Filament is an essential part of the 3D printing process and is available in a wide range of colours and materials. It’s a thin plastic wire that’s carefully wound onto a spool and then fed into the 3D printer. The printer heats the filament until it melts, then deposits it layer by layer to create the intended three-dimensional object.
The versatility of filaments for 3D printing inspires a range of creative applications, making the overall experience fun for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. You can buy a 3D filament and shape your ideas with precision and innovation while enjoying the process with confidence. It can be used to create prototypes of products quickly and cost-effectively before mass production. Also, it can be used to print handy household items such as holders and organisers. Very often, it’s used in the toy industry for designing and printing action figures, puzzles and more. It’s suitable for art and decoration projects as well, allowing you to let your creativity flourish. It can be used for practical applications, too, to manufacture functional parts, such as housings, switches and more. Most importantly, it plays a role in educational purposes, engaging students in hands-on learning.
To make the most of your project, the filament must have sufficient strength to maintain the desired shape and structure. With so many different types out there, selecting the right one can be a daunting task, so here is what you need to know that can help you narrow down your selection.
Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Filament
Different Types Available
ABS
One of the first filaments for 3D printers, great for printing tough and durable parts that can withstand high temperatures. It’s often used by more experienced printers who like to work with demanding details on large objects.
Flexible
Commonly referred to as TPE or TPU, flexible filaments are known for their elasticity, allowing the material to easily stretch and bend.
PLA
It’s one of the most commonly used materials due to its ease of use and dimensional accuracy. PLA is made from corn starch and is biodegradable. It’s a reliable starting material with good mechanical properties, but not ideal for outdoor use due to low-temperature resistance and UV resistance.
PLA+
It’s more flexible under stress, offers higher viscosity during printing and better tolerates insufficient printer cooling in a warm environment. It’s suitable for bridging and printing overhangs and has an attractive matte finish.
HIPS
It’s a lightweight material, most commonly used as a dissolvable support structure for ABS models.
PETG
PETG filaments feature a smooth surface finish and water resistance and are known for their ease of printability. They’re excellent for beginners and are suitable for 3D printing large objects without small details.
Carbon Fibre Filled
Carbon fibre filaments feature short fibres that are infused into a PLA or ABS base material for enhanced strength and stiffness.
ASA
It’s a common alternative to ABS and is great for outdoor applications due to its high UV, temperature and impact resistance. This type of filament can be quickly processed with sandpaper, smoothed with acetone vapours, or glued with acetone.
Polypropylene
It’s ideal for high-cycle, low strength applications due to its fatigue resistance, semi-flexible and lightweight characteristics.
Polycarbonate
It’s known for its durability and strength. Its heat and impact resistance make it a perfect choice for tough environments.
Wood Filled
Wood filaments combine a PLA base material with cork, wood dust, or other derivatives, giving the model a real wooden look and feel.
Metal Filled
Metal filled filaments are made by mixing a fine metal powder into a base material, giving the model a metallic finish and added weight.
PVA
It’s commonly known for its ability to be dissolved in water and is often used as a support material for complex prints.
Diameter Tolerance
Most printers assume that 1.75mm filament is actually 1.75mm. If it’s 1.80mm, it can lead to over-extrusion and if it drops to 1.70mm, then it can cause gaps and weak layers.
Tips on Choosing the Right 3D Filament
Consider Filament Quality
Filament quality matters a lot. Low-grade 3D filament may cause nozzle jams, inconsistent extrusion, poor layer adhesion, and visual defects. Diameter consistency, material purity, and proper winding, all play a role in the final result.
Buy Suitable Accessories
When choosing your filament, don’t forget about accessories that can help you with the realisation of a printed 3D object. From adhesives to mat cleaners and more, many different accessories can make your 3D printing experience easier and more successful.
Roundness Matters
Filament should be perfectly round. If it’s oval, the extruder gears can’t grip properly, causing inconsistent flow and slips. An oval filament melts unevenly and the heat doesn’t reach the core equally, which leads to unpredictable flow behaviour.
Final Thoughts
Understanding filament for 3D printing is not just about selecting the right colour; it’s about optimising the entire process. The right materials enhance product quality, save time and rework, and ensure that your printed components are fit for purpose.
