Filament

3D printers use a variety of filaments, each with unique properties and applications. Here are some of the most common types of filaments used in 3D printing

Filaments that typically require an enclosed chamber include: ABS, ASA, Nylon, Polycarbonate, and most composite filaments (carbon fiber reinforced and wood filaments), as they are prone to warping and benefit from a controlled temperature environment during printing

Note: the specs listed here are general. Always check the manufacturer for correct settings as the same type filament from different manufacturers may differ slightly.

Commonly Used Filaments

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Biodegradable and made from renewable resources like corn starch.

• Easy to print, low warping, and good for beginners.
• Readily available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
• Strong.

Cons: Finished product not very heat-resistant, expensive, and doesn’t sand well.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)

• Cheap. Combines the ease of PLA with the strength of ABS.
• Combines the ease of PLA with the strength of ABS.
• Resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it suitable for containers and functional parts.
• Finished product less affected by heat as PLA.
• Stronger than PLA
• Less prone to warping than ABS.

Nozzle Temp: 200 – 230 celsius
Bed Temp: 50 – 70 celsius
Nozzle Size: 0.4 mm

Nozzle Temp: 220 – 260 celsius
Bed Temp: 65 – 90 celsius
Nozzle Size: 0.2 mm – 0.8 mm (.04 mm common)

Cons: Doesn’t sand well, doesn’t print supports well, and needs higher temperatures.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Strong and durable, often used for functional parts and prototypes.
• Higher heat resistance than PLA.
• You can sand it.
• Usually Cheap.

Nozzle Temp: 210 – 250 celsius
Bed Temp: 80 – 110 celsius
Nozzle Size: 0.4 mm

Cons: Is prone to warping and requires a heated print bed and enclosed chamber for best results.

Others

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

• A flexible and elastic filament, ideal for creating rubber-like parts.
• Great for custom phone cases, seals, and gaskets.
• Requires careful handling during printing due to flexibility

Nozzle Temp: 210 – 250 celsius
Bed Temp: 40 – 60 celsius
Nozzle Size: 0.25 mm – 0.6 mm

Nylon

• Strong, flexible, and durable, making it suitable for functional parts.
• Absorbs moisture, so it requires proper storage and printing conditions.
• Can be difficult to print due to warping and requires a heated bed. 

Nozzle Temp: 225 – 270 celsius
Bed Temp: 70 – 90 celsius
Nozzle Size: 0.4 mm

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

• Similar to ABS but with better UV resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
• Good for automotive parts and exterior use.
• Requires a heated bed to minimize warping.

Nozzle Temp: 240 – 260 celsius
Bed Temp: 90 – 110 celsius
Nozzle Size: Check manufacturer’s specs.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

• Often used as a support material for ABS prints.
• Can be dissolved in limonene, making it easy to remove supports.
• Suitable for creating detailed parts.

Nozzle Temp: 230 – 250 celsius
Bed Temp: 90 – 110 celsius
Nozzle Size: check manufacturer’s specs.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Filaments

• Composite filaments that include carbon fiber strands, usually mixed with PLA, ABS, Nylon or PETG.
• Provide enhanced strength and rigidity while being lightweight.
• Can be abrasive, requiring a hardened nozzle for printing.

Carbon fiber PLA nozzle temp: 190 – 220
Carbon fiber PLA bed temp: 20 – 60  celsius

Carbon fiber ABS nozzle temp: 220 – 1250 celsius
Carbon fiber ABS bed temp: 80 – 110 celsius

Carbon fiber Nylon nozzle temp: 240 – 250 celsius
Carbon fiber  Nylon bed temp: 70 – 100 celsius

Carbon fiber PETG nozzle temp: 220 – 250 celsius
Carbon fiber  PETG bed temp: 70 – 90 celsius

*Check manufacturer’s specs for best nozzle size*

• A composite material made of PLA and wood particles.
• Offers a wood-like finish and can be sanded or stained.
• Requires careful tuning of print settings to achieve the best results.

Nozzle Temp: 190 – 220 celsius
Bed Temp: 45 – 60 celsius
Nozzle Size: 0.5 mm or larger

Glow-in-the-Dark Filament

• Often made from PLA or ABS mixed with phosphorescent materials.
• Glows in the dark after being charged with light.
• Suitable for decorative prints and novelty items.

Nozzle Temp: 200 – 230 celsius
Bed Temp: 50 – 70 celsius
Nozzle Size: check manufacturer’s specs.

These filaments vary in terms of printing difficulty, applications, and physical characteristics, allowing users to choose the appropriate material for their specific 3D printing projects.

Check back often as I will be adding more info about 3D printing filament.

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