In this guide, we look at the 3D printer filament types while also covering their uses along with pros and cons for each type.

One of the most important parts of 3D printing is to use the right kind of material for the job in hand. In this guide, we look at the 3D printer filament types. We will also cover their uses along with pros and cons for each type. This will help you to make better informed decisions when buying your 3D printer filaments.

What is 3D Filament?

3D filaments are special types of plastics called thermoplastics. The  thermoplastics become flexible if heated to the right temperature. It allows the printer to sculpt the filament to create your shapes before it cools down. 

Here is the video explaining some of the 3D printer filaments.

Below are the 3D Printer Filament Types that we are going to cover in this blog.

1. ABS Filament
2. PLA Filament
3. PET Filament
4. PETT Filament
5. Nylon Filament
6. PVA Filament
7. Sandstone Filament
8. Wood Filament
9. Metal Filament
10. HIPS Filament
11. Magnetic Iron Filament
12. Conductive Filament
13. Carbon Fiber Filament
14. TPE Filament
15. Glow in the Dark Filament
16. Amphora Filament

1. ABS 3D Filament

ABS is popular for it’s toughness and impact-resistant properties. This strength and moderate flexibility that makes it such a great choice for printing in 3D. 

Pros and cons of an ABS 3D Filament

Pros

• A durable, strong 3D filament
• Quite flexible and lightweight
• Cheapest thermoplastic available at the time of writing
• Most favored material among professional 3D printers and keen armatures

Cons

• ABS is petroleum-based, making it a non-biodegradable material
• Needs a high temperature to reach its melting point
• Creates unpleasant fumes, most notable in poorly ventilated spaces
• This guide gives you a good insight into the different 3D printer filaments on the market. There are others, but the ones listed here are the most widespread, easy-to-source materials at the time of writing. Before you choose the right filament for your next job, you need to check a few boxes. For example, as well as knowing what you intend to build, you also need to understand your printer’s capabilities. Not all 3D printers are able of printing in all 3D materials.
• Another consideration is the diameter of the filament, either 1.75mm or 3mm. If you’re unsure, always opt for 1.75mm as it’s easier to work with. 3D filament storage is another crucial area to think about. These plastics can absorb moisture from the air which can mess with the printing process. 
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