Choose the right Filament for your project
With the recent expansion of exciting new 3d printer filament types to choose from, deciding which material you need to print with can be a daunting task.
It basically boils down to you understanding what application you need it for. There’s no need to overcomplicate things by getting confused with the huge selection of 3D printing filament types if you just want to print low poly Pokémon.
Likewise, you want to make sure that the home-weather station concept you’re mocking up won’t crack and yellow overtime in strong sunlight, like some 3D printer materials will.
So selecting the right 3d filament types is important for your project. Hopefully this 3D printing filament guide (a sort of filament wiki, if you will) can eliminate the guess-work before you buy printer filament.
| Filament Material | Super Power | Best Suited For | Printing Temp | Heated Bed | Strength | Durability | Flexibility | Ease of printing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | All-natural and Biodegradable | Prototypes and products | 180-210°C | 20-45°C | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| PLA Plus + | Very durable biopolymer | Vibration absorbing and less brittle version of PLA | 220-240°C | 50-60°C | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| PETG | Extremely durable and flexible | High impact or high stress parts | 220-245°C | 70-80°C | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| ABS | Strong and durable | End-use parts and casings | 230-250°C | 90-95°C | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ASA | Strong, UV resistant alternative to ABS | Outside casings, covers and devices. | 230-250°C | 90-100°C | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Nylon | Extremely durable and flexible, low friction. | High impact or high stress parts – fantastic all-rounder | 255-275°C | 100-110°C | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Polycarbonate | Stiff, tough and shatter resistant | Rigid components, strong alternative to glass. | 300°C+ | 100°C+ | 4.5 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| TPU | Flexible polymer | Flexible, very durable parts | 210-240°C | 20-70°C | 2.5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| HIPS | High impact resistance & soluble support | Alternative to ABS, or used as a limonene dissolvable support structure | 230-240°C | 95°C | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| PVA | Water soluble support | Easily dissolves in water | 190-210°C | 20-45°C | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |