Filament Focus: How to Pick the Best Material for Your 3D Printing Projects

If you’ve just bought a 3D printer, you’re probably excited to explore its creative potential. But choosing the right filament is key! Whether you’re crafting prototypes or creating art, each project needs the perfect material match. While your printer typically includes a sample roll, knowing what to use next is essential once it runs out. From sturdy PLA to flexible TPU, there is a huge variety of filaments. To simplify your choice and ensure the best results for your creations, let’s explore some of the most popular types of filaments and their specific applications.

PLA 

PLA (Polylactic Acid) stands out as one of the most popular filaments for FDM printing due to its numerous advantages. It’s exceptionally easy to print with as it requires no complex equipment and is beginner-friendly. Plus, you can easily purchase 3D PLA filaments Australia-wide at an affordable price with fast delivery.

Derived from biological sources like cornstarch or sugarcane, PLA is biodegradable and resembles materials used in eco-friendly packaging. It melts between 180 to 200 degrees Celsius, depending on additives for colour and texture, and produces no fumes during printing. Because PLA prints at low temperatures, it not only saves power but also makes it nearly immune to warping. This feature makes PLA super easy to work with, especially if you’re new to 3D printing and don’t want to deal with warping issues. Even pros often choose PLA filament for straightforward prints because they can rely on it not to warp, making it hassle-free and reliable for a wide range of projects.
PLA is known for its toughness and resilience, providing prints with a matte, opaque finish. It’s versatile and suitable for general printing and intricate projects such as painted miniatures. Also, you can find PLA filaments Australia-wide in a vast array of colours and styles, including glow-in-the-dark options. This versatility allows makers to produce eye-catching and functional prints that stand out, making PLA a popular choice in the 3D printing community.
However, PLA’s brittleness limits its use for items prone to bending, twisting, or impact, such as phone cases, toys subjected to high wear, or tool handles. It may deform above 60°C, so it’s important to avoid using it for objects exposed to heat.
Despite these limitations, PLA filament is a popular choice for beginners getting into 3D printing, offering a straightforward way to experiment and learn. PLA’s forgiving nature means you can start printing quickly and enjoy bringing your ideas to life with minimal hassle.

ABS

ABS filaments are popular in 3D printing for their strength and durability, making them great for functional parts like tool handles and prototypes. They handle higher temperatures well, which is useful for items exposed to heat. However, ABS can warp if not printed in a heated bed or enclosed space due to cooling issues. It’s best used in well-ventilated areas because it emits a slight odour during printing. To get the best results, make sure your printer has a heated bed, set the printing temperature around 230-240°C, and consider using a build enclosure to prevent warping and maintain print quality.

PETG

PETG filaments are known for their toughness and ease of use in 3D printing. They’re commonly used for making mechanical parts, containers, and even artistic creations. PETG is durable, flexible, and less prone to warping compared to ABS, making it easier to print without a heated bed. It also offers good layer adhesion and transparency, ideal for prints that require strength and clarity. However, compared to filaments like PLA, PETG is more challenging to finish.

TPU

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible filament known for its stretchiness and durability, perfect for making soft, rubbery products. It resists wear, oil, and impact, making it ideal for functional prototypes. TPU also sticks layers together really well during printing, ensuring strong prints. Its flexibility is TPU’s best feature but it also makes it difficult to handle. As a result, you will need to work at slower speeds and precise settings to avoid problems like clogs or strings. And unlike other filaments, you can’t smooth or polish TPU after printing. 

Nylon

Nylon filament is great for tough 3D projects like functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and industrial components that need strength and flexibility. It’s known for being impact-resistant, durable, and able to handle high temperatures. Nylon prints also have strong layer adhesion, ensuring reliability. But it doesn’t come without limitations. This filament tends to absorb moisture, which can affect print quality, so keeping it stored in a dry environment is crucial. It requires higher printing temperatures and may warp if not used with a heated bed. To get the best prints, store Nylon in a dry box, ensure good bed adhesion, and consider using a raft or brim for stability.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) stands out in 3D printing for its incredible strength, making it a top choice for tough applications like bulletproof glass and scuba masks. It excels in withstanding impacts and high temperatures. However, printing with PC requires using very high temperatures, and its lack of flexibility makes it prone to abrasion. For clear parts, PC is excellent because it lets light through better than most plastics, although you’ll often need to smooth and polish it after printing for clarity. If you need a durable and strong material for challenging conditions, PC is a solid choice to consider.