【 3D Printer Filament:】Types, Tips, and Common Issues

The filament for 3D printers is the primary material used to create three-dimensional objects through the process of 3D printing. These filaments are polymers that are melted and extruded through the printer's nozzle to build an object layer by layer. Choosing the right filament is critical to the success of any 3D printed part, as different materials offer different properties – from strength and durability to flexibility and aesthetics.

The main types of filaments include PLA, ABS, and PETG, which are suitable for a variety of projects, but there are also specialized materials for more specific needs. For example, filaments with carbon fibers (Carbon Fiber PLA or ABS) offer additional strength and rigidity, making them suitable for engineering and structural parts. Glass fibers (Glass-Filled PLA or Nylon) add stiffness and wear resistance. Other specialized filaments include metal composites, which are used for prototypes requiring metal characteristics such as heat resistance and durability.

Along with these materials, engineering filaments such as PEEK, PEI, and PC are used in industrial applications due to their thermal stability, chemical resistance, and exceptional strength. They are suitable for creating parts for the automotive industry, aerospace engineering, and medicine, where high performance is required.

It is important to know which filament to choose for your 3D printer to avoid wasting time and resources on unnecessary tests. We at 3DLarge have years of experience in 3D printing and strive to offer the best filaments in terms of price and quality. In this article, we will review the main types of filaments and how to choose the most suitable one for your project, but in addition, we also offer a free consultation before purchasing a 3D printer or filament.

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Main types of filaments for 3D printers

PLA Filament for 3D Printer

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is one of the most commonly used materials for 3D printing. It is easy to work with, environmentally friendly, and suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Depending on the project's goals, PLA filaments can be divided into two main categories: standard PLA for normal printing and optimized PLA for fast 3D printers. In this section, we will explore both types as well as their specific advantages.

Filaments for fast 3D printing with PLA

For users who want to achieve high printing speeds, standard PLA may not provide the necessary stability and quality at high speeds. This is where special versions of PLA such as Polymaker PolySonic PLA and Creality Hyper PLA come into play, which are optimized for fast printing and offer exceptional results in high-speed extrusion.

Polymaker PolySonic PLA

Fast Cooling: PolySonic PLA is specially designed to cool quickly, allowing for higher printing speeds without compromising detail quality.
Increased strength: This filament is stronger than regular PLA, making it suitable for complex projects with quick print settings.
Smooth extrusion: PolySonic PLA offers smoother extrusion and better layer adhesion, reducing the risk of defects at high printing speeds.

Creality Hyper PLA

Hyper PLA is specially designed for high-speed 3D printers like those from Creality.

Thermal resistance: Hyper PLA is specially designed for high-speed 3D printers like those from Creality. It can withstand higher extrusion temperatures without deforming.
Excellent adhesion: Hyper PLA offers exceptional layer adhesion, which is critical in fast printing to avoid delamination.
Easy to use: Despite its improved fast printing characteristics, Hyper PLA behaves similarly to standard PLA, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.

Standard PLA filaments for normal 3D printing

Standard PLA is ideal for most everyday projects where high printing speeds are not required. It offers excellent stability, easy extrusion, and high surface quality. Here are some of the popular standard PLA filaments that are preferred by users.

Polymaker PolyTerra PLA

Polymaker PolyTerra PLA is a biodegradable and eco-friendly filament that combines ease of use with excellent surface finish. This filament is perfect for projects that focus on sustainability and ecology. PolyTerra PLA has a great matte finish on the details.

Eco-friendliness: PolyTerra PLA is made from natural materials, and for every spool sold, Polymaker plants a tree, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Excellent surface quality: The filament offers a smooth and precise surface on the printed models, making it suitable for decorative and artistic projects.

PLA filament

Fillamentum PLA is known for its premium formula and exceptionally accurate colors. This filament is ideal for detailed projects and offers exceptional precision when printing.

Accuracy and Consistency: Fillamentum PLA is ideal for projects requiring precise detail and high accuracy in layer deposition.
Rich selection of colors: Fillamentum offers a wide range of colors, including special effects such as pearlescent and metallic shades, making it perfect for decorative and design projects.

3Dbgprint PLA

3Dbgprint PLA is a reliable and affordable filament that is easy to use and compatible with all 3D printers. This filament has been developed by our long-term partners in Bulgaria. It is made from top-quality raw materials under optimal conditions to achieve consistent filament thickness, perfect layer adhesion, and strong details.

Easy to use: This PLA filament is an excellent choice for beginners and is easy to work with, providing stable extrusion and good adhesion to the 3D printing bed.
Good price and quality: 3Dbgprint PLA offers an excellent balance between price and quality, providing users with good results without high costs.

PLA filaments offer a variety of solutions for both standard and fast 3D printing. For users looking to speed up the printing process, Polymaker PolySonic PLA and Creality Hyper PLA are perfect options that combine fast cooling and stability at high speeds. If your goals do not include fast printing but you want reliable results with excellent surface quality and detail, Polymaker PolyTerra PLA, Fillamentum PLA, and 3Dbgprint PLA provide excellent solutions for various projects.

The choice of PLA filament depends on your specific needs – whether you prefer speed or detail. In any case, the right filament will help you achieve optimal results in your 3D printed parts. If you still need help choosing the right PLA filament, you can contact the engineers at 3DLarge.com for a free consultation.

ABS filament for 3D printer

ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is one of the most popular filaments for 3D printing, used by both hobbyists and professionals. Its exceptional strength, impact resistance, and high heat resistance make it an excellent choice for creating functional parts and prototypes. ABS is a preferred material in industries such as automotive and aerospace, as well as for consumer products like toys (e.g., Lego), protective equipment, and electronic housings.

Comparison of ABS and PLA

ABS is characterized by high strength, impact resistance, and heat resistance, making it more suitable for functional parts compared to PLA. While PLA is more environmentally friendly and easier to print, ABS offers better post-processing (for example, through sanding and using acetone to smooth the surfaces) and is much more resistant to mechanical loads and high temperatures.

What makes ABS unique?

Thermal resistance: ABS can withstand temperatures up to 100°C and remains stable at temperatures down to -35°C.
Post-processing with acetone: ABS allows for surface smoothing using acetone, which gives it an advantage in creating smooth and finished parts without the need for additional adhesives.
Impact Resistance: The strength and lightweight flexibility of ABS make it ideal for prototyping and creating parts that need to withstand mechanical stress.

Types of ABS filaments:

3DPower ABS: This filament offers a balanced combination of strength and high-temperature resistance, making it excellent for prototyping parts that require additional strength.
PolyLite ABS: PolyLite ABS is a high-quality material that offers better printing stability, minimal warping, and excellent layer adhesion.
Fillamentum ABS: Fillamentum is known for its premium filaments, and their ABS is no exception, offering excellent precision and a smooth surface.
Creality Hyper ABS: Hyper ABS from Creality is optimized for fast printing and offers minimal warping and excellent strength, making it ideal for industrial applications and complex prototypes.

ABS remains a key material for professionals and enthusiasts seeking durability, heat resistance, and post-processing capabilities. With numerous options like 3DPower ABS, PolyLite ABS, Fillamentum ABS, and Creality Hyper ABS, everyone can choose the most suitable material for their specific needs and applications. If you need more information, you can contact the engineers at 3DLarge for a free consultation before placing an order.

PETG filament for 3D printer

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is one of the most popular and versatile filaments for 3D printing. PETG combines some of the best characteristics of PLA and ABS, offering good flexibility, strength, and chemical resistance. It is easy to work with, yet strong enough to create functional parts that need to withstand greater loads. PETG is a preferred material for applications requiring strength and resistance to external influences, such as mechanical parts, bottles, protective housings, and technical products.

Why is PETG a popular filament?

PETG offers a combination of key advantages, such as high strength and impact resistance, making it a preferred choice for creating functional parts. Unlike ABS, PETG is easier to print, as it has better adhesion to the 3D printing bed and less tendency to warp. Additionally, PETG is resistant to chemicals and UV rays, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications.

Flexibility and strength: PETG is more flexible than PLA, which gives it better resistance to impact and wear.
Chemical resistance: PETG is resistant to most chemicals, including oils, acids, and bases, making it suitable for technical applications.
Easy to print: This material has good adhesion to the printing substrate and low tendency to deform, which facilitates the printing process.

What makes PETG better than other filaments?

Impact Resistance: Compared to PLA and ABS, PETG is more resistant to mechanical impacts and is flexible without being brittle.
Odorless: PETG does not emit unpleasant odors during printing, making it more pleasant to use in enclosed spaces.
Suitable for technical parts: PETG is ideal for parts that require strength and durability, such as prototypes, mechanical components, protective housings, and engineering applications.

Quality PETG filaments:

3DPower Basic PETG is excellent for everyday use and offers reliability and stability during printing. This is a standard PETG designed for easy extrusion and minimal warping issues.

Easy to use: 3DPower Basic PETG is suitable for beginners and advanced users, providing a stable and predictable printing process.
Good adhesion to the platform: This PETG filament has excellent adhesion, which reduces the risk of issues such as warping or detachment of the part from the platform.
Applications: Ideal for prototypes, mechanical parts, and protective housings.

PolyLite PETG from Polymaker is known for its high transparency and resistance to mechanical stress, making it a popular choice for professionals and enthusiasts looking for higher quality and more durable results.

High mechanical strength: PolyLite PETG offers better impact and wear resistance compared to standard PETG.
Optimized extrusion: Thanks to its formula, PolyLite PETG provides smooth layer deposition and better adhesion between them, resulting in more durable and strong prints.
Applications: Suitable for engineering projects, prototyping, and creating functional parts for long-term use.

PETG is an extremely versatile filament that offers a combination of strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance. It is ideal for both professionals and hobbyists who need durable and functional parts. With options like 3DPower Basic PETG and PolyLite PETG, users can choose the right filament for their projects based on their needs – whether they are looking for ease of use and reliability, or seeking greater mechanical resistance and strength.

Nylon filament for 3D printer

Nylon (polyamide) is one of the strongest and most durable filaments used in 3D printing, and is known for its strength, durability, and flexibility. This material is popular for industrial and engineering applications where strong and wear-resistant parts are required. Nylon filament offers excellent mechanical resistance and thermal stability, making it ideal for creating functional prototypes, machine parts, and other high-performance components.

Why choose Nylon filament?

Nylon is a very strong and flexible material that is characterized by:

High strength: Nylon is extremely strong and withstands high mechanical loads, making it suitable for parts that need to be strong and durable.
Flexibility: Despite its strength, Nylon remains slightly flexible, making it resistant to impacts and wear.
Wear Resistance: Nylon is extremely resistant to friction and wear, making it ideal for mechanical and moving parts.

Nylon also has good chemical resistance and withstands high temperatures, making it suitable for industrial applications and engineering projects.

Types of Nylon filaments:

PolyMide™ CoPA Nylon is a high-quality polyamide filament that offers excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance. This material is suitable for engineering applications where strength and impact resistance are required.

Exceptional durability: CoPA Nylon provides high resistance to wear and mechanical stress, making it ideal for functional parts and prototypes.
Easy processing: Despite its strength, Copa Nylon prints easily with the right settings and minimal deformation, especially when using a heated bed.
Applications: Copa Nylon is suitable for mechanical parts, such as gears, bushings, and other components that require high strength and long life.

Polyamide PA12-CF (with carbon fibers)

Polymide PA12-CF is a Nylon filament reinforced with carbon fibers, which contributes to a significant increase in the strength and durability of the material. The carbon fibers add extra stiffness and make this filament ideal for engineering applications with high durability requirements.

Exceptional hardness: Thanks to the added carbon fibers, Polymide PA12-CF is much stronger and harder than standard Nylon. This filament is suitable for heavy loads and industrial applications.
Reduced deformation: The addition of carbon fibers reduces the risk of deformation during printing while providing excellent mechanical stability.
Applications: Polymide PA12-CF is ideal for creating structural components and engineering parts, such as frames, housings, and other high-performance products.

Polyamide PA6-CF (with carbon fibers)

Polymide PA6-CF is yet another version of Nylon, reinforced with carbon fibers, which offers even better thermal resistance and mechanical strength. PA6-CF is suitable for applications that require maximum resistance to temperatures and mechanical loads.

High thermal resistance: PA6-CF withstands high temperatures and provides stability even in demanding applications.
Enhanced mechanical resistance: With the added carbon fibers, PA6-CF is extremely strong and resistant to impact and wear.
Applications: This filament is suitable for technical parts exposed to extreme conditions, such as automotive components, mechanical parts, and elements for industrial machines.

Nylon filaments, especially those with reinforced fibers like Polymide PA12-CF and Polymide PA6-CF, offer unmatched strength and durability for engineering and industrial applications. Copa Nylon is an excellent choice for mechanical parts and prototypes where strength and wear resistance are required. For more demanding applications, Nylon with carbon fibers like PA12-CF and PA6-CF provides maximum stiffness, thermal resistance, and durability, making them indispensable for high-performance projects.

TPU (flexible) filament for 3D printer

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is known for its flexibility and durability, making it ideal for 3D printing flexible parts such as tires, protective cases, and other products that need to withstand repeated bending and deformation. TPU filament combines properties such as flexibility, strength, and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for both prototypes and final products.

Why choose TPU filament?

TPU is known for its unique properties:

Flexibility and elasticity: TPU is very flexible and can stretch significantly without losing its shape, making it ideal for flexible parts.
Wear Resistance: TPU is highly resistant to wear and durable under mechanical stress, such as repeated bending.
Good adhesion between layers: TPU offers excellent adhesion between layers, resulting in strong and durable prints, even when used for complex shapes and designs.

Types of TPU filaments:

PolyFlex™ TPU90 is a flexible filament with low Shore hardness (90A), which offers excellent flexibility and durability. This makes it ideal for applications that require high flexibility, such as rubber parts and protective housings.

Low Shore hardness (90A): This provides greater flexibility and elasticity to the parts, making them suitable for products that require repeated bending and stretching.
Good wear resistance: Despite its softness, TPU90 provides excellent durability and wear resistance.
Applications: Ideal for printing soft, flexible products such as tires, seals, protective housings, and wearable devices.

PolyFlex™ TPU95 is slightly harder than TPU90 and offers a balance between flexibility and strength. This filament is suitable for parts that need to be both flexible and strong, such as flexible prototypes and mechanical components.

Shore hardness (95A): TPU95 offers higher hardness than TPU90, providing better strength while maintaining good flexibility.
Tear Resistance: TPU95 is extremely resistant to tearing and bending, making it suitable for parts subjected to frequent bending and mechanical loads.
Applications: Mechanical components, prototypes of flexible products, flexible connections, and assembly parts that must withstand repetitive movements.

PolyFlex™ TPU95-HF (High Flow) is specially designed for fast printing. This filament combines the flexibility of TPU with high extrusion speed, making it ideal for users looking for quick printing of flexible parts.

High extrusion speed (High Flow): TPU95-HF is optimized for fast printing while maintaining excellent adhesion and surface quality.
Shore Hardness (95A): Similar to TPU95, this filament offers an excellent balance between flexibility and strength, but is optimized for faster production.
Applications: Ideal for users who need rapid production of flexible parts, such as shoes, sports accessories, seals, and other products that require high performance.

TPU filaments offer exceptional flexibility and strength, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. PolyFlex™ TPU90 provides maximum flexibility and elasticity, while PolyFlex™ TPU95 offers a better balance between flexibility and strength. For users looking to achieve fast printing with flexible materials, PolyFlex™ TPU95-HF is an excellent choice that combines speed and quality. Regardless of the specific needs of your project, Polymaker's TPU filaments provide flexibility, durability, and high print quality.

How to choose the right filament for 3D printer?

Choosing the right filament for a 3D printer is crucial for achieving high-quality printing results. Different projects and applications require different types of filaments, which vary in their mechanical properties, durability, and ease of printing. It is important to consider several key factors when selecting filament for your 3D printer:

1. Project type and requirements

If you are printing decorative or prototype models, PLA is an excellent choice. It is easy to print, eco-friendly, and provides high detail.
"For mechanical parts and parts exposed to loads and high temperatures, ABS or PETG offer greater strength and thermal resistance."

2. Health and flexibility

TPU is a flexible material that is suitable for parts that need to be elastic, such as straps, tires, and protective cases.
Nylon (polyamide) is extremely strong and wear-resistant, making it suitable for engineering applications and mechanical parts.

3. Thermal resistance

For parts that will be exposed to high temperatures or mechanical loads, ABS, Nylon, or PETG are better options. They are resistant to deformation at higher temperatures and are durable.

4. Ease of use

PLA is the easiest material to print with and is suitable for beginners. It does not require a heated bed and has a low chance of warping.
ABS requires a heated platform and a more strictly controlled environment, such as a closed printing chamber, to prevent warping.

5. Specialized materials

Filaments with carbon fibers or glass fibers offer additional strength and are suitable for engineering applications.
Metal composites provide more weight and strength, making them suitable for specific industrial applications.

The choice of filament depends on your specific requirements and the goals of your project. For best results, it is important to align the mechanical properties of the material with its required function.

Storage and handling of filament for 3D printers

Proper storage and handling of filaments for 3D printers are essential for achieving high-quality 3D printed parts and for extending the life of the filament. Improper storage can lead to deterioration of the material quality, which in turn will affect the print quality and may even damage the printer.

1. Why is proper storage of filament important?

The filaments for 3D printers, especially ABS, PETG, Nylon, and TPU, are hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture from the air. The moisture retained in the material can cause printing issues, such as:

Incorrect extrusion: The filament will be extruded unevenly, which will lead to defects in the print.
Bubbles and Cracks: Moisture can cause bubble formation during extrusion, which will reduce the strength of the print.
Low adhesion between layers: The wet filament does not bond properly, leading to poor adhesion between the layers.

2. How to store filament properly?

To avoid moisture problems and extend the life of the filament, follow these storage tips:

Storage in airtight containers: Keep the filaments in airtight containers or vacuum bags with moisture absorbers (silica gel) to prevent moisture absorption from the air.
Filament Drying Boxes: You can use specialized filament storage boxes that keep the material dry during storage and even during printing.
Temperature and humidity: Keep the filament in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The recommended humidity for storage is below 40%.

3. How to handle the filaments before and during printing?

Drying the filament: If the filament has absorbed moisture, you can dry it using special filament dryers or even in an oven at a low temperature (around 40-50°C for PLA, 60-70°C for PETG and Nylon). Drying helps restore the quality of the material.
Regular maintenance of the nozzle and extruder: Cleaning the nozzle and extruder is important to avoid clogging from moist filament. Moisture can cause clogging of the nozzle and uneven feeding of the filament.
Printing in a controlled environment: For materials such as ABS and Nylon, which are more susceptible to deformation during rapid cooling, the use of an enclosed chamber or heated platform is essential for optimal results.

4. Tips for Working with Different Types of Filaments

PLA: A material that is easy to work with and does not require complex storage conditions. However, it is recommended to keep it in dry conditions to avoid moisture absorption.
PETG: A highly hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture quickly. It is essential to store it in airtight containers with moisture absorbers.
Nylon: One of the most hygroscopic materials. Requires careful storage and frequent drying before printing to avoid issues such as bubbles and poor adhesion.
TPU: Flexible and wear-resistant, but also hygroscopic. Requires good storage conditions to maintain print quality.

Proper storage and handling of filaments for 3D printers are crucial for achieving high-quality prints. Adhering to these basic guidelines for storing in a dry place, protecting from moisture, and regularly drying the material will ensure optimal print quality and a long lifespan for your filaments.

Common problems with 3D printer filaments and how to solve them

"Working with 3D printers and filaments can often encounter various challenges that affect the quality of the printed models. Although many of these issues may be due to incorrect settings or poor-quality equipment, the cause often lies in the filament. Here are some of the most common filament problems and how to solve them:"

1. Nozzle clogging

Reason: Clogging of the nozzle is one of the most common problems and can be caused by incorrect temperature settings, debris in the nozzle, or the use of wet filament.

Solution:

Use quality filaments: Low-quality filaments may contain impurities that can clog the nozzle. Always choose filaments from reliable manufacturers.
Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning of the nozzle prevents the buildup of dirt. You can use a cleaning filament or manually clear the nozzle if it becomes clogged.
Temperature Control: If the nozzle is too cold, the filament may not extrude properly. Make sure you are printing at the recommended temperature for the filament you are using.

2. Deformation (Warping)

Reason: The deformation occurs when the lower layers of the model detach from the print bed during cooling. This is common with materials like ABS and Nylon, which tend to shrink quickly upon cooling.

Solution:

Heated platform: Use a heated platform to prevent the material from cooling too quickly. The recommended temperature varies depending on the filament (for example, 60-70°C for PLA, 90-110°C for ABS).
Surface preparation: Use adhesive sprays, special glues, or other methods to improve the adhesion of the first layer to the print bed.
Enclosed print chamber: For materials like ABS and Nylon, an enclosed chamber helps to control the temperature and prevent uneven cooling.

3. Poor adhesion of the first layer

Reason: Insufficient adhesion of the first layer can lead to the model peeling off during printing, resulting in print failure.

Solution:

Nozzle height adjustment: Make sure the nozzle is at the correct height from the platform. If it is too high, the first layer will not adhere well.
Preparation of the printing platform: Use special tools such as adhesive tapes, sprays, or glues to improve the adhesion of the first layer.
Adjusting the first layer settings: Print the first layer at a slower speed and at a slightly higher temperature for better adhesion.

4. Bubbles or cracks in the prints

Reason: Moist filament is the main cause of bubble or crack formation in prints. When moisture enters the material, it evaporates during extrusion and forms bubbles.

Solution:

Storage of filament in dry conditions: Keep the filament in airtight containers with moisture absorbers (silica gel) to prevent moisture absorption from the air.
Drying the filament: If the filament has absorbed moisture, dry it in a specialized filament dryer or in a home oven at a low temperature (40-70°C depending on the material) for a few hours.

5. Stringing

Reason: Stringing occurs when the filament oozes from the nozzle while moving between different parts of the model, leaving thin strands between the parts.
Solution:

Retraction settings: Increase the length and speed of retraction to prevent filament oozing during travel.
Temperature Control: Printing at higher temperatures can cause stringing. Reduce the extrusion temperature if the problem persists.
Using a better filament: Low-quality filaments can lead to more stringing issues. Use filaments of proven quality for better results.

6. Poor quality of layers (roughness)

Reason: Poor layer quality may result from incorrect temperature settings, poor adhesion between layers, or insufficient cooling system.
Solution:

Temperature Control: Make sure you print at the recommended temperature for the selected filament. Too high or too low a temperature can lead to uneven layer deposition.
Cooling: Ensure good cooling of the model, especially when printing with PLA. If the cooling is insufficient, the layers will not harden evenly, which will lead to a poor surface.
Print Speed: Reducing the print speed can help improve the quality of the layers and provide better detail.

3D printing can be challenging, but with the right settings and care for the filament, many of these issues can be avoided. By focusing on proper storage, correct printer settings, and using quality materials, you can achieve high-quality prints and minimize the frequency of problems.

The correct choice of filament, its storage, and the correct settings of the 3D printer are essential for achieving high-quality 3D printed parts. Whether you are using PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, or Nylon, each material has its specifics that need to be considered. From clogged nozzles and warping to adhesion issues – all these challenges can be addressed with the right techniques and careful planning.

If you need help choosing the right filament or setting up your 3D printer, you can contact the engineering team at 3DLarge.com for a free consultation before placing your order. Our experts will help you make the best choice for your specific needs and projects.

3D Printer Filament – Types, Advantages, and Top Brands for 3D Printing