Layer stapling | ● ○ ○ | ● ● ● |
| Temperature resistance | ● ○ ○ | ● ● ● |
| Applications | Basic prototypes, Low-load models | Prototypes, Functional parts, Mechanical components |
*In relation to each other
Nozzle
220-250 °C
Building plate
95-110 °C
Cooling
0-100%
Advantages of ABS
Heat resistant
ABS can handle higher temperatures without deforming, making it suitable for parts exposed to heat.
Moderate stiffness
The material has a good balance between stiffness and flexibility, which gives it versatility for different applications.
Durable and good impact resistance
ABS is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for parts that must withstand mechanical stress and impact.
Disadvantages of ABS
Warping
ABS can shrink and warp during printing, which can lead to problems with precision and shape stability.
Difficult to use
Due to shrinkage and other printing challenges, ABS can be more demanding to work with compared to other filaments.
Gives off a bad smell when printing
When printing, ABS emits fumes that have an unpleasant smell and that require good ventilation.
Acetone treatment
Using acetone to smooth 3D prints is a method that is mainly effective on ABS plastic, not on all types of filament. Follow these steps to use acetone and achieve a smoother surface on your ABS prints:
1. Prepare printout
Acetone works best on ABS plastic. Make sure your 3D print is made of ABS filament before using acetone
2. Create a closed environment
Place the 3D printed model in a container or a sealed bag. This helps create an environment where the fumes from the acetone can act on the surface of the print.
3. Apply
Moisten a sponge, a piece of torn cloth or a cotton swab with acetone. Then place the moistened surface in the hold with your 3D print. Alternatively, you can use an acetone vapor chamber.
4. Ventilate properly:
After the process is complete, air out your 3D print properly to remove any remaining fumes from the acetone.
The difference between ABS and PLA
| Property | ABS | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Polylactic acid |
| Strength | ● ● ● | ● ○ ○ |
| Flexibility | Less flexible | More flexible |
| Printability | ● ○ ○ | ● ● ● |
| Layer stapling | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ● | ○ ○ ○ |
| Applications | Mechanical parts, Industrial prototypes | Consumer products, Prototypes |
*In relation to each other
In our filament guide we will now talk about Polyethylene terephthalate glycol, or PETG filament which is a thermoplastic polymer. A 3D printer filament that has become popular and versatile thermoplastic due to its ability to combine the advantages of both PLA (polylactide) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). PETG is known for its high strength, good adhesion, and its ability to resist moisture and UV light, making it a reliable material for various applications.
Nozzle
230-250 °C
Building plate
75-90 °C
Cooling
100%
Advantages of PETG
Chemical resistance
PETG is resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for applications where the material may come into contact with chemical substances.
UV resistance (good outdoors)
This filament is UV resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use where exposure to sunlight is common
Good prices on various colors
PETG is available in a variety of colors at affordable prices, making it an affordable alternative to PLA.
Disadvantages of PETG
Sensitive to stringing
PETG has a tendency to form threads, which can affect the surface finish and require more post-processing.
Poor overhang ability
PETG tends to perform poorly when printing overhangs and may require support materials to handle complex geometries.
The difference between PET and PETG
| Property | PET | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Polyethylene terephthalate | Polyethylene terephthalate glycol |
| Strength | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Moderately flexible |
| Printability | ● ● ○ | ● ● ○ |
| Surface finish | Smooth | Smooth |
| Layer stapling | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Applications | Prototypes, Packaging | Prototypes, Functional parts, Mechanical components |
*In relation to each other
ASA is a UV-resistant thermoplastic 3D filament, similar to ABS but with improved weather resistance. It is particularly suitable for outdoor applications and retains its mechanical properties over time when exposed to the sun's UV radiation. We have chosen to include ASA in our 3D printing filament guide due to its popularity and versatile uses. A must try material if you ask us.
Nozzle
220-245 °C
Building plate
90-110 °C
Cooling
0-100%
Advantages of ASA
High UV resistance
ASA has excellent UV resistance, making it a good choice for outdoor applications.
High glass temperature
The material has a high glass transition temperature, which makes it resistant to deformation at high temperatures.
High impact and abrasion resistance
ASA is strong and durable, this makes it suitable for parts that must withstand mechanical stress and impact.
Disadvantages of ASA
Relatively expensive
ASA is generally more expensive compared to other filaments due to its specific raw materials and manufacturing processes.
High printing temperature
To print with ASA, higher temperatures are required, this may limit the use to printers that can handle these requirements.
Bad smell and steam during printing
When printing, ASA emits fumes that can have an unpleasant smell and require good ventilation.
The difference between ASA and PETG
| Function | ASA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate | Polyethylene terephthalate Glycol |
| Strength | ● ● ● | ● ● ● |
| Flexibility | Somewhat flexible | Some flexibility |
| Printability | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Surface finish | Smooth | Smooth |
| Layer stapling | ● ● ○ | ● ● ○ |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ● | ● ● ○ |
| Applications | Outdoor applications, Auto parts | Outdoor applications, Mechanical parts |
*In relation to each other
Next up in our 3D filament guide is TPU filament, or thermoplastic polyurethane filament. It is a type of 3D filament used to create flexible and elastic objects. TPU is made from a type of thermoplastic rubber and offers properties such as high elasticity, resistance to oils and moisture, as well as good wear resistance. TPU filament is popular for creating flexible details such as phone cases, shoe soles, and other products where flexibility and durability are important.
Nozzle
200-250 °C
Building plate
45-70 °C
Cooling
0-100%
Advantages of TPU
Elastic and soft
The material is both elastic and soft, applications that require flexibility and cushioning, such as phone cases and belts.
Strong binding capacity
TPU provides a strong bond, which makes harder TPU material a popular choice when you don't want brittle parts.
Disadvantages of TPU
Difficult printing
Printing with TPU may require trial and error to get the slicer and hardware to the right settings.
Bad overhangs
TPU, which can often be used as a support structure material, has difficulty with overhangs, which makes support material important.
May need to be dried before use
TPU is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air, which can affect print quality. Therefore, it may need to be dried before use to ensure best results.
The difference between TPU and PLA
| Property | TPU | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Thermoplastic polyurethane | Polylactic acid |
| Strength | ● ● ○ | ● ○ ○ |
| Flexibility | Flexible | A bit flexible |
| Printability | ● ● ● | ● ● ● |
| Surface finish | Improved | Standard |
| Layer attachment | ● ● ○ | ● ● ○ |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ○ | ● ○ ○ |
| Applications | Prototypes, Low Load Components | Simple Prototypes, Low Load Models |
*In relation to each other
Carbon fiber filled 3D filament is a type of filament used in 3D printing and is reinforced with carbon fiber material. This gives the finished 3D prints improved mechanical properties, including increased strength, stiffness and wear resistance compared to standard filaments. The carbon fiber reinforcement also gives the material a light weight, which is beneficial for manufacturing components where weight reduction is important. The carbon-filled filament is popular in industry and is often used to create high-performance prototypes, tools and final products with advanced technical requirements.
Nozzle
230-280 °C
Building plate
70-100 °C
Cooling
0-100%
Advantages of CF Filament
Strength and stiffness
Carbon fiber filament is known for its high strength and stiffness, ideal for parts that require durability and structural integrity.
Low weight
Carbon fiber filaments are known for their strong durability in relation to the weight.
Heat resistant
Can withstand high temperatures, useful for parts that will be exposed to heat during use.
Disadvantages of CF Filament
Wear on the print head
Carbon fiber can cause significant print head wear and often requires the use of a hardened nozzle to avoid rapid degradation of the print equipment.
Depending on the seller, expensive
Due to the material's expensive manufacturing cost, suppliers can charge up to SEK 1000/kg for a good carbon fiber material.
Difficult to print with
The material has a tendency to shrink and warp, which can lead to problems with precision and adhesion to the build plate.
Strength
The difference between Regular and Carbon Fiber Filament
| Feature | Plain Filament | Carbon fiber reinforced filament |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Polylactic Acid (PLA) | Polylactic Acid (PLA) with Carbon Fiber Reinforcement |
| Strength | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Flexibility | Brittle | Generally Less Flexible |
| Printability | ● ● ● | ● ● ○ |
| Surface finish | Standard | Generally Improved |
| Layer stapling | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Applications | Basic prototypes, low-load models | Prototypes, functional parts, mechanical components |
*Compared to each other
In conclusion
Thank you for following our comprehensive 3D filament guide, designed to guide both beginners and experienced users towards successful and high-quality 3D printing. From affordable and eco-friendly PLA filaments to robust ABS options and specialized materials such as TPU and carbon-filled filaments, we've covered the full spectrum of possibilities for your unique projects.
Our guide has not only explored the characteristics of each filament type, but also shared tuning tips to optimize your prints. By customizing temperatures, flow rates and overhang settings, you can overcome challenges and create impressive results.
To choose the best filament for your needs and maximize your 3D printing success, we hope our guide has given you the insight and confidence you need. Remember that our goal is to make your journey through the exciting world of 3D printing as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Keep exploring and experimenting to discover new possibilities, and we wish you the best of luck with your future 3D projects. If you have additional questions or need support, our team is here to help. Thank you for choosing us as your guide, and we look forward to following your successful journey in 3D printing!
Don't have the right color for your next project?
We have one of Sweden's and perhaps Europe's widest range of different types with pla filament and more. Choose among other exciting materials, everything from glow in the dark to transparent, and find filaments that suit your next 3D prints.