PLA Filament:
Made from organic sources, polylactic acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic monomer. Unlike filaments derived from petroleum products, PLA is environmentally friendly and easy to print. However, it can be brittle and has poor UV resistance. Notably, PLA does not warp easily during printing and is food safe. PLA exhibits minimal warping during the printing process. It is not easily soluble in water but can be dissolved using acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, or caustic soda. Importantly, PLA is considered safe for food-related applications.

• ABS Filament:
  Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a widely used engineering plastic and filament type. It offers excellent toughness and high-temperature resistance. ABS printing requires elevated temperatures and heated build volumes. However, it tends to warp during printing, affecting dimensional accuracy. ABS is also food safe. ABS demonstrates remarkable durability, effectively withstanding wear and tear while exhibiting toughness and impact resistance. It is insoluble in water but can be dissolved using organic solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and esters. Furthermore, ABS is considered a food-grade plastic, ensuring its suitability for food-related applications.
  
• Carbon Fiber Filament:
  Carbon fiber filaments, when added to thermoplastics like ABS, improve mechanical properties and dimensional stability. These filaments are brittle and may clog easily. They exhibit increased durability and reduced warping compared to unfilled ABS. The inclusion of carbon fiber enhances the durability of ABS, significantly reinforcing its strength. Additionally, incorporating carbon fiber into ABS reduces the occurrence of warping that often accompanies unfilled ABS. It’s worth noting that carbon-fiber-filled ABS can be dissolved in organic solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and esters.
  
• Nylon Filament:
  Nylon or polyamide is a durable engineering thermoplastic with excellent wear resistance. However, it easily absorbs moisture and requires high print temperatures. Warping is common with nylon, making a heated enclosure advisable. The printing process of nylon is prone to warping due to the elevated temperatures involved. To mitigate this issue, it is advisable to use a heated enclosure. Furthermore, nylon has a hygroscopic nature, causing it to expand when exposed to water. Acetic acid and formic acid can be used to dissolve nylon. It is important to note that certain grades of nylon are considered safe for food-related applications.
  
• FLEX Filament:
  FLEX filament, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend, offers flexibility and impact resistance. Parts printed with FLEX are durable but should be dried before use and kept dry during long prints. Flex filaments exhibit excellent durability, as is expected from flexible materials. Moreover, they demonstrate minimal warping during the printing process.
  
• HIPS Filament:
  High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is used for pre-production machining prototypes and as a soluble support material for ABS. HIPS has excellent durability but can warp if temperature control is inadequate. It is soluble in D-limonene and food safe. HIPS possesses outstanding durability attributed to its distinctive combination of flexibility and strength. However, if temperatures are not carefully regulated, HIPS may experience excessive warping. To mitigate this, the use of heated enclosures is recommended. HIPS is soluble in D-limonene, offering a convenient option for post-printing processes. Additionally, it is important to note that HIPS is considered a food-safe material, further expanding its potential applications.
  
• PVA Filament:
  Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biodegradable plastic used as a support material for PLA. PVA dissolves easily in water but is not recommended for food use due to its water solubility. In terms of durability, PVA is limited in its applicability due to its water solubility, as prolonged exposure to moisture can degrade the plastic. Additionally, PVA may experience slight warping under certain conditions. It’s important to note that PVA readily dissolves in the presence of water, making it unsuitable for use with food or food-related applications.
  
• PETG Filament:
  Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) is a modified variant of PET. PETG is easy to print, UV-resistant, and has excellent mechanical properties. It does not warp easily and is food safe. PETG boasts impressive mechanical properties, making it highly durable and resistant to various chemicals and high temperatures. When it comes to warping, PETG is not particularly prone to this issue, ensuring better dimensional stability in prints. It’s worth noting that PETG is soluble in toluene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Furthermore, since PET is considered food safe, PETG, as an extension of PET, also maintains food safety properties, making it suitable for applications involving food.
  
• TPE Filament:
  Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are flexible materials suitable for most 3D printers. TPE offers elasticity, good bondability, and excellent flexibility. TPE exhibits commendable resistance to abrasion and remarkable flexibility, contributing to its durability. Notably, TPE is impervious to warping, ensuring the structural integrity of printed objects. However, it’s important to mention that TPE is not suitable for food-related applications as it is not considered food safe.
  
  
• PC Filament:
  Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-strength thermoplastic suitable for high-temperature applications. PC has exceptional durability but is prone to warping. It is also food safe. PC stands out as an exceptionally durable option among various 3D printing filament types. However, it is important to note that PC is highly susceptible to warping, requiring careful attention during printing. In terms of solubility, PC can be dissolved using tetrachloromethane, pyridine, and chloroform. It is worth mentioning that PC is suitable for food containers, ensuring its compatibility with food safety regulations.

How to Select the Ideal Filament Type?

When choosing a 3D printer filament, it’s crucial to consider the specific application. If a rapid prototype is sufficient, PLA is a suitable choice. However, if greater strength is required, ABS may be more appropriate. It’s also important to select a filament that minimizes warping and moisture absorption, as these common issues can hinder the printing process. For a more comprehensive understanding, consult our comprehensive guide on 3D printing techniques.

Which Filament Yields the Smoothest Prints?

PETG is recognized among the 3D printing filament types that deliver exceptionally smooth prints, provided the printer is accurately calibrated. Alternatively, printing with ABS and applying acetone smoothing techniques can also yield highly polished parts.

Which Filament Offers the Highest Strength?

Polycarbonate is considered the strongest 3D printer filament, provided it is printed with precision.

Which Filament Is Recommended for General Use?

For general purposes, PETG is an excellent filament choice due to its affordability, ease of printing, and favorable mechanical properties.

Which Filament Is Beginner-Friendly?

PLA is a great filament option for beginners due to its affordability, frequent inclusion with new printers, and user-friendly setup.

What Are the Distinctions Between ABS and PLA Filaments?

Both PLA and ABS are extensively used types of 3D printer filament. For a detailed analysis, refer to our comprehensive guide comparing PLA and ABS in terms of their characteristics and applications.