Filament Types Explained

Understand different filament materials and when to use each

12 min read Beginner
Contents
PLA - The Beginner's Friend PETG - The All-Rounder ABS - The Industrial Standard TPU/TPE - Flexible Materials Specialty Filaments Filament Storage

PLA - The Beginner's Friend

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the most popular filament for beginners.

Pros:
- Easy to print (190-220C nozzle, 50-70C bed)
- Low warping
- Biodegradable (industrial composting)
- Minimal odor
- Wide color selection
- Inexpensive

Cons:
- Brittle, can snap under stress
- Low heat resistance (~55C)
- Not UV stable (degrades in sunlight)
- Not food-safe long-term

Best for: Prototypes, decorative items, indoor display models

PETG - The All-Rounder

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) balances ease of printing with better properties.

Pros:
- Stronger and more flexible than PLA
- Higher heat resistance (~70C)
- Chemical resistant
- Food-safe options available
- Less brittle

Cons:
- Stringing issues (tune retraction)
- Sticks too well to some beds
- Slightly harder to dial in
- Can be stringy

Settings: 220-250C nozzle, 70-90C bed, 50-80% cooling

Best for: Functional parts, outdoor items, food containers

ABS - The Industrial Standard

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is common in industrial applications.

Pros:
- Very strong and durable
- Heat resistant (~100C)
- Can be acetone smoothed
- Machinable
- Impact resistant

Cons:
- Requires enclosure (warping)
- Produces fumes (ventilation needed)
- High bed temperature required
- Challenging for beginners

Settings: 230-260C nozzle, 95-115C bed, 0-30% cooling, enclosure required

Best for: Automotive parts, high-stress applications, LEGO-compatible

TPU/TPE - Flexible Materials

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) creates rubber-like flexible prints.

Pros:
- Flexible and elastic
- Excellent layer adhesion
- Impact and abrasion resistant
- Vibration dampening

Cons:
- Difficult with bowden extruders
- Print very slowly
- Stringing common
- Needs constrained filament path

Settings: 210-240C nozzle, 30-60C bed, 20-40mm/s speed, minimal retraction

Best for: Phone cases, gaskets, shoe insoles, vibration mounts

Specialty Filaments

Nylon:
- Extremely strong and wear-resistant
- Absorbs moisture - must keep dry
- Requires high temps and enclosure

Carbon Fiber Composites:
- Stiff and dimensionally stable
- Requires hardened steel nozzle
- Premium price

Wood/Metal Fill:
- Aesthetic appearances
- Larger nozzle recommended
- Post-process with staining/polishing

Silk/Matte PLA:
- Decorative finishes
- Same ease as regular PLA
- Unique visual effects

Filament Storage

Most filaments absorb moisture from the air, causing:
- Popping sounds during printing
- Rough surface finish
- Weak layer adhesion
- Stringing

Storage solutions:
1. Dry boxes - Airtight containers with desiccant
2. Vacuum bags - For long-term storage
3. Filament dryers - Active heating to remove moisture
4. Climate-controlled room - Low humidity environment

Drying temperatures:
- PLA: 45-50C for 4-6 hours
- PETG: 60-65C for 4-6 hours
- Nylon: 70-80C for 6-12 hours
- TPU: 50-55C for 4-6 hours