3D printing filaments range from beginner-friendly plastics to advanced engineering materials and specialty blends. Each filament offers different strengths in printability, durability, heat resistance, flexibility, or appearance. Choosing the right material depends on both functional requirements and visual goals of the project.

Common / Beginner Filaments

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

• Overview: Plant-based and biodegradable thermoplastic

• Best for: Prototypes, decorative items, educational prints

• Strengths: Easy to print, excellent surface finish, low warping

• Limitations: Brittle under impact, low heat resistance

• Notes: Ideal for beginners and aesthetic parts

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

• Overview: Durable, slightly flexible plastic with good chemical resistance

• Best for: Functional parts, containers, outdoor components

• Strengths: Stronger than PLA, good impact resistance, moisture resistant

• Limitations: Can string, slightly softer details than PLA

• Notes: Excellent all-purpose filament

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Overview: Tough engineering plastic commonly used in consumer products

• Best for: Mechanical parts, enclosures, heat-resistant components

• Strengths: High impact resistance, good heat tolerance

• Limitations: Warping, fumes during printing, requires ventilation

• Notes: Same plastic family used in LEGO bricks

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

• Overview: Improved version of ABS with enhanced weather resistance

• Best for: Outdoor parts, automotive components

• Strengths: UV resistant, strong, heat tolerant

• Limitations: Requires enclosure, harder to print than PLA

• Notes: Preferred ABS alternative for outdoor use

Engineering & Advanced Filaments

Nylon (PA – Polyamide)

• Overview: High-performance engineering plastic

• Best for: Gears, bushings, load-bearing parts

• Strengths: Extremely durable, excellent wear and fatigue resistance

• Limitations: Absorbs moisture easily, challenging to print

• Notes: Requires dry storage and controlled printing conditions

Polycarbonate (PC)

• Overview: One of the strongest consumer 3D printing plastics

• Best for: Structural parts, impact-resistant components

• Strengths: Very high strength and heat resistance

• Limitations: High print temperatures, warping risk

• Notes: Advanced users only

TPU / TPE (Thermoplastic Polyurethane / Elastomer)

• Overview: Flexible, rubber-like materials

• Best for: Gaskets, phone cases, vibration dampers

• Strengths: Elastic, abrasion resistant, impact absorbing

• Limitations: Slower print speeds, reduced dimensional accuracy

• Notes: Direct-drive extruders recommended

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

• Overview: Lightweight plastic often used as support material

• Best for: Dissolvable supports for ABS prints

• Strengths: Dissolves in limonene, clean support removal

• Limitations: Limited standalone strength

• Notes: Typically paired with ABS

PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)

• Overview: Water-soluble support filament

• Best for: Complex models with internal cavities

• Strengths: Dissolves in water, excellent surface finish

• Limitations: Hygroscopic, expensive

• Notes: Ideal for dual-extrusion printers

Specialty & Aesthetic Filaments

• Wood-Fill: PLA blended with wood fibers for a natural look

• Metal-Fill: Heavier filament with metallic appearance (cosmetic only)

• Carbon Fiber Reinforced: Extremely stiff and lightweight

• Glow-in-the-Dark: Aesthetic filament that absorbs and emits light

Note: Specialty filaments often sacrifice strength or print ease for appearance or stiffness.

Engineer's Log