Are you new to 3D printing? Or maybe you’ve been wanting to try it out but don’t know where to start? Well, congratulations! You’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right filament for your 3D printing projects. Let’s get started.
3D Printer Filament Material Basics
There are a variety of filament materials available on the market today, each with their own unique properties. The most common filament materials are PLA and ABS, but there are also filaments made from PETG, wood, metal, and even food! Choosing the right filament material is important because it will affect the quality of your print and how easy or difficult it is to work with – PETG is the ideal choice for producing objects to a high quality.
PLA
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane. PLA is a popular choice for beginners because it is easy to use and doesn’t require a heated bed. However, PLA prints can be delicate and may not be as strong as prints made with other filament materials.
ABS
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a petroleum-based thermoplastic that is stronger and more durable than PLA. ABS is also more heat-resistant, making it ideal for products that will need to withstand high temperatures. One downside of ABS is that it requires a heated bed, which can be an extra expense for beginners.
PETG
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified) is a strong, durable thermoplastic that is easy to print with and doesn’t require a heated bed. PETG filaments are often used for food-safe applications because they don’t contain harmful chemicals like BPA. However, PETG filaments can be more expensive than other types of filaments.
Ready to get started?
Now that you know the basics of 3D printer filament materials, it’s time to start shopping! We recommend checking out quality filaments for sale online and finding the right selection for your individual needs and desired 3D printing projects – good luck!