Types of 3D Printing Filaments

Filaments

List of common types of 3D printing filaments used in FDM/FFF 3D printers, including their properties, uses, pros, and cons

  1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
  • Properties: Biodegradable, easy to print, low warping.
  • Temperature: 180–220°C
  • Bed Temp: 0–60°C
  • Use Cases: Prototypes, toys, models, educational prints.
  • Pros: Easy to use, good surface finish, no toxic fumes.
  • Cons: Brittle, low heat resistance, not ideal for outdoor use.

🔹 2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

  • Properties: Stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA.
  • Temperature: 220–250°C
  • Bed Temp: 80–110°C (enclosure recommended)
  • Use Cases: Automotive parts, enclosures, functional prototypes.
  • Pros: Durable, impact-resistant, suitable for machining.
  • Cons: Warping, emits fumes, requires heated bed/enclosure.

🔹 3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

  • Properties: Combines strength of ABS with ease of PLA.
  • Temperature: 220–250°C
  • Bed Temp: 60–80°C
  • Use Cases: Functional parts, mechanical components, containers.
  • Pros: Tough, flexible, chemical-resistant, minimal warping.
  • Cons: Stringing can occur, needs tuning.

🔹 4. TPU / TPE (Thermoplastic Polyurethane / Elastomer)

  • Properties: Flexible, rubber-like material.
  • Temperature: 210–240°C
  • Bed Temp: 40–60°C
  • Use Cases: Phone cases, seals, gaskets, wearable items.
  • Pros: Flexible, abrasion-resistant.
  • Cons: Difficult to print, slow speeds required.

🔹 5. Nylon (Polyamide)

  • Properties: Strong, flexible, wear-resistant.
  • Temperature: 240–270°C
  • Bed Temp: 70–100°C (enclosure preferred)
  • Use Cases: Gears, hinges, mechanical parts.
  • Pros: Tough, impact-resistant, self-lubricating.
  • Cons: Absorbs moisture quickly, requires high temp.

🔹 6. PC (Polycarbonate)

  • Properties: High strength and temperature resistance.
  • Temperature: 260–310°C
  • Bed Temp: 100–120°C
  • Use Cases: Engineering parts, tools, enclosures.
  • Pros: Very strong and heat-resistant.
  • Cons: Warps easily, requires enclosure and high temp.

🔹 7. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

  • Properties: Often used as dissolvable support material.
  • Temperature: 230–250°C
  • Bed Temp: 90–110°C
  • Use Cases: Support material with ABS, standalone models.
  • Pros: Dissolves in limonene, decent strength.
  • Cons: Requires heated bed, emits fumes.

🔹 8. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)

  • Properties: Water-soluble support material.
  • Temperature: 180–220°C
  • Bed Temp: 45–60°C
  • Use Cases: Support for dual extrusion with PLA or PETG.
  • Pros: Dissolves in water, eco-friendly.
  • Cons: Sensitive to moisture, expensive.

🔹 9. Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Filaments

  • Base Materials: PLA, PETG, Nylon, etc., with carbon fiber.
  • Properties: Lightweight, stiff, very strong.
  • Use Cases: High-strength parts, drones, RC parts.
  • Pros: High strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Cons: Abrasive – requires hardened nozzle.

🔹 10. Wood / Metal / Glow-in-the-Dark / Specialty Filaments

  • Base Materials: PLA-based with additives (wood dust, metal powder, phosphorescent compounds).
  • Properties: Unique appearance or effects.
  • Use Cases: Decorative prints, artistic models.
  • Pros: Aesthetic appeal, novelty.
  • Cons: Can clog nozzles, wear down brass nozzles quickly.
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List of common types of 3D printing filaments used in FDM/FFF 3D printers, including their properties, uses, pros, and cons: