Category: Filament

Here’s a rundown of the most commonly used 3D printer filaments and the considerations you should keep in mind.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Environmental Impact: PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, making it one of the more environmentally friendly options. However, its biodegradation process requires industrial composting conditions to break down efficiently.

Safety and Medical Concerns: PLA is generally considered safe for home use, emitting a relatively low level of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during printing. It’s also used in medical applications, such as in biodegradable medical implants, thanks to its biocompatibility.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Environmental Impact: ABS is a petroleum-based plastic that is not biodegradable, posing more significant environmental concerns compared to PLA. Proper ventilation is crucial due to the fumes produced during printing.

Safety and Medical Concerns: Printing with ABS releases styrene, a possible human carcinogen, emphasizing the need for good ventilation to minimize exposure. Its durability makes it suitable for creating items that require strength and heat resistance, but not typically used in medical applications due to its potential health risks.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

Environmental Impact: PETG is considered more environmentally friendly than ABS but less so than PLA. It’s recyclable under code 1, though recycling facilities may vary in acceptance.

Safety and Medical Concerns: PETG combines ease of use with reduced emission of harmful fumes, making it safer for home environments. It’s also known for its chemical resistance and strength, often used in food containers and medical devices.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Environmental Impact: TPU’s environmental impact is similar to that of other petroleum-based plastics, with concerns around non-biodegradability. Recycling options are limited.

Safety and Medical Concerns: TPU is valued for its flexibility and durability. While it emits fewer toxic fumes compared to ABS, proper ventilation is still recommended. Its elasticity and resistance to oils and greases make it suitable for medical devices and wearable technology.

Specialty Filaments (Wood, Metal, Carbon Fiber Infused)

Environmental Impact: The environmental impact varies significantly with the base material and the additives used. Generally, these filaments combine a PLA base with other materials, potentially affecting biodegradability and recycling options.

Safety and Medical Concerns: Specialty filaments can introduce additional safety considerations, such as increased nozzle wear or the need for specific printing conditions. The particles released during printing can also vary, necessitating research and precautions based on the specific filament type.

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a popular material used in 3D printing. There are several types of PLA available, including Standard PLA and PLA Professional (or PLA+). Each type has its own set of characteristics, making them suitable for different applications. Here are some advantages of PLA Professional compared to Standard PLA:

  1. Improved Mechanical Properties: PLA Professional generally has better mechanical properties than standard PLA. This includes higher tensile strength, impact resistance, and durability. These improvements make PLA Professional more suitable for functional parts that need to withstand more stress.
  2. Better Thermal Resistance: PLA Professional can withstand higher temperatures compared to standard PLA before it starts to deform. This makes it more suitable for applications where the printed parts might be exposed to higher temperatures.
  3. Enhanced Print Quality: PLA Professional often provides a smoother finish with more consistent color and fewer printing defects like stringing or warping. This results in aesthetically pleasing prints with a more professional look.
  4. Less Brittle: Standard PLA is known for being somewhat brittle, which can be a drawback for certain applications. PLA Professional is typically less brittle, which reduces the risk of the print breaking or cracking under stress.
  5. Better Layer Adhesion: The improved formulation of PLA Professional can lead to better layer adhesion, resulting in stronger prints. This is crucial for large prints or prints with thin walls.
  6. Wide Range of Applications: Due to its improved properties, PLA Professional can be used for a wider range of applications, including those that require more durable and resilient parts.
  7. Ease of Printing: Like standard PLA, PLA Professional is easy to print with and doesn’t require a heated bed or closed printing chamber, making it accessible for hobbyists and professionals alike.
  8. Environmental Impact: Both types of PLA are biodegradable under industrial composting conditions. However, PLA Professional might have a slightly different environmental impact due to its additives and manufacturing process.

It’s important to note that the exact properties of PLA Professional can vary between manufacturers. Therefore, it’s advisable to check the specific product details or data sheets provided by the manufacturer for the most accurate information.

3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing and hobbyist creation alike. At the heart of this technology lies a key component: the filament. Filaments are to a 3D printer what ink is to a traditional printer. This post explores the most popular filament types, each offering unique properties and applications.

The Diverse World of 3D Printer Filaments:

PLA (Polylactic Acid):

  • Description: PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane.
  • Properties: It’s known for its ease of use, low warping, and eco-friendliness.
  • Applications: Ideal for beginners, PLA is used for a wide range of printing projects, especially those that don’t require heat resistance.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):

  • Description: ABS is a petroleum-based plastic that’s commonly used in many consumer products.
  • Properties: It’s durable, strong, and has a high resistance to heat, making it slightly more challenging to work with than PLA.
  • Applications: Commonly used for creating functional parts that require durability and heat resistance, like automotive components.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol):

  • Description: PETG is a modified form of PET, the material used in water bottles, enhanced with glycol for 3D printing.
  • Properties: It offers a good balance of strength, clarity, and flexibility with minimal warping and odors.
  • Applications: PETG is suitable for both prototypes and functional parts that need to be durable and heat-resistant.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane):

  • Description: TPU is a flexible and elastic filament, bridging the gap between rubber and plastic.
  • Properties: Its flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion and oil make it unique.
  • Applications: Perfect for objects that need to bend or flex, like phone cases, wearable devices, and seals.

Nylon:

  • Description: Nylon is a synthetic polymer renowned for its strength and flexibility.
  • Properties: It has high impact and abrasion resistance, durability, and a low coefficient of friction.
  • Applications: Ideal for functional and mechanical parts, such as gears, bearings, or parts subject to repeated stress.

Each filament type offers unique advantages and challenges, making the choice of material as important as the design of the object itself. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, understanding the properties and applications of these filaments can greatly enhance your 3D printing experience.

Silk filament, known for its glossy and smooth finish, can add a unique aesthetic to 3D printed objects. However, many users find silk filament somewhat challenging to work with. This post explores the reasons behind these challenges and provides tips on how to successfully print with silk filament.

Understanding Silk Filament:
Silk filament, typically a type of PLA (Polylactic Acid) with added materials for a shiny finish, has distinct properties that set it apart from standard PLA. Its shimmering appearance is highly desired, but it comes with its own set of printing challenges.

Key Challenges of Silk Filament:

Stringing and Oozing:

  • Silk filament often exhibits excessive stringing and oozing. This is due to its lower viscosity at printing temperatures, leading to more fluid flow and drooping.

Temperature Sensitivity:

  • Achieving the perfect extrusion temperature can be tricky. Too hot, and the filament becomes too runny; too cool, and it may not adhere properly.

Print Speed:

  • Silk filament generally requires slower print speeds. High-speed printing can lead to poor layer adhesion and diminished print quality.

Layer Adhesion:

  • The smooth nature of silk filament can sometimes lead to weaker layer bonding, impacting the structural integrity of the print.

Tips for Successful Silk Filament Printing:

Optimize Temperature Settings:

  • Conduct test prints to find the optimal temperature settings for your specific printer and silk filament brand.

Lower Printing Speed:

  • Reduce the print speed to allow better precision and layer adhesion.

Adjust Retraction Settings:

  • Fine-tuning the retraction settings can help reduce stringing and oozing.

Use a Cooling Fan:

  • Proper cooling is essential. Use the printer’s cooling fan to solidify the filament quickly after extrusion.

Level the Bed Accurately:

  • A well-leveled bed ensures the first layer adheres well, which is crucial for silk filament.

Increase Layer Height:

  • A slightly higher layer height can improve layer bonding and overall print strength.

Consider Post-Processing:

  • Light sanding or a heat gun can help remove strings and improve the finish.


While silk filament can be more challenging to work with compared to standard filaments, understanding its properties and adjusting your printing approach can lead to spectacular results. Patience and experimentation are key to mastering silk filament printing.


In the intricate world of 3D printing, understanding the behavior of different filaments when heated is crucial. One key aspect is thermal expansion – the tendency of filament materials to expand upon heating. This post delves into how filament expansion can affect your prints and ways to mitigate these effects for optimal results.

Understanding Filament Expansion:

Why Filaments Expand:

  • Most materials, including those used for 3D printing filaments, expand when heated. This is due to the increased movement of molecules at higher temperatures.

Variation Among Filament Types:

  • Different filament materials exhibit varying degrees of thermal expansion. For example, ABS expands more than PLA, which can lead to different printing challenges.

Problems Caused by Filament Expansion:

Dimensional Inaccuracies:

  • Excessive expansion can lead to parts being larger than intended, causing issues with fit and assembly in multi-part projects.

Warping and Layer Separation:

  • Uneven expansion can cause parts of the print to lift off the bed (warping) or layers to separate, especially in large prints.

Nozzle Clogs:

  • In some cases, expansion can lead to excessive filament build-up around the nozzle, potentially causing clogs.

Strategies to Mitigate Expansion Issues:

Temperature Control:

  • Fine-tuning the printing temperature can minimize expansion. Lower temperatures reduce expansion but must be balanced against proper filament melting.

Heated Bed Usage:

  • A heated bed maintains a consistent temperature at the base of the print, reducing warping caused by uneven cooling and contraction.

Enclosure for Temperature Management:

  • Using an enclosure can help maintain a stable temperature around the print, minimizing rapid temperature changes that contribute to expansion issues.

Filament Selection:

  • Choose filaments with lower thermal expansion coefficients for projects where dimensional accuracy is critical.

Printing Speed Adjustments:

  • Slower printing speeds can allow for more uniform cooling and reduce the effects of expansion.

Layer Height and Wall Thickness:

  • Adjusting layer height and wall thickness can also help manage the effects of expansion.

Calibration and Testing:

  • Regularly calibrating your printer and conducting test prints can help you understand how different filaments behave on your machine.


Filament expansion when heated is a natural phenomenon in 3D printing that can lead to several issues if not properly managed. By understanding the properties of your filament and adjusting your printing process accordingly, you can significantly reduce the impacts of thermal expansion and ensure higher-quality prints.

Achieving the perfect balance in temperature settings is crucial in 3D printing. A common issue, often misunderstood, is filament sticking inside the heatbreak, especially as we transition from warmer to cooler weather. This post explores why maintaining adequate temperature is key to preventing this deceptive problem.

Understanding the Heatbreak: The heatbreak is vital in a 3D printer’s hot end, creating a barrier between the heated and cool parts. It maintains a sharp temperature gradient, ensuring the filament remains solid where it should and melts appropriately.

The Problem of Low Temperature:

  1. Filament Sticking:
    • Insufficient heatbreak temperature can cause the filament to stick or solidify, mimicking a clog.
  2. Misdiagnosis of Issues:
    • This sticking is often mistaken for a nozzle clog, leading to unnecessary troubleshooting.

Weather-Related Challenges:

  1. Transition to Colder Weather:
    • As temperatures drop, the ambient temperature in your printing environment can fall. This can lead to the heatbreak losing heat faster, especially if your printer is not enclosed, exacerbating the filament sticking issue.
  2. Temperature Management:
    • Managing the printer’s internal temperature becomes crucial during colder months. A stable and warm environment ensures consistent printing conditions.

Key Factors Contributing to Sticking:

  1. Inadequate Heating:
    • If the nozzle temperature is too low, the filament may not melt properly, causing friction in the heatbreak.
  2. Material Characteristics:
    • Different filaments have varying melting points. Settings for one material might not suffice for another.
  3. Printer Calibration:
    • Ensure your printer accurately reaches the set temperatures.

Addressing the Issue:

  1. Temperature Adjustment:
    • Incrementally increase the temperature until the filament flows smoothly.
  2. Monitor and Test:
    • Regularly test various temperatures with different materials.
  3. Regular Maintenance:
    • Keep the heatbreak clean to prevent residues that can cause sticking.

Filament sticking in the heatbreak, particularly during the colder months, is a problem that can be mistaken for a nozzle clog. Understanding filament properties and correctly calibrating your printer’s temperature can prevent this issue, ensuring reliable 3D printing experiences.

Transitioning to an all-metal nozzle in your 3D printer? While these nozzles offer durability and precision, they also bring a unique challenge: heat creep. This post delves into what heat creep is and how to manage it effectively.

What is Heat Creep? Heat creep occurs when heat travels up from the hot end of the nozzle to the cooler parts, causing the filament to soften or melt prematurely. This can lead to clogs and printing inconsistencies, particularly in all-metal nozzles due to their superior heat conduction.

Key Considerations:

  1. Proper Cooling:
    • Ensure your printer’s cooling system is efficient. Upgrading to a high-quality cooling fan can significantly reduce heat creep.
  2. Optimal Temperature Settings:
    • Experiment with lowering the printing temperature. Just enough to properly melt the filament but not so much that it exacerbates heat creep.
  3. Filament Choice:
    • Some filaments are more prone to heat creep. Materials like PLA, which have a lower melting point, might need more attention compared to others like ABS or PETG.
  4. Regular Maintenance:
    • Keep the nozzle and extruder clean. Accumulated debris can worsen heat creep.
  5. Thermal Break Efficiency:
    • The thermal break or throat is crucial in preventing heat transfer. Make sure it’s in good condition and consider upgrading if necessary.

Managing heat creep in all-metal nozzles is about balance. Proper cooling, correct temperature settings, and regular maintenance play vital roles. With these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of an all-metal nozzle without the headache of heat creep.

Struggling with a clogged 3D printer nozzle? Our quick guide will help you clear it out and get back to printing in no time.

Understanding Clogs:
Clogs happen due to incorrect printing temperatures, low-quality filament, or material buildup. Knowing the cause can help prevent future clogs.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Preparation:

    • Turn off and unplug your printer.
    • Gather needle-nose pliers, a cleaning needle, and a wrench.

    Initial Cleaning:

      • Remove the filament and heat the nozzle to the filament’s melting point.

      Manual Unclogging:

      • Gently use the cleaning needle to dislodge the clog.

      Advanced Techniques:

      • ‘Cold Pull’ Method: Use nylon filament to pull out the clog.
      • Chemical Solvents: Use cautiously for plastic clogs.

      Reassembly and Testing:

      • Put the nozzle back together and conduct a test print.

      Preventive Measures:

      • Opt for high-quality filament.
      • Regularly clean the nozzle.
      • Monitor printing temperatures.


      Tackling a nozzle clog is manageable with the right approach. Regular maintenance is key to preventing clogs. Get back to smooth printing with these tips!

      3D printing enthusiasts know that filament quality is paramount. But how can you tell if your filament has become damp? Here are the tell-tale signs:

      1. Brittleness: When filament absorbs moisture, it can become brittle and snap easily.
      2. Stringing: Moisture in the filament turns to steam during printing, causing fine strings of plastic between printed parts.
      3. Popping or Hissing Sounds: As the filament passes through the hot end, moisture evaporates, creating audible pops.
      4. Dull Finish: Instead of a smooth, shiny surface, your prints may have a rough, matte finish.
      5. Poor Adhesion: Damp filament may not stick well to the bed, leading to warping or misshapen prints.

      And the problems aren’t just cosmetic:

      • Clogged Nozzles: The steam can cause bubbles that solidify inside the nozzle, leading to blockages.
      • Weak Prints: Moisture can degrade the integrity of the plastic, resulting in weaker structural strength.
      • Reduced Precision: Inconsistent extrusion due to moisture can lead to inaccuracies in the print dimensions.

      To ensure the best printing results, store your filament in a dry, airtight container with desiccants. If your filament does get damp, all is not lost – consider using a filament dryer or oven to carefully remove moisture before printing.

      Have you ever encountered the problem of gaps in your printed layers? This can affect the quality and strength of your prints, and make them look less appealing. What causes this issue and how can you fix it?

      One possible reason for gaps in 3D printed layers is a low nozzle temperature. If the nozzle is not hot enough, the filament may not melt properly and flow smoothly. This can result in inconsistent extrusion and poor layer adhesion. To solve this problem, you can try increasing the nozzle temperature by 5-10 degrees Celsius and see if it makes a difference. You can also check if your nozzle is clogged or worn out, and clean or replace it if necessary.

      Another possible reason for gaps in 3D printed layers is a high printing speed. If you print too fast, the filament may not have enough time to bond with the previous layer and form a solid structure. This can result in weak and brittle prints with visible gaps. To solve this problem, you can try decreasing the printing speed by 10-20 percent and see if it improves the quality of your prints. You can also check if your printer is properly calibrated and has no mechanical issues that could affect its performance.

      By adjusting the nozzle temperature and printing speed, you may be able to eliminate the gaps in your 3D printed layers and achieve better results. However, keep in mind that these are not the only factors that can affect your prints. You should also consider the type and quality of your filament, the bed temperature and adhesion, the cooling fan settings, the layer height and width, and other parameters that may vary depending on your printer model and software. Experiment with different settings until you find the optimal combination for your project.