Comprehensive Guide to 3D Printing Filaments

3D Printing Filament Guide

Overview

Details the top seven filament types used in 3D printing, outlining their characteristics, typical applications, and essential printing considerations.

Key Insights

• PLA offers ease of use for beginners and decorative prints, but lacks durability in warm or outdoor environments.
• PETG balances strength with flexibility, suitable for functional parts and light outdoor use.
• ABS provides high strength and heat resistance but requires controlled printing environments due to warping and fumes.
• ASA is a UV-resistant alternative to ABS, making it ideal for outdoor applications where sunlight exposure is a factor.
• TPU delivers rubber-like flexibility and shock absorption for components like cases and dampeners.
• Nylon stands out for exceptional strength and impact resistance in mechanical components, demanding strict moisture control during storage and printing.
• Carbon Fiber Blends enhance base materials with increased stiffness, a matte finish, and reduced warping, necessitating abrasive-resistant nozzles.
• Filament quality is less about brand and more about consistency, diameter accuracy, and proper dry storage. A well-tuned printer significantly impacts overall print quality.

Technical Details

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

• Characteristics: Plant-based, easy to print, forgiving, and reliable. Prints at lower temperatures, stays stable during long prints, and rarely warps.
• Use Cases: Best for decorative prints where strength is not a priority, such as figurines, signs, models, and cosplay props.
• Printing Tips:
  • Nozzle Temperature: Around 200°C.
  • Bed Temperature: 60°C.
  • Offers the widest selection of colors, including silk, rainbow, and glow-in-the-dark.
• Limitations: Softens in warm environments and becomes brittle over time.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

• Characteristics: Durable plastic, similar to water bottles, offering more toughness and flexibility than PLA. Handles light outdoor use and everyday handling well.
• Use Cases: Functional items like brackets, mounts, organizers, and replacement fridge parts.
• Printing Tips:
  • Nozzle Temperature: 230°C to 250°C.
  • Bed Temperature: 70°C to 85°C.
  • To prevent stringing, slow print speeds and adjust retraction.
  • Requires less cooling than PLA.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Characteristics: Known for its strength and heat resistance.
• Use Cases: Automotive parts, tool components, robotics, and enclosures.
• Printing Tips:
  • Enclosed printer highly recommended due to easy warping from drafts.
  • Releases fumes requiring proper ventilation.
  • Use minimal cooling and let the part cool slowly inside the enclosure to prevent cracking.

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

• Characteristics: Behaves similarly to ABS but is UV resistant, preventing fading or cracking in sunlight. Reported to warp less than ABS.
• Use Cases: Ideal for outdoor parts like car vent clips, garden hooks, and outdoor signs.
• Printing Tips: Best printed in a warm, preheated enclosure to prevent corner curling.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

• Characteristics: Flexible, rubber-like material that absorbs shock and resists cracking under pressure.
• Use Cases: Phone cases, straps, vibration dampeners, and gaskets.
• Printing Tips:
  • Best used with direct drive printers.
  • For Bowden setups, print very slowly to avoid jams.
  • Nozzle Temperature: Recommended 220°C.
  • Turn down retraction settings.

Nylon

• Characteristics: One of the strongest materials for functional parts, handling friction and impact exceptionally well.
• Use Cases: Mechanical components like gears, hinges, and drone arms.
• Printing Tips:
  • Moisture absorption is a major challenge; must be kept dry using a filament dryer or dry box to prevent popping sounds and poor quality.
  • Prints best around 250°C.

Carbon Fiber Blends

• Characteristics: Base materials (e.g., PLA or Nylon) mixed with tiny chopped fibers. Offers increased stiffness, a matte finish, and reduced warping.
• Use Cases: Structural parts, drone frames, and camera mounts.
• Printing Tips:
  • Fibers are abrasive; use a hardened steel or ruby-tipped nozzle.
  • Standard brass nozzles wear out quickly.

General Filament Advice

• Brand vs. Consistency: No single “best” brand exists. Prioritize consistency, diameter accuracy, and proper storage.
• Storage: Keep filament dry to maintain print quality and prevent issues.
• Printer Tuning: A well-tuned printer with average filament generally outperforms a poorly tuned printer using expensive material.