3D Printer Filaments

3D Printer Filaments

Filament is an essential component to all 3D printing.  In the same way a traditional printer uses paper, a 3D printer builds your design out of filament.  Depending on your needs and the type of machine you have, there are many different sizes, styles and colors to choose from.
 
Not all 3D printers are the same, nor are all 3D prints, therefore, it is important to select the correct filament for what you would like to do.  For example, many printers are only able to work with certain materials – it is important to select a filament which is compatible with your machine.  Similar to putting diesel in a vehicle that runs on gasoline, the two substances may look the same, but are not what is needed and can cause damage.
 
Filaments are also made out of many different materials.  ABS and PLA are forms of plastic, and are the most common filaments used for 3D printing, however, many other options are available.  LAYWOOD is a wood like substance, which can be painted and sanded, just like regular wood.  LAYBRICK can also be painted and sanded, and has an appearance similar to stone.  Nylon is also very popular, as well as polycarbonate, the same material used to manufacture bulletproof glass.

The following is a breakdown of the most common filaments used today:

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
  • This is one of the most common filaments used in 3D printing, and is the same material used to make Legos.
  • It is recommended to have a heated printing surface when using ABS, to help prevent your print from warping as it cools
• PLA (Polylactic Acid)
  • Along with ABS, this is one of the most common filament types used in 3D printing
  • Made out of renewable materials, such as corn starch
• PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
  • PVA is a water soluble, synthetic filament
  • Due to its solubility, this is commonly used as a support structure when printing with two extruders.  Once the print is completed, the supports can simply be washed away
• Nylon
  • Nylon is an extremely strong material, however, it is prone to warping, similar to ABS. 
  • This can also absorb moisture, therefore proper storage is essential
• TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
  • This is a flexible, rubber like material, however, it is extremely strong, and printed objects retain their shape
  • The video below shows a great example of TPE’s flexibility

• Polycarbonate
  • Extremely strong material, also used in the manufacture of bullet proof glass
  • High heat resistance and great layer to layer bonding
• HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
  • Similar to ABS, and commonly used as a support material
  • Can be dissolved using Limonene

With so many choices, buying filament can be confusing.  If you have any questions about which filament would be best for you, please feel free to call TechEdu at 888-883-2338.