The right filament for your 3D printing project depends on the material properties, print quality, cost, and compatibility of the filament with your printer. There are many types of filaments available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will help you choose the right filament for your needs by explaining the main factors to consider and comparing some of the most popular filament options.
One of the first things to consider when choosing a filament is the material properties of the filament, such as strength, flexibility, durability, heat resistance, and biodegradability. Different materials have different properties that suit different applications and environments. For example, if you are printing a functional part that needs to withstand high temperatures, you might want to choose a filament that has high heat resistance, such as ABS or PETG. On the other hand, if you are printing a decorative object that does not need to be very strong or durable, you might prefer a filament that has a nice finish and color, such as PLA or wood.
Some of the most common material properties to consider are:
Strength: The ability of the filament to resist breaking or deforming under stress. Strong filaments are suitable for printing parts that need to bear weight or force, such as gears, brackets, or tools. Some examples of strong filaments are nylon, carbon fiber, and polycarbonate.
Flexibility: The ability of the filament to bend or stretch without breaking. Flexible filaments are suitable for printing parts that need to be flexible or elastic, such as hinges, belts, or gaskets. Some examples of flexible filaments are TPU, TPE, and rubber.
Durability: The ability of the filament to resist wear and tear over time. Durable filaments are suitable for printing parts that need to last long or withstand harsh conditions, such as outdoor or industrial use. Some examples of durable filaments are ASA, PETG, and PEEK.
Heat resistance: The ability of the filament to resist melting or warping at high temperatures. Heat resistant filaments are suitable for printing parts that need to operate at high temperatures, such as engine parts, electronics, or cookware. Some examples of heat resistant filaments are ABS, PETG, and PEEK.
Biodegradability: The ability of the filament to decompose naturally in the environment. Biodegradable filaments are suitable for printing parts that are eco-friendly or disposable, such as plant pots, compostable utensils, or packaging. Some examples of biodegradable filaments are PLA, PHA, and wood.
Another factor to consider when choosing a filament is the print quality, which refers to the appearance and accuracy of the printed object. Print quality depends on many factors, such as the printer settings, the nozzle size, the layer height, the print speed, and the cooling. However, some filaments are easier to print than others, and some filaments produce better results than others.
Some of the aspects of print quality to consider are:
Surface finish: The smoothness and glossiness of the printed object. Some filaments have a smooth and shiny finish, while others have a rough and matte finish. The surface finish can affect the aesthetics and functionality of the printed object. For example, a smooth and shiny finish can enhance the appearance and reflectivity of the object, while a rough and matte finish can improve the grip and adhesion of the object. Some examples of filaments that have a smooth and shiny finish are PLA, ABS, and PETG, while some examples of filaments that have a rough and matte finish are wood, metal, and ceramic.
Color: The hue and saturation of the printed object. Some filaments have a vibrant and consistent color, while others have a dull and uneven color. The color can affect the visual appeal and recognition of the printed object. For example, a vibrant and consistent color can make the object stand out and look attractive, while a dull and uneven color can make the object look faded and cheap. Some examples of filaments that have a vibrant and consistent color are PLA, ABS, and PETG, while some examples of filaments that have a dull and uneven color are nylon, carbon fiber, and PVA.
Detail: The sharpness and accuracy of the printed object. Some filaments can print fine details and complex shapes, while others can only print simple and coarse shapes. The detail can affect the functionality and performance of the printed object. For example, a fine detail and complex shape can improve the fit and precision of the object, while a simple and coarse shape can reduce the weight and cost of the object. Some examples of filaments that can print fine details and complex shapes are PLA, ABS, and PETG, while some examples of filaments that can only print simple and coarse shapes are TPU, TPE, and rubber.
Cost
A third factor to consider when choosing a filament is the cost, which refers to the price and availability of the filament. Cost depends on many factors, such as the material, the quality, the brand, and the demand. However, some filaments are cheaper than others, and some filaments are more widely available than others.
Price: The amount of money that you need to pay for a unit of filament, such as a kilogram or a meter. The price can affect the affordability and profitability of your 3D printing project. For example, a low price can make the project more accessible and economical, while a high price can make the project more exclusive and luxurious. Some examples of filaments that have a low price are PLA, ABS, and PETG, while some examples of filaments that have a high price are PEEK, metal, and ceramic.
Availability: The ease and convenience of finding and buying the filament. The availability can affect the feasibility and reliability of your 3D printing project. For example, a high availability can make the project more flexible and consistent, while a low availability can make the project more challenging and risky. Some examples of filaments that have a high availability are PLA, ABS, and PETG, while some examples of filaments that have a low availability are PEEK, wood, and rubber.
Compatibility
A fourth factor to consider when choosing a filament is the compatibility, which refers to the suitability and adaptability of the filament with your printer and your print environment. Compatibility depends on many factors, such as the extruder temperature, the bed temperature, the bed adhesion, the filament diameter, and the filament storage. However, some filaments are more compatible than others, and some filaments require more adjustments than others.
Some of the aspects of compatibility to consider are:
Extruder temperature: The temperature at which the filament melts and flows through the nozzle. The extruder temperature can affect the print quality and the print speed of your 3D printing project. For example, a high extruder temperature can improve the flow and the adhesion of the filament, while a low extruder temperature can reduce the stringing and the oozing of the filament. Some examples of filaments that require a high extruder temperature are ABS, PETG, and PEEK, while some examples of filaments that require a low extruder temperature are PLA, PHA, and wood.
Bed temperature: The temperature at which the filament sticks and cools on the bed. The bed temperature can affect the print quality and the print stability of your 3D printing project. For example, a high bed temperature can improve the adhesion and the warping of the filament, while a low bed temperature can reduce the curling and the cracking of the filament. Some examples of filaments that require a high bed temperature are ABS, PETG, and PEEK, while some examples of filaments that require a low bed temperature are PLA, PHA, and wood.
Bed adhesion: The type and amount of material that you use to make the filament stick to the bed. The bed adhesion can affect the print quality and the print removal of your 3D printing project. For example, a strong bed adhesion can improve the stability and the accuracy of the filament, while a weak bed adhesion can reduce the damage and the residue of the filament. Some examples of materials that you can use for bed adhesion are tape, glue, hairspray, and heated glass.
Filament diameter: The thickness and consistency of the filament. The filament diameter can affect the print quality and the print efficiency of your 3D printing project. For example, a thick and consistent filament can improve the flow and the extrusion of the filament, while a thin and inconsistent filament can reduce the clogging and the jamming of the filament. Some examples of filament diameters that are commonly used are 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm.
Filament storage: The way and place that you keep the filament when you are not using it. The filament storage can affect the print quality and the print longevity of your 3D printing project. For example, a dry and cool storage can improve the moisture and the temperature of the filament, while a wet and hot storage can reduce the color and the strength of the filament. Some examples of filament storage methods that are recommended are vacuum bags, silica gel, and airtight containers.
Choosing the right filament for your 3D printing project can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider and many options to choose from. However, by following the guidelines in this article, you can make an informed and confident decision that will suit your needs and preferences. Remember to consider the material properties, the print quality, the cost, and the compatibility of the filament, and compare the pros and cons of different filaments before making your final choice. By doing so, you can ensure that your 3D printing project will be successful and satisfying.
