The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right 3D Printing Filament

Choosing the right filament is essential for achieving high-quality, durable, and visually appealing 3D prints. Whether you're just starting or are an experienced maker, understanding the different filament types and their unique properties will help you select the perfect material for your project.

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Step 1: Check Your 3D Printer’s Compatibility

Before diving into filament options, ensure your printer is compatible with your chosen material.

• Filament Diameter – Most printers support either 1.75mm or 2.85mm filament. Check your printer's specifications to ensure you select the correct size.
• Printer Type
  • FDM Printers use solid filaments like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU.
  • SLA Printers use liquid resin instead of filament.

For more details on FDM & Resin printing check our blog FDM vs Resin 

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Step 2: Pick the Right Filament for Your Project

Each filament has distinct properties tailored for specific applications. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

For Strength and Heat Resistance

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):
  • Benefits: Heat-resistant, tough, and strong.
  • Best For: Functional prototypes and mechanical parts.
  • Eco-Benefit: Recyclable.
• PC (Polycarbonate):
  • Benefits: Extremely strong, transparent, and heat-resistant (withstands temperatures above 120°C).
  • Best For: High-strength, industrial-grade parts.
• ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate):
  • Benefits: Weather-resistant and UV-stable, perfect for outdoor use.
  • Best For: Outdoor parts and automotive components.
  • Eco-Benefit: Durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
  • Shop ASA Filaments

For Ease of Printing

• PLA (Polylactic Acid):
  • Benefits: Easy to print and beginner-friendly.
  • Best For: Decorative and simple models.
  • Eco-Benefit: Biodegradable and renewable.
  • Shop PLA Filaments

• PLA+ (Enhanced PLA):
  • Benefits: Improved strength with reduced brittleness.
  • Best For: Durable aesthetic prints and low-stress functional parts.
  • Eco-Benefit: Enhanced eco-friendly features.
  • Shop PLA+ Filaments

For Durability and Flexibility

• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol):
  • Benefits: Durable, flexible, and moisture-resistant.
  • Best For: Functional parts and outdoor use.
  • Eco-Benefit: Recyclable and versatile.
  • Shop PETG Filaments

• CFF (Continuous Fibre Filament):
  • Benefits: Fibre-reinforced for exceptional strength and stiffness.
  • Best For: Industrial applications and load-bearing parts.
  • Eco-Benefit: Can replace metal in some cases.

For Flexibility

• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane):
  • Benefits: Flexible, durable, and impact-resistant.
  • Best For: Phone cases, seals, and wearable items.
  • Eco-Benefit: Long-lasting, which minimizes waste.

Additionally, if you need a high-strength variant of PLA, consider:

• ePLA+HS:
  • Benefits: A high-strength, heat-resistant PLA variant ideal for tougher applications.
  • Eco-Benefit: Biodegradable with added durability.
  • Shop ePLA+HS Filaments

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Step 3: Improve Print Quality and Prevent Warping

Ensuring proper bed adhesion is crucial to avoid print failures. One effective solution is using an adhesive like Magigoo 3D Printing Adhesive.

How It Works:

1. Shake and apply a thin layer of adhesive to a cool print bed.
2. Heat the bed according to the filament’s requirements.
3. Once printing is done, let the bed cool down so the adhesive weakens, allowing for easy print removal without damage.

Using Magigoo not only ensures strong adhesion during printing but also keeps your workspace clean.
Shop Magigoo Adhesive

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Step 4: Consider Strength, Flexibility, and Heat Resistance

Different filaments cater to different needs:

• PLA and PLA+ provide moderate strength and are great for non-functional, decorative models.
• PETG offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, ideal for functional parts.
• ABS and ASA deliver high strength and excellent temperature resistance, making them suitable for mechanical components.
• TPU is the go-to choice for prints requiring high flexibility.
• PC and CFF are designed for industrial-grade applications that demand the highest strength and heat resistance.

Choosing a filament based on these factors will ensure your print performs well in its intended environment.

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Step 5: Plan for Post-Processing

Some materials require extra steps after printing to achieve the best finish:

• PLA and PLA+ can be easily sanded and painted, making them ideal for decorative projects.
• ABS and ASA can be smoothed with acetone vapour for a polished look.
• PETG may be more challenging to sand but delivers a rugged finish.
• TPU typically requires little post-processing.
• PC and CFF might need specialized tools for a professional-grade finish.

If post-processing is important to your project, consider the ease of finishing when selecting a filament.

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Final Thoughts – How to Choose the Best Filament for Your Project

When selecting a filament, keep these factors in mind:

• Purpose: Are you printing a decorative model, a functional part, or a prototype?
• Strength and Durability: For high-stress or industrial applications, materials like PC or CFF are ideal, while PETG and PLA+ work well for everyday functional parts.
• Flexibility: TPU is perfect for items that need to bend or absorb impact.
• Ease of Printing: Beginners often benefit from starting with PLA or PLA+, while advanced users might explore ABS, PETG, or other specialty filaments.
• Post-Processing: Determine if additional finishing steps like sanding or painting are required.
• Environmental Factors: Consider the operating conditions such as exposure to heat, moisture, or UV light.

Explore our filament options