In the exciting world of 3D printing, endless possibilities are just a click away! If you already own a 3D printer, or are planning to get one, you should know that the quality of each piece you print depends largely on the filament material you use. 

A filament is the "ink" of 3D printers, a cylindrical plastic filament that is melted by the printer's heated nozzle and builds the desired object layer by layer. Whether it's a sculpture or a technical component, filament is what makes your ideas come true. The world of filaments is diverse and varied. There are basic filaments such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which are ideal for most home projects, but the range doesn't stop there. Special filaments such as PETG, which is also suitable for industrial applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and heat resistance, are also available.

In this article, we aim to introduce the different types of filaments, describe their properties, their uses and help you choose the most suitable material for your project. Get ready, because we are inviting you on a real adventure into the world of filaments!

How does filament work? 

When you start a 3D print, real magic begins. The process itself may seem simple, but it actually relies on highly complex technology that represents the pinnacle of precision and design. Let's see exactly how it's done!

Once you have selected the appropriate filament, and your digital designs are ready, the 3D printer turns on and the creation process begins. The printer's heated nozzle, which can heat up to 200-250°C, melts the filament. This liquid material is then fed through a thin filament, precisely adjusted in height, and properly dispensed onto the printer table. The printer divides the 3D model into thin layers, usually 0.1-0.3 mm thick. The molten filament flows out of the nozzle and builds the object layer by layer. Each layer must fit perfectly on the previous one.

Optimal adhesion between layers is the key to high-quality printing. If the filament is not properly adhered, it can cause the layers to separate and thus weaken the print. To ensure adhesion, several factors must be taken into account: nozzle temperature, printer table temperature, and print speed. If printing is too fast, the layers may not fuse properly and may separate, while if printing is too slow, excessive heat may be applied to the filament and it may burn.

Understanding the 3D printing process is essential to getting the most out of your printer. By knowing every step of the process, you'll be able to fine-tune your settings to get the best possible results. 

The role of filaments

The different types of filament allow designers to experiment freely with shapes and features, while significantly reducing the production cycle time. 3D printing allows designs to be customized without the need for expensive tooling or molds, making it an excellent option for small businesses and startups. Filaments allow engineers to quickly test designed products, accelerating the time to market for new ideas.

The use of filaments in custom and prototype manufacturing provides economic benefits and faster innovation, playing a vital role in modern manufacturing processes.

Filaments and their use

Filaments and their use

Filament	Type of material	Recommended uses	Benefits	Disadvantages
ABS	Thermoplastics	Automotive parts, toys, functional prototypes	High strength, heat resistant	Unpleasant smell, shrinkage
ASA	Thermoplastics	Outdoor applications, automotive components	UV and weather resistant, high strength	More difficult to print, expensive
Carbon	Composite	Industrial parts, sports equipment	Lightweight, extremely strong	High price, special printer required
Nylon	Poliamide	Flexible parts, tools, prototypes	Wear-resistant, flexible	Moisture sensitive, difficult to print
PC	Thermoplastics	Protective equipment, industrial parts	Very strong, heat resistant	High printing temperature
PETG	Copolymer	Food industry, medical technology, art projects	Food safe, easy to print	Less solid than ABS or PC
PLA	Biopolymer	Educational projects, decorative objects, prototypes	Environmentally friendly, easy to print	Low heat resistance, fragile

Similar types of filaments

PLA vs. ABS

A PLA environmentally friendly, easy to print and less prone to deformation. Ideal for educational projects, artwork and home decor. It melts at lower temperatures, which puts less strain on the printer.

In contrast, the ABS stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA, ideal for functional prototypes and everyday objects. However, it is more difficult to print and is prone to shrinkage, requiring adequate ventilation due to toxic gases and also requires a confined space to increase the heat outside to minimise or eliminate shrinkage

Tip: when to use which one? A PLA is recommended for beginners and those who would like to print smaller objects that are less exposed to mechanical stress. ABS should be chosen for applications where mechanical strength and heat resistance of the object are important but not recommended due to shrinkage.

PETG vs. nylon

A PETG well known for its excellent impact resistance and chemical resistance. It is easy to print, may be prone to shrinkage depending on the brand of filament and is more resistant to external influences than PLA.

A Nylon is also extremely strong and flexible, wear-resistant with minimal self-lubrication, making it ideal for dynamic parts such as gears and bearings. Due to its difficult printability and high heat requirements, it requires special printer settings. The material is not recommended for beginners due to its high shrinkage which can be compensated by relatively high external heat.

PETG is ideal for rigid but not dynamically loaded parts, while Nylon is ideal for projects where flexibility and abrasion resistance are paramount.

Special filaments: carbon fibre and metallic fill

A Carbon fibre reinforced filaments stand out for their lightness and increased strength. They are ideal for applications where weight reduction and increased mechanical performance are the goals.

Metallic powder-enriched filaments are also really special. They make it possible to create prints with a metallic effect and objects with a weight similar to metal. Because of their difficult printability and special finishing, they are usually used for special projects.

Both of these special filament types have exceptional properties, but can be challenging to print and can cost more to produce.

Filaments vs. resins 

When you enter the exciting world of 3D printing, you'll soon realise that the key to success is choosing the right printing material. But how and on what basis do you decide, when the choice is huge and both the filament, both in resin tempting opportunities? Let's see which ones are right for you and how to maximise the success of your projects!

Resin is a light-reactive material that allows for fantastic detail and smooth surfaces. The quality and detail of objects printed with resin is impressive, but the cost and complexity of the printing process is higher.

Their area of use

If your project is to create something durable and usable, such as tools, toys or household items, filament is your friend. It's easy to use, widely available and guarantees great results for beginners and advanced users alike.

You'll need resin when the project is super detailed, such as jewellery, artwork or prototypes where every little detail counts, resin is a winning choice. Although the process is more demanding, the results are stunning.

Filament is the perfect choice for beginners, as they are easy to handle and require less special environmental conditions. Resins, on the other hand, are more difficult to use as they are sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and light, and require more attention to achieve perfect results.

So your choice will depend largely on the project you have in mind, how much time and money you are willing to invest, and what level of detail you need. Knowing more about filaments and resins will help you make better decisions and create stunning 3D printed creations!

Prices

Filament is generally cheaper and easier to obtain, available in a variety of colours and material types, which is great if you want to experiment a lot or need a larger quantity. Resin is higher in price, less common and requires special storage. Printers that work with this material tend to be more expensive and more difficult to use. Fortunately, if you have the Otter3D-you don't have to compromise, because we also offer filaments and resins of outstanding quality!

The most popular filaments ordered

When it comes to filaments for 3D printing, certain types stand out for their popularity. Let's see what they are and why you choose them most often!

A PLA filament

This is one of the most popular filament types in the 3D printing world, especially among beginners. Why? Because it is extremely easy to work with! It melts at low temperatures, so it requires less special printer settings and does not emit unpleasant odours when printing. It is also biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Ideal for home projects, artwork or educational purposes.

A PETG filament

Its popularity is explained by its excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance. This type of filament combines the handling properties of PLA and the strength of ABS, while also being impact and heat resistant. It is a perfect choice for applications where the print needs to withstand external impacts, such as outdoor objects and functional parts.

The ABS filament

ABS has long been a favourite among more experienced printers, especially for industrial applications. Its high strength, heat resistance and durability make it an ideal choice for objects that are subject to mechanical stress. Printing ABS is more complex as higher temperatures are required and it requires adequate ventilation due to potentially harmful gases.

Our extra favourite: A PLA Luminous gives a special twist to traditional PLA filament, as it glows in the dark! This makes it particularly attractive for making decorative objects, party supplies or toys for children. It can be the real star of creative projects where visual appeal counts.

These filaments have proven reliability, versatility and the ability to handle a wide range of printing projects. Each has its own advantages, allowing everyone to find the material that best suits their needs. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, these filaments are guaranteed to stand up to creative challenges!

Tips for choosing the right filament

When it comes to choosing the perfect filament for your next 3D printing project, it's important to think carefully about your decision, as success depends largely on the right choice of material. Here are some tips to make sure you make the best decision:

Assess the Project's Needs: before you do anything, it is important to be aware of the physical and aesthetic requirements of the finished object. Do you need particular heat resistance, flexibility, or is smoothness of surface most important?

1. Learn about filament properties: each type of filament has its own advantages and disadvantages. PLA, for example, is easy to handle and environmentally friendly, while ABS can withstand more mechanical stress but requires adequate ventilation during use.

2. Take costs into account: consider the project budget. Some filaments, such as specialty composites, can be more expensive, while others, such as PLA, are more cost-effective.

3. Experiment with a small quantity: if you are unsure whether the filament you have chosen will meet the requirements of your project, it is worth buying a small quantity to test. This can help you avoid major financial losses if the filament does not meet your expectations.

4. Ask the community for advice: Take advantage of 3D printing communities and forums where experienced printers can share their opinions and advice on different filament types. You can often get valuable insights that can help you make a decision.

5. Test, test, test: even if it seems like you've found the perfect filament, testing may reveal specifications that could affect your final decision. It's always worth testing the filament with different settings to make sure it's right for your project in all aspects.

By following these steps, you can be sure that the filament you choose will be optimal for your project and that the end result will be exactly as you imagined. Remember, for the best results you need to choose the best tools you can get on our website.