3D Printing Group

Created by Abe Gladstone on 15 February, 2018

3D printers commonly use various types of plastic filaments as the printing material.

Some of the most popular types of plastic filaments used in 3D printing include:

  1. PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is one of the most commonly used 3D printing materials. It is derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane and is biodegradable. PLA is easy to print with and produces minimal fumes during printing.
  2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is a durable and impact-resistant plastic commonly used in 3D printing. It requires higher printing temperatures compared to PLA and emits fumes during printing, so proper ventilation is necessary.
  3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG is a popular filament known for its strength, durability, and flexibility. It has good chemical resistance and is commonly used for functional parts.
  4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): TPU is a flexible filament that is often used for printing rubber-like parts such as phone cases, seals, and gaskets. It is resistant to abrasion and has good elasticity.
  5. Nylon: Nylon filament are known for their strength, flexibility, and durability. They are used for creating functional and mechanical parts that require these properties.
  6. PLA+: PLA+ is an enhanced version of PLA that offers increased strength and less brittleness compared to standard PLA filament.
  7. ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate): ASA is a UV-resistant filament that is suitable for outdoor applications due to its weather resistance.

These are just a few examples of the many types of plastic filaments available for 3D printing. The choice of filament depends on the specific requirements of the printed object, such as strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and appearance.