Determine your goal
Every print filament has its own unique properties, pros, and cons. That’s why it’s important to define your goal first. You can do this by answering these questions:
- Does it need to be flexible?
- Does it need to survive a drop or a hard impact?
- Is warping a problem?
- Is durability important?
- What is the ambient temperature?
- Does the print need to be water-resistant?
PLA filament
PLA filament is the most popular filament. PLA is a glossy material available in many colors. It’s a strong material, but it can shatter like glass if dropped or hit hard. PLA is also less prone to warping.
Pros
- Available in many colors.
- Heat resistant up to 60–70 degrees Celsius.
- Slightly flexible.
- Can take a hit.
- Less prone to warping.
- Biodegradable.
Cons
- Hard material, making it more brittle.
- Less suitable for use near heat sources.
- Less resistant to UV light and water.
ABS filament
ABS filament is considered the alternative to PLA filament. It is a versatile and very strong filament. ABS is highly heat-resistant and water-resistant. It is slightly flexible. Just like PLA, ABS is available in many different colors.
Pros
- Heat-resistant.
- Water-resistant.
- Flexible and very strong.
Cons
- Absorbs moisture from the air, causing it to degrade faster.
- Can discolor due to UV radiation.
- Due to its oil base, it is not suitable for food contact.
TPU filament
TPU filament is a rubber-like and semi-flexible filament type. It is characterized by its high elasticity and perfect degree of flexibility. TPU is insoluble and resistant to oil, grease, and chemicals. This makes the application possibilities endless.
Pros
- Recyclable.
- High elasticity and tensile strength.
- Excellent wear resistance.
- Resistant to oil, grease, and chemicals.
- TPU absorbs moisture in high humidity.
Cons
- Not suitable for printing bridges (overhanging parts).
- Limited color selection.
- Not food-safe.
- Not very eco-friendly to print.
PETG filament
PETG filament is a modified version of PET. You might recognize that material from the transparent deposit bottles at the supermarket. Like PET, PETG is water-repellent and recyclable. It is one of the strongest filaments available.
Pros
- Water-repellent.
- Does not break under pressure.
- Recyclable.
- UV-resistant.
- Food-safe.
Cons
- Less suitable for bridge structures.
- Prone to wear.
- Slightly heavier than standard filament due to higher density.
Nylon filament
Nylon filament is a strong, semi-flexible, and durable filament with impressive hardness. It is highly resistant to high temperatures and is stronger and more durable than PLA and ABS filament. However, nylon is very sensitive to drafts and also absorbs moisture from the air.
Pros
- Heat-resistant.
- Stronger and more durable than PLA and ABS.
- Good wear resistance.
Cons
- Not suitable for humid environments; it absorbs moisture from the air.
- Not waterproof.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the strongest filament?
PETG and ABS filament are the strongest filaments. - Which filament is water-resistant?
PETG is water-resistant; it is actually water-repellent. - Which is better, PLA or ABS?
In most cases PLA, but it really depends on your intended use. - Which filament is food-safe?
PETG, though this can vary by brand and product, so always double-check.
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