How to Select the Right 3D Filament for Your Specific Printing Project
Choosing the right filament is crucial to the success of your 3D printing project. With so many options available on the market, selecting the appropriate filament can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will provide tips for selecting the right filament for your specific 3D printing project, to help you achieve the best possible results.
A good rule of thumb to select the right 3d filament is, when the project is outdoors use PETG, if you need to model a prototype that may need multiple revisions use PLA, if you need your print to withstand impact and will be exposed to high temperature use ABS and if you need some flexibility use TPU.
There are some new high grade filaments like ASA, PC and Peek which give your print better protection from harsher environments. You can find our filaments here
A good rule of thumb to select the right 3d filament is, when the project is outdoors use PETG, if you need to model a prototype that may need multiple revisions use PLA, if you need your print to withstand impact and will be exposed to high temperature use ABS and if you need some flexibility use TPU.
There are some new high grade filaments like ASA, PC and Peek which give your print better protection from harsher environments. You can find our filaments here
So how do you select the right 3D filament to meet your needs?
The first step to select the right 3D filament is to consider the purpose of your 3D print. Will it be used for functional or decorative purposes? Will it be exposed to high temperatures or corrosive environments? Answering these questions will help you determine the ideal properties of the filament you need.
For example, if you need a filament for a functional object, like a mechanical part, you should consider using a high-strength material like ABS or nylon. On the other hand, if you are creating a decorative item, like a figurine, PLA filament would be a great choice.
For example, if you need a filament for a functional object, like a mechanical part, you should consider using a high-strength material like ABS or nylon. On the other hand, if you are creating a decorative item, like a figurine, PLA filament would be a great choice.
Look for Filament with the Right Properties
Once you know the purpose of your 3D print, you should look for filament with the appropriate properties. Filament properties to consider include strength, durability, flexibility, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. Each filament material has its own unique set of properties, so be sure to do your research to find the best match for your project.
Once you know the purpose of your 3D print, you should look for filament with the appropriate properties. Filament properties to consider include strength, durability, flexibility, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. Each filament material has its own unique set of properties, so be sure to do your research to find the best match for your project.
Consider Filament Diameter and Compatibility
Filament diameter is an important factor to consider when selecting filament for your 3D print. The most common diameters for filament are 1.75mm and 2.85mm, but some filaments come in other sizes. Be sure to check your 3D printer's compatibility with the filament diameter you choose to avoid clogs and jams.
How to Choose Filament Color and Finish
The color and finish of your filament can also impact the final look of your 3D print. Filament comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, including matte, glossy, translucent, and metallic. Consider the aesthetic of your project and choose a filament color and finish that complements it.
Test Different Filaments
Finally, it is essential to test different filaments to find the best match for your project. 3D printing filaments vary greatly in quality, even within the same material type. Testing different filaments will help you identify the best option for your project and give you a better understanding of the properties of different filaments.
Filament diameter is an important factor to consider when selecting filament for your 3D print. The most common diameters for filament are 1.75mm and 2.85mm, but some filaments come in other sizes. Be sure to check your 3D printer's compatibility with the filament diameter you choose to avoid clogs and jams.
How to Choose Filament Color and Finish
The color and finish of your filament can also impact the final look of your 3D print. Filament comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, including matte, glossy, translucent, and metallic. Consider the aesthetic of your project and choose a filament color and finish that complements it.
Test Different Filaments
Finally, it is essential to test different filaments to find the best match for your project. 3D printing filaments vary greatly in quality, even within the same material type. Testing different filaments will help you identify the best option for your project and give you a better understanding of the properties of different filaments.
Here are some benefits to help select the right 3D filament
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a popular filament known for its ease of use and environmental friendliness. It is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. PLA offers excellent print quality, low warping, and minimal odour during printing. It is ideal for beginners and is widely used for prototyping, decorative items, and models.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG combines the strength of materials like ABS with the ease of use of PLA. It offers excellent layer adhesion, high impact resistance, and good flexibility. PETG is also known for its transparency, making it suitable for applications such as bottles, containers, and display objects. It is less prone to warping compared to ABS and is suitable for functional parts and mechanical prints.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a durable filament known for its high heat resistance and mechanical strength. It is commonly used for functional parts, automotive components, and structural prototypes. ABS is also known for its ability to be post-processed through techniques like sanding and acetone vapor smoothing. However, ABS can be more challenging to print due to its tendency to warp and emit fumes during printing, requiring good ventilation.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a flexible filament known for its rubber-like properties. It offers excellent elasticity, abrasion resistance, and impact absorption. TPU is suitable for printing objects such as gaskets, seals, phone cases, and wearable devices. Its flexibility allows for the creation of functional and ergonomic designs.
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA filament offers excellent UV resistance, making it highly suitable for outdoor applications. It withstands harsh weather conditions, including sunlight exposure, without significant degradation. ASA also maintains its color and mechanical properties over time, making it ideal for outdoor signage, automotive parts, and functional prototypes.
PC (Polycarbonate)
PC filament is known for its exceptional strength, high impact resistance, and heat tolerance. It is a durable material that can withstand demanding applications, making it suitable for engineering parts, protective components, and functional prototypes. PC also offers excellent optical clarity, making it a popular choice for applications like transparent enclosures, lenses, and light diffusers.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
PEEK filament is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with remarkable mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties. It offers excellent strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to extreme temperatures, making it suitable for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications. PEEK is often used in demanding environments where high strength and durability are required, such as for parts in the oil and gas industry and medical implants.
Each filament type comes with its own distinct advantages, catering to specific industry needs and application requirements. To select the right 3D filament depends on factors such as the desired mechanical properties, temperature resistance, chemical compatibility, and the specific demands of the intended application.
PLA is a popular filament known for its ease of use and environmental friendliness. It is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. PLA offers excellent print quality, low warping, and minimal odour during printing. It is ideal for beginners and is widely used for prototyping, decorative items, and models.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG combines the strength of materials like ABS with the ease of use of PLA. It offers excellent layer adhesion, high impact resistance, and good flexibility. PETG is also known for its transparency, making it suitable for applications such as bottles, containers, and display objects. It is less prone to warping compared to ABS and is suitable for functional parts and mechanical prints.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a durable filament known for its high heat resistance and mechanical strength. It is commonly used for functional parts, automotive components, and structural prototypes. ABS is also known for its ability to be post-processed through techniques like sanding and acetone vapor smoothing. However, ABS can be more challenging to print due to its tendency to warp and emit fumes during printing, requiring good ventilation.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a flexible filament known for its rubber-like properties. It offers excellent elasticity, abrasion resistance, and impact absorption. TPU is suitable for printing objects such as gaskets, seals, phone cases, and wearable devices. Its flexibility allows for the creation of functional and ergonomic designs.
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA filament offers excellent UV resistance, making it highly suitable for outdoor applications. It withstands harsh weather conditions, including sunlight exposure, without significant degradation. ASA also maintains its color and mechanical properties over time, making it ideal for outdoor signage, automotive parts, and functional prototypes.
PC (Polycarbonate)
PC filament is known for its exceptional strength, high impact resistance, and heat tolerance. It is a durable material that can withstand demanding applications, making it suitable for engineering parts, protective components, and functional prototypes. PC also offers excellent optical clarity, making it a popular choice for applications like transparent enclosures, lenses, and light diffusers.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
PEEK filament is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with remarkable mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties. It offers excellent strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to extreme temperatures, making it suitable for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications. PEEK is often used in demanding environments where high strength and durability are required, such as for parts in the oil and gas industry and medical implants.
Each filament type comes with its own distinct advantages, catering to specific industry needs and application requirements. To select the right 3D filament depends on factors such as the desired mechanical properties, temperature resistance, chemical compatibility, and the specific demands of the intended application.
