Filament Guide
PLA - PLA+
GENERAL INFORMATION
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is the most popular and widely used material for 3D printing, making it the top choice for hobbyists and beginners. This eco-friendly, biodegradable filament is simple to use and produces high-quality prints with a smooth finish.
Ideal for decorative items, prototypes, and low-durability products, PLA is easy to work with and affordable. However, it lacks heat and impact resistance, so it’s not suited for heavy-duty or high-temperature applications.
Perfect for day-to-day projects that value ease of use and versatility, PLA is great for creating simple household items, creative prototypes, and artistic designs.
Here are some examples of what PLA can be used to make!
- Miniature models and figurines
- Decorative vases and bowls
- Educational models (e.g., planets, anatomy)
- Prototypes of design concepts
And so much more!
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ABS
GENERAL INFORMATION
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is one of the original materials designed for 3D printing with FFF/FDM technology, known for its durability and heat resistance. While it’s best suited for advanced makers, it offers exceptional quality for large objects and intricate details. With a heat resistance of up to 90°C and the ability to dissolve in acetone for smooth finishes, ABS is a versatile and reliable choice for functional parts.
This material is highly durable and impact-resistant, making it ideal for projects that need to withstand stress or wear. However, it requires precise temperature control and good ventilation during printing due to high heat and fumes.
Perfect for projects requiring strength, durability, and moderate heat resistance, ABS is commonly used in automotive, mechanical, and everyday applications.
Here are some examples of what ABS can be used to make!
- Custom LEGO-style bricks
- Protective gadget cases
- Automotive clips and panels
- Sturdy tool or appliance handles
- Wear-resistant mechanical parts
And so much more!
PETG
GENERAL INFORMATION
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG is a strong and versatile material, combining the best features of PLA and ABS. It’s durable, slightly flexible, and resistant to impact and weather. PETG is also food-safe, making it a practical choice for containers and kitchenware.
This filament is easy to print, with great adhesion and minimal warping, making it ideal for functional parts that need strength and durability. PETG performs well for both indoor and outdoor applications, as it’s resistant to water and UV exposure.
Ideal for projects that require toughness and flexibility, such as storage containers, outdoor tools, and mechanical parts. PETG strikes a balance between reliability and ease of use, suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.
Here are some examples of what PETG can be used to make!
- Water bottles or food-safe containers
- Protective face shields
- Outdoor plant pots
- Strong brackets and hooks
- Electronics enclosures
And so much more!
TPU - TPE
GENERAL INFORMATION
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a flexible, rubber-like filament known for its elasticity and durability. It offers excellent resistance to abrasion, wear, and impact, making it a versatile material for functional and protective applications. TPU is slightly challenging to print compared to rigid materials, but its unique properties make it indispensable for specific projects.
Ideal for creating flexible, stretchable, or shock-absorbing parts, TPU is perfect for products that need to bend, twist, or withstand repeated use. Its toughness also makes it suitable for wearable and mechanical items.
Great for projects requiring flexibility, resilience, and durability, TPU is widely used in both consumer and industrial designs.
Here are some examples of what TPU can be used to make!
- Shock-absorbing phone cases
- Flexible seals and gaskets
- Wearable straps and bands
- Bendable hinges and connectors
- Custom shoe soles or grips
And so much more!
Nylon
GENERAL INFORMATION
Nylon (Polyamide)
Nylon is a high-performance filament known for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. It’s a tough material that can handle heavy stress and wear, making it ideal for functional and mechanical parts. Nylon’s ability to absorb moisture during storage and printing requires careful handling, but it delivers outstanding results for demanding applications.
Ideal for durable, wear-resistant, and high-strength components, Nylon excels in creating functional parts that need to withstand tension and impact. Its slight flexibility adds versatility, making it suitable for mechanical and industrial use.
Perfect for projects requiring strength, durability, and toughness, Nylon is widely used for professional-grade designs.
Here are some examples of what Nylon can be used to make!
- High-strength gears and pulleys
- Durable hinges for heavy-duty applications
- Lightweight drone or RC car parts
- Abrasion-resistant bushings
- Tough mechanical prototypes
And so much more!
