3D printing filament

File:3D_Printing_Materials_(16863368275).jpg

3D printing filament is the thermoplastic feedstock for fused filament fabrication 3D printers. There are many types of filament available with different properties.{{Cite news |url=http://3dinsider.com/3d-printing-materials/ |title=16 Types of 3D Printer Filaments |date=2017-03-09|work=3D Insider |access-date=2017-12-12 |language=en-US|archive-date=2017-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212190126/http://3dinsider.com/3d-printing-materials/ |url-status=live}}

Filament comes in a range of diameters, most commonly 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm,{{Cite news |url=http://www.fabbaloo.com/blog/2015/7/26/a-curious-thing-about-300-vs-175mm-3d-printer-filament |title=A Curious Thing About 3.00 vs 1.75 mm 3D Printer Filament |work=Fabbaloo |access-date=2017-04-20 |language=en-US |archive-date=2017-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422143627/http://www.fabbaloo.com/blog/2015/7/26/a-curious-thing-about-300-vs-175mm-3d-printer-filament |url-status=live}} with the latter often being confused with the less common 3 mm. {{Cite web |url=https://www.fabbaloo.com/blog/2018/8/31/the-3mm-filament-problem |title=The 3mm Filament Problem |date=31 August 2018 |access-date=2020-04-26 |archive-date=2020-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914230933/https://www.fabbaloo.com/blog/2018/8/31/the-3mm-filament-problem |url-status=live }}

Filament consists of one continuous slender plastic thread spooled into a reel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.raise3d.com/academy/what-is-3d-printer-filament/|title=What is 3D Printer Filament?|access-date=2022-09-12|archive-date=2022-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823145325/https://www.raise3d.com/academy/what-is-3d-printer-filament/|url-status=live}}

Production

=Commercially produced filament=

File:3D Printing Materials (16837486456).jpg

3D printing filament is created using a process of heating, extruding and cooling plastic to transform nurdles into the finished product. However, unlike a 3D printer, the filament is pulled rather than pushed through the nozzle to create the filament. The diameter of the filament is defined by the process that takes place after the plastic has been heated rather than the diameter of the extruder nozzle. A different force and speed is applied to the filament as it is pulled out of the extruder to define the width of the filament, most commonly 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm diameter.{{Cite web|url=http://makezine.com/2015/02/11/how-it-is-made-3d-printing-filament/|title=How It Is Made: 3D Printing Filament {{!}} Make|date=2015-02-11|website=Make: DIY Projects and Ideas for Makers|access-date=2017-04-20|archive-date=2017-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422140406/http://makezine.com/2015/02/11/how-it-is-made-3d-printing-filament/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.filaments.directory/en/blog/2018/08/29/how-are-filaments-made |title=HOW ARE FILAMENTS MADE |access-date=2018-11-07 |archive-date=2018-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107145332/https://www.filaments.directory/en/blog/2018/08/29/how-are-filaments-made |url-status=dead}}

The plastic nurdles are always white or clear. Pigments or other additives are added to the material before it is melted to create coloured filament or filament with special properties, e.g. increased strength or magnetic properties. Before the filament is extruded the nurdles are heated to 80 °C to dry it and reduce water content. The nurdles must be dried as many thermoplastics are hygroscopic and extrusion of damp plastic causes dimensional flaws (this is also the case when the finished filament is being printed{{Cite web |url=https://www.filaments.directory/en/blog/2016/09/15/what-effect-does-humidity-have-on-your-filament |title=What Effect Does Humidity Have On Your Filament? |access-date=2018-11-07 |archive-date=2018-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107145342/https://www.filaments.directory/en/blog/2016/09/15/what-effect-does-humidity-have-on-your-filament |url-status=live }}). From there the nurdles are fed into a single screw extruder where it is heated and extruded into a filament. The diameter is often measured by a laser beam(not melting) as part of a quality control mechanism to ensure correct diameter of the filament. The filament is then fed through a warm water tank which cools the filament which gives the filament its round shape. The filament is then fed through a cold water tank to cool it to room temperature. It is then wound onto a spool to create the finished product.

=DIY filament production=

DIY filament production machines use the same method as FDM 3D printers of pushing the filament through the extruder to create the correct diameter filament. There are several DIY filament machines available as both open source plans and commercially available machines.

A food dehydrator can be used to remove water from hygroscopic materials at above 70 °C.{{cite web |title=Can you 3D Print with Trimmer Line?! - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsrkFIuQEZM |website=YouTube | date=14 November 2020 |access-date=2022-09-12 |archive-date=2022-08-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824200058/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsrkFIuQEZM |url-status=live }}

Usage

The process of transforming 3D printing filament into a 3D model

The filament is fed into the FDM 3D printer.
The thermoplastic is heated past its glass transition temperature inside the hotend.
The filament is extruded and deposited by an extrusion head onto a build platform where it cools.
The process is continuous, building up layers to create the model.

Materials

class="wikitable sortable"

! Filament

! Special Properties

! Uses

! Strength

! Density
(kg/m{{Sup|3}})

! Flexi-
bility

! Dura-
bility

! Difficulty to print

! Print Temperature
(°C)

! Bed Temperature
(°C)

!Printing notes

PLA

|{{ublist|Easy to print|Biodegradable, though only in very specific conditions}}

|Consumer Products

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|1240{{Cite web|url=http://www.formfutura.com/175mm-easyfil-pla-sapphire-grey.html|title=1.75mm EasyFil PLA Sapphire Grey|website=Formfutura|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423065735/http://www.formfutura.com/175mm-easyfil-pla-sapphire-grey.html|archive-date=2017-04-23|url-status=dead}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|180–230

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed or, 60–{{degC|80}} are recommended also

ABS

|{{ublist|Durable|Impact resistant}}

|Functional Parts

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|1010{{Cite web|url=http://www.formfutura.com/formfutura-175mm-premium-abs-natural.html|title=1.75mm Premium ABS Natural|website=Formfutura|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22|archive-date=2017-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423065545/http://www.formfutura.com/formfutura-175mm-premium-abs-natural.html|url-status=dead}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|210–250

|50–100

PETG (XT, N‑Vent)

|{{ublist|More flexible than PLA or ABS|Durable}}

|All

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|1270rigid.ink Filament Comparison Guide [https://rigid.ink/pages/filament-comparison-guide "Complete 3D Printing Filament Comparison Guide"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000454/https://rigid.ink/pages/filament-comparison-guide |date=2017-12-15 }}, rigid.ink, 2017-12-14

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|220–235

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

PCTG

|{{ublist|More flexible than PETG|Durable}}

|All

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|1230{{cite web |url=https://fiberlogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/FIBERLOGY_PCTG_TDS.pdf |title=PCTG - Technical Data Sheet |website=Fiberlogy |access-date=2025-06-09}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|250–270

| 90–110

Nylon

|{{ublist|Strong|Flexible|Durable}}

|All

|{{sort|2|High}}

|1020{{Cite web|url=https://fiberlogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/TDS_NYLON.pdf|title=NYLON PA12 - Technical Data Sheet|website=Fiberlogy|language=en|access-date=2020-03-09|archive-date=2020-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915000358/https://fiberlogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/TDS_NYLON.pdf|url-status=live}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|220–260

|50–100

|Hygroscopic, keep sealed when not in use

TPE

|{{ublist|Extremely flexible|Rubber-like}}

|{{ublist|Elastic Parts|Wearables}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|225–235

|40

|Print very slowly

TPU

|{{ublist|Extremely flexible|Rubber-like}}

|{{ublist|Elastic Parts|Wearables}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|225–235

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

|Print slowly

Wood

|Wood-like finish

|Home Decor

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|1400{{Cite web|url=https://fiberlogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/TDS-FIBERWOOD.pdf|title=FiberWood - Technical Data Sheet|website=Fiberlogy|language=en|access-date=2020-03-09|archive-date=2020-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915003851/https://fiberlogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/TDS-FIBERWOOD.pdf|url-status=live}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|195–220

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

HIPS

|{{ublist|Dissolvable}}

|Support structures when using ABS on a dual extrusion printer.

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|1040{{Cite web|url=http://www.formfutura.com/formfutura-175mm-easyfil-hips-white.html|title=1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White|website=Formfutura|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22|archive-date=2017-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423065906/http://www.formfutura.com/formfutura-175mm-easyfil-hips-white.html|url-status=dead}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|210–250

|50–100

PVA

|{{ublist|Dissolvable|Water Soluble|Biodegradable|Oil Resistant}}

|Support structures when using PLA or ABS on a dual extrusion printer.

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|180–230

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

|Hygroscopic, keep sealed when not in use

PET (CEP)

|{{ublist|Strong|Flexible|Durable|Recyclable}}

|All

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|220–250

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

PLA Metal

|Metal Finish

|Jewelry

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|195–220

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

|Use hardened nozzle

PLA Carbon Fiber

|{{ublist|Rigid|Stronger Than Pure PLA}}

|Functional Parts

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|195–220

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

|Use hardened nozzle

Lignin (bioFila)

|{{ublist|Biodegradable|Stronger than PLA}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|190–225

|55

Polycarbonate

|{{ublist|Very strong|Flexible|Durable|Transparent|Heat Resistant}}

|Functional Parts

|{{sort|2|High}}

|1180 – 1200{{Cite news|url=http://www.polymaker.com/shop/polymaker-pc-max/|title=PC-Max - Polymaker|work=Polymaker|access-date=2017-04-22|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423070420/http://www.polymaker.com/shop/polymaker-pc-max/|archive-date=2017-04-23|url-status=dead}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|270–310

|90–105

|Use enclosed heated chamber at ambient temperature of around {{degC|60}}

Conductive (usually a graphite-plastic blend)

|Conductive

|Electronics

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|215–230

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

|Use hardened nozzle

Wax (MOLDLAY)

|Melts Away

|Lost wax Casting

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|170–180

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

PETT (T‑Glase)

|{{ublist|Strong|Flexible|Transparent|Clear}}

|Functional Parts

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|235–240

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

ASA

|{{ublist|Rigid|Durable|Weather Resistant}}

|Outdoor

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|240–260

|100–120

|{{ublist|Flexible|Chemical Resistance}}

|Flexible Components

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|1040{{Cite web|url=https://fiberlogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/TDS-PP-EN.pdf|title=PP - Polypropylene - Technical Data Sheet|website=Fiberlogy|language=en|access-date=2020-03-09|archive-date=2020-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915001447/https://fiberlogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/TDS-PP-EN.pdf|url-status=live}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|210–230

|120–150

POM, Acetal

|{{ublist|Strong|Rigid|Low Friction|Resilient}}

|Functional Parts

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|210–225

|130

PMMA, Acrylic

|{{ublist|Rigid|Durable|Transparent|Clear|Impact Resistant}}

|Light diffusers

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|235–250

|100–120

Sandstone (LAYBRICK; styled plastic)

|Sandstone Finish

|Architecture

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|165–210

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

Glow-In-The-Dark plastic

|Phosphorescence

|Fun

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|215

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

|Use hardened nozzle

Cleaning

|Cleaning

|Unclogging of Nozzles

|N/A

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|150–260

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

PC-ABS

|{{ublist|Rigid|Durable|Impact Resistant|Resilient|Deflecting Heat}}

|Functional Parts

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|260–280

|120

Magnetic (PLA blend)

|Magnetic

|Fun

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|195–220

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

Color Changing (plastic blend)

|Thermochromism

|Fun

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|215

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

nGen (co-polyester)

|{{ublist|Similar to PETG|Heat Resistant|Transparent}}

|All

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|210–240

|60

|{{ublist|Extremely Flexible|Rubber-Like|Chemical resistant|Heat resistant|UV light resistant}}

|{{ublist|Elastic Parts|Outdoor}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|210

|60–100

PORO-LAY

|Partially Water Soluble

|Experimental

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|220–235

| data-sort-value="0" |No heated bed needed

|Flexible

|Flexible Parts

|{{sort|0|Low}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|205–250

|75{{Cite news|url=https://all3dp.com/best-3d-printer-filament-types-pla-abs-pet-exotic-wood-metal/|title=30 Types of 3D Printer Filament - Guide & Comparison Chart {{!}} All3DP|date=2017-01-03|work=All3DP|access-date=2017-04-20|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422131508/https://all3dp.com/best-3d-printer-filament-types-pla-abs-pet-exotic-wood-metal/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.matterhackers.com/3d-printer-filament-compare|title=3D Printer Filament Comparison {{!}} MatterHackers|website=MatterHackers|access-date=2017-04-20|archive-date=2017-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429202400/http://www.matterhackers.com/3d-printer-filament-compare|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://3dprintingforbeginners.com/filamentprimer/|title=What Material Should I Use For 3D Printing? {{!}} 3D Printing for Beginners|date=2013-02-10|work=3D Printing for Beginners|access-date=2017-04-20|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324135727/http://3dprintingforbeginners.com/filamentprimer/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://filaments.ca/pages/temperature-guide|title=3D Printing Temperatures & Printing Guidelines|website=Filaments.ca|access-date=2017-04-22|archive-date=2017-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423062854/https://filaments.ca/pages/temperature-guide|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://3dprintingfromscratch.com/common/3d-printer-filament-types-overview/|title=3D Printer Filament Types Overview |date=2014-12-10|work=3D Printing from scratch|access-date=2017-12-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213061237/http://3dprintingfromscratch.com/common/3d-printer-filament-types-overview/|url-status=live}}

PEI

|{{ublist|Heat Resistant|Strong|Flame Performance}}

|Functional Parts

|{{sort|2|High}}

|1270

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|{{sort|2|High}}

|{{sort|1|Medium}}

|340–380

|180–200

|Use enclosed heated chamber at {{degC|220}}

References

Category:Plastics

Category:3D printing materials