If we say 3D printing is incomplete without printing filament, then it is not wrong. When someone buys a 3D printer, they need to decide the type of filament they need to buy. Filaments are thermoplastics that you can mould into the desired shape when burnt. The process of printing an object in different colours with the help of a filament is overwhelming. So, we will tell you how to choose filament and the best filament for 3D printers.
3D printer filament is not a liquid resin. It is instead produced into one continuous plastic thread spooled onto a reel of hundreds of metres long for printer feeding. It is created by heating, extruding, and cooling plastic into the finished product.
The filament is first fed into the printer’s extruder assembly for heating and then extruded through a metal nozzle, following a path programmed into a 3D object file to create a layer-by-layer object. Some printers can even print different colours of the product with different filament types.
Filament for Beginners
If you are a beginner at 3D printing, you can start with PLA and PET-G. Even in FDM(fused deposition modeling) 3D printing, PLA has a special role to play. It is easy to print with a standard configuration for prototyping and tooling. Although there is a wide range of materials you may choose when choosing the option for an industrial FDM printer, PLA is a polylactic acid that is widely used in printer filament due to its ease of printing quality.
It has an even lower printing temperature than some other filaments, including ABS, which does not easily warp. It is also odourless and available in different styles and colours. It is also environmentally friendly because it is made up of biodegradable materials. PLA makes for an excellent choice in the 3D printer filament category as it can be printed into models, low-wear toys, prototype parts, and containers.
ABS
The second widely used filament is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). This 3D printer filament can withstand high temperatures due to its flexibility. It is known for its resistance to low-temperature shocks and its lightness. It is a good product to use in 3D printing because of its various uses. It is an ideal material for the production of functional prototypes and tooling parts, often used for the manufacture of mols. ABS is an affordable 3D printer filament that you can use in 3D printing.
Nylon
It is yet another synthetic polymer used in many industrial applications. When compared to other types of 3D printer filament, it is one of the best due to its strength, flexibility, and durability. One of the unique qualities of this printer is that it can be dyed before and after the printing process. Furthermore, nylon is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture quite well.
Therefore, you can store it in a cool and dry place. Nylon 3D printer filament is great for producing functional prototypes and mechanical parts. Although there are many nylon grades one can find today, the most common ones are 618 and 645. It can create one of the most functional prototypes or mechanical parts.
Thermoplastic Elastomers
Thermoplastic elastomers, or TPE, are highly durable and flexible filaments with rubber-like qualities. TPE is used to produce automotive parts, household appliances, and, some medical supplies. TPE comes under a broad group of polymers to make soft and stretchable 3D printer filaments that can withstand ABS and PLA. But sometimes it is difficult to eject.
Thermoplastic polyurethane comes in a type of TPE. It is a bit more rigid yet still easy to print. It is more durable because it can retain elasticity in cold weather. TPE and TPU are used for creating several objects. This filament is useful in many tasks and is useful in several applications, including toys, phone cases, and other wearable items.
PCI
Polycarbonate(PC) is one of the strongest types of 3D printer filament, which is highly durable and resistant to heat. Due to its transparency, it is suitable for bulletproof glass, scuba masks, and electronic display screens.
It is somewhat flexible and ideal for parts that need to retain their strength, toughness, and shape in high-temperature environments like electrical, automotive, and mechanical components. It can be used for lighting projects, screens, and other types of applications that require transparency. So, choose any of the best above filaments if you have a large format 3D printer and are looking for filament.
