Everything you need to know about 3D filament

If you are a passionate 3D printer enthusiast or are interested in starting your journey in 3D printing, the term 'filament' is undoubtedly a familiar term. Filament is an essential part of the 3D printing process and offers an extensive range of colors and materials to choose from. In this extensive blog post we take a deep dive into what exactly 3D filament is, highlight different types of filament, and explore in detail how you can utilize these versatile materials for a variety of applications.

What is 3D filament?

3D filament represents a thin plastic thread that serves to produce three-dimensional objects using a 3D printer. This filament thread is carefully wound onto a spool and then fed into the 3D printer. The printer heats the filament until it melts, after which it is deposited layer by layer to construct the intended object. The filament must have sufficient strength to retain the desired shape and structure, while it must also be easily meltable and extrudable.

An in-depth exploration of various types of 3D filament

Selecting the most suitable filament for your project is very important, as it depends on the specific purpose of your 3D printing project and the exact properties you are looking for in the final object. Here we take a deeper dive into some of the most prominent types of filament:

PLA Filament: Environmentally friendly and versatile

PLA (polyactic acid) filament is made from biodegradable materials such as corn starch or sugar cane. Its environmental friendliness, non-toxicity and ease of use are notable features. Due to its lower melting temperature, PLA is ideal for 3D printers with an open build volume. The glossy finish and wide choice of colors make PLA ideal for decorative objects, educational models and prototypes.

ABS Filament: Robust and durable

ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) filament, a thermoplastic polymer, excels in strength and durability. It is resistant to high temperatures and shocks, making it perfect for functional objects and prototypes. Because ABS has a higher melting temperature, it is ideally suited for 3D printers with a closed construction volume. The matte finish and variety of colors make ABS often the choice for household items, tools and mechanical parts.

PETG Filament: Strong and flexible

PETG (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate) filament offers an excellent balance between stiffness and flexibility. It is resistant to breakage and cracking and has high chemical resistance. Less prone to warping during printing, PETG is a suitable option for larger objects. With its transparent appearance and color variations, PETG is often used for functional parts, containers, bottles and prototypes.

TPU Filament: Flexible and resilient

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) filament is known for its flexibility and resilience. It can withstand wear and tear and has excellent cushioning properties, making it perfect for prints where flexibility is required, such as phone cases, rubber seals and shoe soles. With different color options and a low shore hardness, TPU offers countless creative possibilities.

PC Filament: Strong and heat resistant

PC (polycarbonate) filament is a material with impressive tensile strength, stiffness and heat resistance. It can withstand wear, corrosion and high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for functional parts and prototypes that must endure extreme conditions. Because PC has a higher melting temperature, it is suitable for 3D printers with a closed build volume. With a glossy finish and various color options, PC is often used for mechanical components, housings and industrial applications.

Wood Filament: Aesthetic and decorative

Wood filament combines plastic with sawdust, resulting in the color, texture and even smell of wood. This filament adds an aesthetic dimension to 3D printing projects, interweaving the natural look of wood with the precision of 3D printing.

A world of possibilities with 3D filament

The versatility of 3D filament reaches far and inspires a range of creative applications:

• Prototypes: Quickly and cost-efficiently create product prototypes before large-scale production.
• Household Items: Print useful household items such as holders, organizers and tool accessories.
• Toys: Design and print your own toys, from action figures to puzzles and marble runs.
• Art and decoration: Give free rein to your imagination and create decorative objects, sculptures and works of art.
• Functional parts: Manufacture parts such as housings, switches and gears for practical applications.
• Education: Engage students in hands-on learning by making science and technology tangible with 3D filament.

PLA Samples of 130 grams: Perfect for testing PLA

To supplement our range, we offer PLA filament samples of 130 grams. These samples are ideal for trying out our PLA filaments before deciding which color and properties best suit your project. This way you can make your choice with confidence and enjoy a smooth 3D printing process.

With a wide range of filament types and applications, you're ready to let your creativity flourish with 3D printing. Discover the world of filaments and shape your ideas with precision and innovation. We wish you the best of luck in realizing your 3D printing ambitions!