3D printing has revolutionized product design and manufacturing by enabling rapid prototyping and production of components. A range of materials can be used for 3D printing filament, each with its own unique properties, advantages, and ideal applications. We will do a deep dive into some of the most popular 3D printer filaments.
PLA Filament
PLA (polylactic acid) is one of the most widely used materials for desktop fused filament fabrication 3D printers. There are many modified PLA filament made by adding other materials, including PLA+, marble PLA, silk PLA, carbon fiber filament, wood filament, etc. Reasons for PLA’s popularity include:
- High rigidity and strength – PLA plastic has good tensile and flexural strength for functional prototypes and end-use parts.
- Easy printing and good surface finish – PLA filament flows smoothly through the extruder, even at low temperatures. This allows good-quality prints with smooth surfaces.
- Low cost – PLA is one of the most affordable 3D printer materials, keeping material costs down.
- Biodegradable and renewable – PLA is made from corn starch and breaks down under commercial composting conditions.
- Low printing temperature – PLA can print at temperatures around 190°C to 210°C, which is safe for many print surfaces.
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Common applications of PLA filament include:
- Concept models and prototypes – Smooth PLA prints allow evaluation of product designs.
- Housings and cases – PLA has enough strength for covers and enclosures for electronics and other uses.
- Housewares – PLA’s rigidity works well for prints like fixtures, decor, and organization items.
- Artwork and educational models – Smooth PLA finishes make it great for sculpture, design pieces, and visual aids.
ABS Filament
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a versatile 3D printer filament, known for strength and thermal resistance. It is an engineering plastic that is used in various fields. ABS is made from oil. Benefits of ABS include:
- High strength and hardness – ABS is stronger than PLA and resists deformation under load.
- Good toughness and impact resistance – The material stays intact when dropped or struck.
- Heat resistance – Prints can withstand temperatures up to 85°C, making ABS a good choice for hot environments.
- Chemically stable and non-reactive – ABS stands up well to oils, acids, and other chemicals.
- Electrically insulating – ABS makes a good material for insulating electronic enclosures.
- Easy to machine and sand – The plastic machines smoothly and sands easily for a smooth finish.
- High printing temperature – ABS requires a higher nozzle temperature of 220°C to 250°C to melt and flow properly.
- Prone to warping – ABS shrinks more than PLA as it cools, leading to warped corners lifting off the print bed.
- Can absorb moisture – ABS filament should be dried before printing to prevent extrusion problems.
Applications suited for ABS include:
- Mechanical parts – Gears, clips, mounts, and other components benefit from the material’s strength.
- Electrical enclosures and insulation – ABS makes a robust, non-conductive covering for electronics.
- Automotive components – Many interior and non-structural exterior auto parts can be manufactured from ABS.
- Aircraft interior components – ABS is approved for non-structural airplane parts like trim, covers, and ducts.
PETG Filament
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) filament combines the advantages of both PLA and ABS for improved durability and ease of use. PETG’s performance is similar to some PLA+ but also has its own unique advantages. Benefits of PETG include:
- Tougher and less brittle than PLA – PETG does not crack under deformation like PLA, which makes it better for durable prints.
- Higher impact strength than PLA – PETG withstands sudden impacts and drops better than PLA and is less prone to shattering.
- Chemical and scratch resistance – PETG holds up better to oils, solvents, and abrasion than other common filaments.
- Clear transparency – Crystal clear PETG allows light to pass through for decorative and functional prints.
- Easy printing like PLA – PETG extrudes smoothly and cleanly, much like PLA filament.
- Minimal warping – Shrinkage and detachment are less likely with PETG than with ABS.
- Can be stringy – Oozed filament may string between gaps in detailed prints.
Uses cases for PETG filament include:
- Functional parts – PETG is rigid enough for practical components while being impact-resistant.
- Outdoor signs and applications – PETG stands up to sun exposure better than other plastics.
- Prototyping – The material allows the evaluation of designs with good durability.
- Display pieces and artwork – PETG’s clarity is great for prints with a glass-like transparency.
- Educational models – Clear PETG allows observation of intricate internal structures.
TPU Filament
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is an extremely flexible 3D printing material perfect for elastic components. Benefits of TPU include:
- Very high flexibility and stretchability – TPU can bend and compress easily, acting like rubber.
- Excellent abrasion resistance – The material resists wear and scuffing when subject to constant rubbing.
- Good chemical stability – TPU holds up well when exposed to oils, fuels, cleaners and other chemicals.
- High impact strength – The elastic-plastic withstands sudden impacts without cracking or denting.
- Resilient – TPU will return back to its original shape after being deformed.
- High printing temperature – A nozzle temperature of 210°C to 230°C is needed to properly extrude TPU.
Applications taking advantage of TPU’s flexibility include:
- Footwear – Midsoles, insoles, and flexible uppers can be printed in TPU.
- Protective cases – Soft TPU cases cushion and protect devices from impacts.
- Sporting goods – Flexible and elastic TPU is ideal for pads, grips, guards, and balls.
- Medical devices – The biocompatible material can be used for components needing elasticity.
ASA Filament
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is very similar to ABS filament but with enhanced weathering and UV resistance. Properties of ASA include:
- High strength like ABS – ASA has comparable tensile strength and hardness, allowing it to substitute for ABS.
- Improved outdoor weathering – Acrylate additives protect better against UV radiation, water, and chemicals versus ABS.
- Chemically stable – The material is non-reactive and unaffected by oils, solvents, acids, and alkalis.
- Heat resistant – Parts printed from ASA retain their shape at temperatures up to 85°C.
- Requires high nozzle temperature – ASA needs to print around 240°C to 260°C to properly melt.
ASA works well for:
- Automotive components – Exterior trim and body panels can be produced in ASA to withstand sun exposure.
- Aircraft components – The UV resistance makes ASA suitable for exterior aircraft parts like wings and cowlings.
- Drone frames – ASA’s stiffness and weatherproof properties are ideal for lightweight drone bodies.
- Signs and displays – The material stands up to long-term outdoor use for advertising and notices.
The range of thermoplastic materials available for 3D printing allows the technology to be leveraged for diverse applications, from concept modeling to end-use parts production across many industries. Each material has specific properties, advantages, and ideal uses. Understanding filament options helps identify the best material for a given application.
