Knowing the best types of filaments to print with can greatly increase your capacity to print useful and relevant designs that suit a variety of environments. Here are the types of 3D printer filaments that may be most useful to you!
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is simple to use, does not require a heating bed, has little to no odor, and has minimum warping and shrinking. It is biodegradable and environmentally friendly and comes in a wide range of colors and shapes.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
This is the best rigid filament available; it is high-temperature resistant, extremely durable, and hard. However, it’s not very user- or beginner-friendly because it warps and shrinks.
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA is a weather-resistant, slightly easier-to-print alternative to ABS. However, it is brittle, and if the settings aren’t right, it has a tendency to shatter when printing.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate With Glycol)
PETG is easy to work with, clear, non-brittle, sturdy but flexible, and heat resistant. Beginners will love it. Although PETG resin has been certified by the FDA for food contact, you should always verify the Safety Data Sheet on each product because compositions might vary.
POM (Polyoxymethylene)
This filament is commonly used in engineering since it is ideal for precision parts such as gears and bearings. For a satisfactory result, the initial layer requires a great deal of care and attention, as well as a high print bed temperature.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), and TPC (Thermoplastic Copolyester)
These filaments are flexible yet robust polymers that resemble rubber and are widely utilized in the medical industry. They aren’t the most straightforward to print.
Nylon
Nylon filament is a costly material to print with since it demands a high bed temperature. It’s tough, flexible, and long-lasting, and you can color it before or after using it.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber reinforced filaments, whether made of PLA, PETG, or ABS, are strong, light, and rigid, with a high heat tolerance.
PC (Polycarbonate)
One of the strongest filaments is PC. It is heat- and impact-resistant, and it needs to be kept in a cool, dry environment to keep its best qualities. A PC/ABS filament is also available, which combines the benefits of both polymers.
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
This filament is a water-soluble plastic (similar to the plastic that covers dishwasher tablets) that is beneficial for specific goods but difficult to work with.
We hope that our article on the types of 3D printer filaments most useful to you has helped you get established in the printing hobby! If you are looking for an FDM 3D printing service, be sure to reach out to Tangible Creative. We are dedicated to ensuring that your prints turn out as planned and on time.