3D printer filaments are the materials used in 3D printing to create objects layer by layer. Each type of filament has unique properties, making it suitable for different applications. There are mainly nine types of filaments – PLA, ABS, HIPS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, PC, PVA, wood infill and carbon infill filament.
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Here are 9 types of 3d printer filaments with their properties and applications:
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Properties:
- As the name suggests it is made from food like corn starch or sugarcane. It is completely biodegradable.
- Low melting temperature (around 180-220°C).
- Easy to print with, minimal warping, and low odor.
- Smooth finish and good detail resolution.
Applications:
- Ideal for beginners and educational purposes.
- Commonly used for prototypes, decorative items, and low-stress applications.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to print with, minimal warping. | Less durable and heat-resistant compared to other filaments. |
| Biodegradable and environmentally friendly. | Brittle, can break under stress. |
| Good surface finish and detail. | Not good for use under high-stress or high-temperature. |
| Low odor during printing. |
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Properties:
- It is strong, durable, and have good resistance to heat (printing temperature around 220-250°C).
- Can emit fumes, so ventilation is recommended.
- More prone to warping, often requires a heated bed.
Applications:
- Suitable for functional parts, automotive components, and household items.
- Often used in the production of toys like LEGO bricks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong and durable. | Emits fumes, requiring good ventilation. |
| Good impact resistance. | Prone to warping, needs a heated bed. |
| Can be smoothed with acetone for a glossy finish. | More challenging to print with compared to PLA. |
| Suitable for functional parts. |
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Properties:
- It is easy to print and also have good strength and durability.
- Good flexibility, impact resistance, and transparency.
- Printing temperature around 220-250°C, minimal warping.
Applications:
- Suitable for mechanical parts, food containers, and protective components.
- Widely used for bottles and packaging.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong and durable. | Can be stringy during printing. |
| Flexible with good impact resistance. | Requires precise temperature control. |
| Easy to print with, minimal warping. | Slightly less rigid than ABS. |
4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Properties:
- Highly flexible, elastic, and rubber-like.
- Printing temperature around 220-250°C.
- Good abrasion resistance and impact strength.
Applications:
- Ideal for phone cases, wearable items, and flexible hinges.
- Used for gaskets, seals, and custom-fit items.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly flexible and elastic. | Can be challenging to print due to flexibility. |
| Good abrasion resistance. | Slower printing speeds required. |
| Durable and impact-resistant. | May require specific printer settings and adjustments. |
| Suitable for flexible parts. |
5. Nylon
Properties:
- Very strong, durable, and wear-resistant.
- Flexible with good impact resistance.
- Printing temperature around 240-260°C, requires a heated bed.
Applications:
- Suitable for functional prototypes, gears, and mechanical parts.
- Used in industrial applications and tools.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely strong and durable. | Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), requires dry storage. |
| Flexible and impact-resistant. | Warping and adhesion issues. |
| Good wear resistance. | Requires high printing temperatures. |
6. Wood-filled Filaments
Properties:
- PLA-based filaments with wood fibers added.
- It has the appearance and texture of wood.
- Printing temperature around 200-220°C.
Applications:
- Ideal for decorative items, furniture parts, and artistic projects.
- Used for creating wood-like structures and models.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique wood-like appearance and texture. | More brittle than pure PLA. |
| Sanding and staining can be done just like real wood. | It’s better to use larger nozzle sizes to avoid clogging. |
| Easy to print with. | Not suitable for high-stress applications. |
7. Carbon Fiber-filled Filaments
Properties:
- Composed of PLA or ABS mixed with carbon fiber.
- High strength-to-weight ratio, stiff, and durable.
- Printing temperature varies (usually higher due to carbon fiber content).
Applications:
- Suitable for high-strength, lightweight parts.
- Mianly used in aerospace industry, automotive industry, and sports equipment.
| Pros | Cons |
| High strength-to-weight ratio. | Abrasive to nozzles, requires hardened nozzles. |
| Stiff and durable. | More expensive. |
| Less warping compared to pure PLA or ABS. | Can be brittle. |
8. Polycarbonate (PC)
Properties:
- Extremely strong, tough, and heat-resistant.
- Printing temperature around 260-310°C, requires a heated bed.
- It can give some adhesion issues and warping defect while printing.
Applications:
- Ideal for high-performance engineering parts, electronic enclosures, and optical components.
- Used in safety equipment, medical devices, and lighting fixtures.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely strong and tough. | Very high printing temperature required. |
| High heat resistance. | Prone to warping, requires a heated bed and enclosure. |
| Good impact resistance. | More challenging to print with. |
9. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
Properties:
- Water-soluble, biodegradable filament.
- Used primarily as a support material in dual-extrusion 3D printers.
- Printing temperature around 180-220°C.
Applications:
- Ideal to be used as support in complex prints with overhangs and internal structures.
- Used in conjunction with other filaments for creating detailed models.
| Pros | Cons |
| Water-soluble, easy to remove. | Sensitive to moisture, requires dry storage. |
| Biodegradable. | Expensive compared to other support materials. |
| Ideal for complex supports and internal structures. | Limited use as a primary printing material. |
Top 20 3D Printer Filament Brands in India
Here are top 20 popular brands that sell 3d printer filaments in India.
WOL3D:
- An Indian brand known for offering a variety of 3d printing filaments including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. They focus on providing quality materials at competitive prices, suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Sunlu:
- It is a world renouned brand that sells a wide range of 3D printer filaments like PLA, ABS, PLA+, PETG, and TPU. Sunlu is known for its consistent quality, affordable prices, and innovation in 3D printing materials.
Frontec:
- A lesser-known brand that provides reliable and cost-effective 3D printing filaments, including PLA, ABS, and PETG. Frontec aims to cater to hobbyists and educational institutions.
Creality:
- Besides their renowned 3D printers, Creality also supplies high-quality filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. Their filaments are designed to work seamlessly with Creality printers but are compatible with other brands as well.
FlashForge:
- Known for their robust 3D printers, FlashForge offers a range of filaments including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. They focus on providing reliable and high-performance materials for various printing needs
eSun:
- eSun is a globally recognized brand offering a wide range of filaments such as PLA, PLA+, ABS, PETG, TPU, and specialty materials like wood and nylon. They are known for their consistent quality and innovative products.
ABS Pro:
- ABS Pro specializes in producing high-quality ABS filaments that are durable and heat-resistant. They cater to users who need strong and reliable materials for functional and industrial parts.
ColorFabb:
- ColorFabb is a premium filament manufacturer known for its diverse range of high-quality materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, wood, and carbon fiber. They are praised for their innovative materials and vibrant color options.
3D Pen:
- 3D Pen offers filaments designed specifically for use with 3D pens, typically including PLA and ABS. Their filaments are suitable for artistic and educational projects, providing smooth and consistent flow.
RS Pro:
- RS Pro supplies a variety of 3D printing filaments such as PLA, ABS, and PETG. They are known for their reliable and cost-effective materials suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.
Geeetech:
- Geeetech offers a comprehensive range of 3D printer filaments including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. Their products are known for affordability and compatibility with a wide range of 3D printers.
BAS:
- BAS provides basic 3D printing filaments like PLA and ABS. They are focused on delivering affordable and reliable materials for everyday printing needs.
MakeShaper:
- MakeShaper is a filament manufacturer known for its high-quality PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, nylon, and polycarbonate filaments. They focus on precision manufacturing to ensure consistent performance.
Stratasys:
- Stratasys is a leader in 3D printing technology, offering a wide array of professional-grade filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, and polycarbonate. Their materials are widely used in industrial and commercial applications.
Ultimaker:
- Ultimaker produces high-quality filaments including PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, nylon, and polycarbonate. They are renowned for their premium materials designed to work seamlessly with Ultimaker printers.
Aurarum:
- Aurarum is an Australian brand that offers a variety of filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. They are known for their high-quality materials and focus on local manufacturing.
XYZprinting:
- XYZprinting provides a range of 3D printing filaments including PLA, ABS, and PETG. They are recognized for their affordable and user-friendly products, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
MatterHackers:
- MatterHackers offers a broad selection of filaments like PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, nylon, polycarbonate, and specialty materials. They are known for their extensive product range and high-quality standards.
Kodak:
- Kodak produces a variety of 3D printer filaments including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. They focus on delivering reliable and high-performance materials with a trusted brand name.
3D Hubs:
- 3D Hubs provides a selection of filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. They are known for their network of 3D printing services and high-quality materials.
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FAQ’s
Is 3D filament plastic?
Yes, filaments used in fdm 3d printing are plastic.
How much is PLA per kg?
I India its price ranges from Rs.900 to Rs.1100.
What is the strongest filament?
Polycarbonate (PC) is the strongest filament.
Defects in FDM 3D Printing
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