Choosing 3D Printer Filament: Materials, Color, Strength, Durability, and Cost
Choosing Which 3D Printer Filament to Use
When buying 3D printer filament, you don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive option. However, higher-end materials may provide you with better prints and extra functionality.
PLA (polylactic acid) is inexpensive, easy to use and doesn’t require a heated print bed. It also emits little to no odor, and has minimal warping and shrinkage.
1. Material
3D printer filaments are made from a variety of materials. These include ABS, PLA, PETG, and others. Each has different properties and uses.
PLA filament is one of the most commonly used desktop 3D printing materials. It is made from annually renewable resources and requires less energy to process than traditional plastics. It’s also odorless, has low warp and doesn’t need a heated build plate.
While PLA is a good choice for beginners, it’s not suitable for objects that will be twisted or bent as it can be brittle. For a more durable material, consider ABS filament. This plastic is more heat-resistant and has better durability than PLA. It’s a popular option for making tool handles and other durable products. This type of filament also prints well with overhangs.
2. Color
The color in a 3D printer filament comes from a concentrated dye that’s mixed into the natural filament during the hopper stage. Additive masterbatches that provide function rather than color are also available, allowing for speckles or glow-in-the-dark properties.
The raw thermoplastic pellets that a filament manufacturer orders are usually transparent or a neutral color. In fact, most filament manufacturers don’t produce their own raw material – they typically get it from other chemical companies that specialize in this area.
The resulting filament can be made in almost limitless colors, a choice that depends on aesthetics, load-bearing needs, ease of printing and other factors. But not all colored 3D printer filament is created equal – some are better at adhesion, layer adhesion and strength than others.
3. Strength
When it comes to choosing a filament, strength is an important factor. This is especially true for prints that will be used for end-use functional parts. Stronger materials are often able to resist the types of stresses that would break less durable models.
Among the strongest 3D printer filaments are nylon, polycarbonate (PC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). These have high tensile strength.
Another important characteristic is abrasion resistance. This measures how well a model can withstand repeated contact with other materials. Nylon has the highest abrasion resistance among rigid filaments, making it a good choice for use with hoses and tubes in industrial environments. Co-polyester is another option that offers abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. This material is also hygroscopic, so it needs to be stored in a dry environment.
4. Durability
If you’re going to invest in a high-strength 3D printer filament, you need to be sure it can stand up to the challenges of your application. That means paying close attention to specifications like tensile strength, impact strength, and flexural strength.
PLA (polylactic acid) is a popular choice among consumers due to its ease of use and biodegradability, derived from renewable, natural materials like sugarcane and corn starch. It’s odorless and, when printed at the right temperature, produces very little smoke during printing.
PETG is another oil-based, stronger filament that’s less brittle than ABS. But, it can be stringy if you don’t dial in your printer settings properly. Carbon fiber-loaded nylon is also available for increased strength, abrasion resistance, and heat tolerance. It’s expensive, though.
5. Cost
The strongest 3D printer filaments tend to cost more than their weaker counterparts. This is due to the higher raw material costs and the popularity of end-use functional parts that require superior strength.
Adding materials to a filament can also add significant cost. Metal-infused filaments for example contain powdered bronze, copper, or stainless steel which can significantly increase the strength and stiffness of a print.
A high-quality PLA or ABS filament typically costs between $20 and $27 per kilogram spool. However, more complex materials may cost up to three times as much depending on the properties you’re looking for, such as flexibility (nylon) or weather resistance (ASA). This is especially true for advanced filaments that are harder to use and often require a special hot-end.
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Ellie R. Fitzgerald, a name synonymous with innovation, technology, and a relentless passion for the world of 3D printing, is an esteemed author who has devoted her life to the exploration and advancement of this transformative technology. Her journey is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of 3D printing, an inherent love for cutting-edge technology, and a profound belief in the disruptive power of 3D printing in shaping industries, design, and our everyday lives. For those who frequent the “QU-BD (Quintessential Universal Building Device)” website, Ellie’s name embodies inspiration, expertise, and a deep affection for the world of technological exploration.
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