FILAMENT

Types

In the 3D Printing universe its commonly known that PLA or basic plastic, is the most widely used filament. Although this is the case, there are other types of filament that are used for a variety of different reasons given their unique properties. Some of the different properties these types of filament are flexibility, strength, durability, and even glow-in-the-dark. The properties needed for the model will determine the type of filament used. Lets get into the specifics of each individual type of filament.

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PLA  (Polylactic acid)

As mentioned above PLA is the most commonly known and used filament. This primarily has to do with how simple it is to print with in comparison to some of the other types. PLA is primarily for models that need to be hard, but not really exceptionally durable if exposed to harsh weathering consistently. One of the common problems with PLA is it is hydroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air quite easily causing print quality to decrease. (Keep scrolling through this page to see how to prevent this)

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*Nozzle Temperature: 210-220 C

*Bed Temperature: 20-60 C (Not needed however)

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Pros- Easy to print with and slightly cheaper in price often

Cons- Can be brittle and biodegrades when exposed to harsh weathering

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ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS filament is very comparable to PLA but does have a few extra perks. ABS is able to withstand weathering better and is also slightly flexible. The flexibility of ABS prevents the model from being extremely brittle. This flexibility enables the filament to have a lower tensile strength. 

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ABS prints do need to be printed on heated bed. While saying this, it should be said that some 3D printers don't have a heated bed and tend to only be able to print PLA. When printing with ABS, the bed and nozzle temperatures play much more of a factor.

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*Nozzle Temperature: 210-250 C

*Bed Temperature: ~ 110 C

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Pros- Slightly flexible and less brittle than PLA

Cons- Heated bed needed, harder to print with, and slightly more expensive

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PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)

Along with PLA and ABS, PETG would probably be the next most commonly used type of filament. PETG is generally tougher than both PLA and ABS and does better when resisting weathering. These perks do come with a bigger price tag and can sometimes be more difficult to print with.

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*Nozzle Temperature: 220-250 C

*Bed Temperature: 50-80 C

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Pros- Tougher and more durable than PLA and ABS

Cons- Can be challenging to print with and is even more expensive than ABS

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TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane)

TPU filament is by far the most flexible out of the previous three types. Along with it being flexible, its also very durable and elastic. The major downside to TPU is the level of difficulty to print with it. The bed and nozzle temperature are critical to producing a good TPU print. TPU especially doesn't do well with models needing lots of support material.

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*Nozzle Temperature: 210-230 C

*Bed Temperature: 30-60 C

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Pros- Very flexible, durable, and elastic

Cons- Hard to print with and slightly more expensive than the previous three types

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Nylon

Nylon is very comparable to ABS in terms of its properties and is sometimes used in mass manufacturing. It is strong, but not brittle. It resist harsh weathering and isn't as difficult to print with in comparison to TPU. However, it is does absorb moisture quite easily and is marginally more expensive than some if not all the other filaments mentioned above.

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*Nozzle Temperature: 240-260 C

*Bed Temperature: 70-100 C

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Pros- Very strong, manufacturing grade

Cons- Absorbs moisture easily and is marginally more expensive than ABS

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* - Nozzle and Bed Temperatures according to https://all3dp.com/