Filaments

This guide will show you the different types of filament available for 3D printing and their characteristics.

Introduction

There are three main types of filaments used in 3D printing: standard plastics, engineering plastics, and composite plastics. Each type has its own characteristics and is suitable for different applications.

Though, they share some common properties:

• They are all thermoplastics, meaning they can be melted and reshaped multiple times.
• They are all available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
• They are all available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm diameters even if 1.75mm is the general standard.

Standard plastics

Standard filament material require no particular handling and are easy to print. They are the most common materials used in 3D printing and are suitable for most applications. They offer a natural compatibility the Bambulab AMS (Automatic Material System). see ref.

Material	PLA	PETG	ABS
Grade	9/10	9/10	8/10
Ultimate Strength	65 MPa	53 MPa	40 MPa
Durability	6/10	8/10	9/10
Maximum Service Temperature	52°C	73°C	98°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	68 µm/m°C	60 µm/m°C	90 µm/m°C
Density	1.24 g/cm³	1.23 g/cm³	1.04 g/cm³
Price	10 - 40 €/kg	20 - 60 €/kg	10 - 40 €/kg
Printability	9/10	8/10	9/10
Extruder Temperature	190 - 220°C	230 - 250°C	220 - 250°C
Bed Temperature	45 - 60°C	75 - 90°C	95 - 110°C
Recommended Build Surface	Smooth/Textured PEI Plate	Glue Stick, Textured PEI Plate	Glue Stick, Textured PEI Plate
Other Hardware Recommendations	Cooling fan	Cooling Fan	Enclosure Recommended
Impact Resistance	❌	✅	✅
UV Resistant	❌	❌	❌
Water Resistant	❌	✅	❌
Chemically Resistant	❌	✅	❌

Engineering plastics

Engineering plastics are more resistant and durable than standard plastics. They are suitable for more demanding applications. They require more specific handling and are more difficult to print. They should not be used with the AMS but rather placed on the spool holder.

Material	Flex	Nylon	ASA	Polycarbonate
Grade	6/10	8/10	7/10	7/10
Ultimate Strength	26-43 MPa	40-85 MPa	55 MPa	72 MPa
Durability	9/10	10/10	10/10	10/10
Maximum Service Temperature	70°C	90°C	65°C	120°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	70 µm/m°C	95 µm/m°C	85 µm/m°C	68 µm/m°C
Density	1.19 - 1.23 g/cm³	1.12 g/cm³	1.07 g/cm³	1.2 g/cm³
Price	30-70 €/kg	25-65 €/kg	30-40 €/kg	40-75 €/kg
Printability	6/10	8/10	7/10	7/10
Extruder Temperature	225 - 245°C	230 - 260°C	240 - 270°C	260 - 310°C
Bed Temperature	45 - 60°C	70 - 90°C	90 - 110°C	80 - 120°C
Recommended Build Surface	Glue Stick, Textured PEI Plate	Glue Stick, Textured PEI Plate	Glue Stick, Textured PEI Plate	Glue Stick, Textured PEI Plate
Other Hardware Recommendations	Cooling Fan	Enclosure Required	Enclosure Required	Enclosure Required, Cooling Fan
Impact Resistance	✅	✅	✅	✅
UV Resistant	❌	❌	✅	❌
Water Resistant	❌	✅	✅	❌
Chemically Resistant	❌	❌	❌	❌

Composite plastics

Composite filaments are made of a base material and a filler material. They offer unique properties such as increased strength, weight reduction, or a wood-like finish. They require specific handling and are more difficult to print. They should not be used with the AMS but rather placed on the spool holder.

Material	Carbon Fiber Filled	Metal Filled	Wood Filled
Grade	8/10	7/10	8/10
Ultimate Strength	45 MPa	20-30 MPa	46 MPa
Durability	3/10	4/10	3/10
Maximum Service Temperature	52°C	52°C	52°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	57.5 µm/m°C	33.75 µm/m°C	30.5 µm/m°C
Density	1.3 g/cm³	2-4 g/cm³	1.15 - 1.25 g/cm³
Price	30-80 €/kg	50-120 €/kg	25-55 €/kg
Printability	7/10	8/10	6/10
Extruder Temperature	200 - 230°C	190 - 220°C	190 - 220°C
Bed Temperature	45 - 60°C	45 - 60°C	45 - 60°C
Recommended Build Surface	Glue Stick, Smooth/Textured PEI Plate	Glue Stick, Smooth/Textured PEI Plate	Glue Stick, Smooth/Textured PEI Plate
Other Hardware Recommendations	Cooling Fan	Wear Resistant or Stainless Steel Nozzle, Part Cooling Fan	Cooling Fan
Impact Resistance	❌	✅	❌
UV Resistant	❌	❌	❌
Water Resistant	❌	❌	❌
Chemically Resistant	❌	❌	❌