Filament is a type of thermoplastic material used as the primary raw material for 3D printers (FDM) to injection mold various parts. A wide variety of filament types are available, depending on their properties and applications, ranging from the easy-to-print and most popular PLA to highly durable and weather-resistant materials like ABS, ASA , and PETG. There are also specialized materials such as Nylon and PC for engineering applications requiring high strength, PP for chemical resistance, and TPU for its rubber-like flexibility. Therefore, the key to successful 3D printing is selecting the right filament type for the specific application, considering factors like strength, heat resistance, and flexibility, to achieve high-performance and functional parts.

3D printing is currently very popular due to the continuous improvements in the efficiency of 3D printers, their affordability, and their simple, easy-to-understand process. It allows for the creation of desired objects using melted filament , and a wide variety of filament types are available. However, some people may not be familiar with filament and may want to know what it is and the different types commonly used. We've compiled some information to share with you.

What is filament ? Let's get to know it !

Filament for 3D printing is a thermoplastic in the form of rigid, twisted strands (yarn) used to create three-dimensional models with 3D printers . It can be used to print objects with varying bending strength, weight, and plastic density. It is commonly used with FDM 3D printers because the filament melts quickly, is relatively inexpensive, and can be used to create a wide variety of objects.

8 Popular Types of Filament Used in Applications

1. PLA

PLA , or polylactic acid, is a slightly flexible but highly brittle material. It can withstand temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius, is easy to print, has a low odor, a minimal shrinkage rate, and comes in a wide variety of colors.

2. PETG

PETG , or Polyethylene terephthalate, is a material containing G , or glycol , which is an antifreeze added to PET , the plastic used in water bottles, clothing fibers, and food packaging. PETG increases strength and flexibility, as well as providing resistance to chemical corrosion.

3. ABS

ABS , or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is another material popular in both 3D printing and plastics. It's suitable for engineering applications, parts exposed to sun and rain, and prototypes requiring testing, such as some motorcycle parts, drone components, and remote-controlled cars. The material has high strength and is resistant to weather conditions including rain and UV light .

4. PP

PP is resistant to almost all chemicals, making it suitable for food applications. It is highly strong, durable, flexible, and 100% recyclable. However, its drawbacks include the difficulty of printing on it, requiring a specific PP adhesive base, which is expensive.

5. Nylon (PA)

Nylon or PA is a very strong material with good impact resistance and high elasticity, making it very difficult to deform. It's ideal for large or heavy-duty applications, especially those requiring high stress resistance, such as gears and hooks. It's also heat-resistant and suitable for food applications.

6. ASA

ASA , or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate, is a material developed from ABS , but it has better and easier printing properties. It's also chemically resistant, withstands high temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius, and is resistant to UV and rain, making it ideal for outdoor applications.

7. PC

PC , or polycarbonate , is a plastic used in areas requiring exceptional strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and moderate flexibility.

8. TPU and elastic plastic filament.

TPU is designed for specialized applications and must be specified as a rubber material only. Examples include O-rings, seals, and body models. It is highly flexible, durable, and can be printed at relatively low temperatures.

We sincerely hope that everyone has gained a better understanding of filament, which is an essential component in 3D printing, especially with the highly popular 3D printers today. There are indeed many types of filament available, each with different properties, so careful study is necessary to choose the most suitable one for your needs.

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3D Printer 3D Printing

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