How to choose filaments for 3D printers

What is worth remembering when choosing a filament

The most important thing to remember when choosing filament is the final use of the print. The decision regarding filament will depend on the function of the printed element.

This means that you don't need the most sophisticated material you can find. Such materials are often more expensive and difficult to print and do not guarantee additional value of the print just because it is printed from high-quality material. You should not sacrifice more basic materials, especially when they are more in line with the overall end goal of the part that will be printed.

How to choose filaments for 3D printers

Filaments for beginners

For people starting to learn about 3D printing, some materials will be easier to use after becoming familiar with them, learning their features and purpose. The most popular filaments for beginners are PLA and PET-G.

The most frequently used material in 3D printing, especially for beginners, is PLA. Printing with this material is quite easy and inexpensive. PLA is a material also used by more advanced people. Many manufacturers and designers use PLA to create prototypes and tools.

PET-G filament is another excellent material for beginners. PET-G is easy to print and has similar properties to the ABS filament, which is an intermediate material. Printing with PET-G using the standard configuration BCN3D Stratos allows you to obtain perfect results.

PLA filament: prototyping

Advanced and professional users

Filaments PP, ABS, PA and TPU are considered intermediate materials because they can print more complicated projects. You can use standard profiles for these materials but you can also customize their configuration in Stratos or other software.

Professional users can use materials such as PP GF30 or PAHT CF15, which are fibers containing glass fiber and carbon fiber, respectively. PP GF30 and PAHT CF15 filaments are considered professional materials that are more difficult to print and require special hot-end.

PET-G: Tools

Prototyping materials and tools

3D printing is commonly used to create prototypes and tools to facilitate the production process. The most commonly used materials are PLA and PET-G. If the prototype or tool needs to be resistant to chemicals or heat, consider using a more advanced material such as ABS or TPU.

Especially when it comes to tools, you should look for materials that are more durable and reinforced. A good solution would be a material made of carbon fiber, such as PAHT CF15, which has greater resistance.

Commercial needs

If you have a product that will need to be commercial ready, you will most likely choose a mid-range or professional grade material such as PA, PAHT CF15 or TPU .

The main feature of TPU is that it is flexible and durable. This makes TPU a great option for products that need to flex and last for a long time.

If you're looking for a more professional finish, carbon fiber material is a good option, as it looks elegant while being very durable.

TPU: car tire prototype

High load applications

In addition to the above factors, the print may need to take into account other high-stress properties such as weather, chemical properties, or heat. For outdoor use, consider using PP as it can withstand adverse conditions.

PP, PA, PAHT CF15 and PP GF30 are good options if you need a material that is resistant to corrosive substances, while whereby PP and PP GF30 are the strongest materials for this application. ABS, PET-G and PAHT CF15 are ideal materials for prints that must withstand high temperatures. If the print will be exposed to water, consider using PP, PA or PAHT CF15 as these are waterproof materials.

How to choose materials for 3D printing

Ultimately, the selected 3D printing material will depend on several different qualifications. The longer you work with 3D printing, the more you can experiment and test materials that will be best for the selected project.