Filament is a critical component in the 3D printing process, and selecting the right filament for a specific application is important to ensure the desired strength, durability, and appearance of the final 3D-printed object. Filaments come in various types, each with unique properties that are well-suited to specific applications. In this article, we will take a closer look at different types of filaments, their properties, and applications.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from corn starch or sugar cane. PLA filament is the most commonly used filament type in 3D printing because it is easy to work with, biodegradable, and requires a low printing temperature, which reduces the risk of warping or cracking. PLA is also an affordable option, making it a great choice for beginners.
PLA filaments come in various colors, and they are suitable for printing models, toys, and decorative items. They are also widely used in the medical field for creating prosthetics and other medical devices.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a thermoplastic that is commonly used in 3D printing. ABS filament is known for its strength, flexibility, and durability, making it an excellent choice for functional parts that require strength and durability, such as automotive parts, toys, and electronics. ABS also has good heat resistance, which makes it a suitable material for printing objects that will be exposed to high temperatures.
One downside of ABS filament is that it is prone to warping and cracking when it cools down, so it requires a heated bed to prevent this issue. ABS filaments also emit a strong odor when printing, so a well-ventilated area is necessary when working with ABS.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG is a type of thermoplastic that is similar to PET, but with added glycol. PETG filaments are known for their excellent strength, flexibility, and durability, and they are a popular choice for printing functional parts such as mechanical components, enclosures, and other parts that require strength and durability.
PETG filament is also transparent, making it an excellent choice for printing objects that require transparency, such as bottles and containers.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic thermoplastic material that is known for its excellent strength, durability, and flexibility. Nylon filaments are commonly used in the production of functional parts, such as gears, bearings, and other mechanical components.
One of the key benefits of nylon filament is its strength, which makes it an excellent choice for printing objects that require high durability and resistance to wear and tear. Nylon is also resistant to chemicals and is often used to print parts that will be exposed to harsh environments.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a type of flexible filament that is known for its excellent flexibility, elasticity, and durability. TPU filaments are commonly used to print objects that require flexibility, such as phone cases, shoe soles, and toys.
TPU filament is also resistant to abrasion and has good shock absorption properties, making it an excellent choice for printing protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads.
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
PVA is a water-soluble filament that is often used as a support material for printing complex objects. PVA filaments dissolve in water, which makes them easy to remove after printing.
PVA is often used to print support structures for objects that require complex geometry or overhangs that would be difficult to print without support. PVA is an excellent support material for printing objects with PLA filaments, which can be difficult to print without support due to warping