3D printers use filament. Most filaments are thermoplastic. This is plastic that can be melted and molded before it solidifies when it cools. This characteristic makes thermoplastics different from thermosetting plastics that burn when heated.
There are over 25 different types of filaments which can be broadly classified into everyday, exotic and expert filaments.
Everyday filaments
These are the most commonly used. They are cheaper, easier to use and more readily available than filament from the other two categories we’ll explore later. Everyday filaments include PLA, ABS, Nylon, PETG, TPE and PC.
PLA
Polylactic Acid (PSA) is the most popular filament. This is because it is the easiest to use. PSA is made from sugar extracted from cornstarch and is the only filament made from renewable material.
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ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a stronger, more durable filament compared to PSA. Technically, ABS is better than PLA but it is harder to use which is why it is a little less popular.
Nylon (PA)
Nylon or Polyamide is the strongest of all the everyday filaments. It is, however, more expensive and requires a higher heating temperature which makes it more difficult to work with.
PETG
PETG is a commonly used plastic. Your water bottle or food containers are very likely made from PETG. While strong, it does have a low flexibility and its surfaces scratch easily.
TPE
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a family of flexible plastics that include TPU and TPC. They are rubber-like so are extremely flexible as their name implies.
PC
Polycarbonate (PC) is one of the strongest filaments. It’s also transparent so it is used for making bulletproof glass and display screens.
Exotic filaments
Everyday filaments are preferred for their strength, versatility and ease of use. Exotic filaments are less functional and are preferred for how they look or for a unique property. They include wood-filled, metal-filled, glow-in-the-dark, color changing, conductive, magnetic, ceramics and dichromatic filament.
Wood-filled
These look and feel like wood. They are not actually made from wood but are wood-infused. Also, check out “Can You Stain 3D Printed Wood Filament? 5 Simple Steps!“
Metal-filled
Like wood-filled, metal-filled filament isn’t actually made from metal. They simulate the look and feel of metal by using a plastic based filament infused with metal powder. Metal-filled can be brass, aluminum, stainless steel and other types of metals.
Conductive
Conductive filament allows you to make something that conducts electricity like a low-voltage electronic circuit for example.
Glow-in-the-dark
These are ABS or PLA filaments with phosphorescent materials mixed in. This allows your print to glow in the dark.
Magnetic
Magnetic filament is actually ferromagnetic. This means while it can stick to magnets it does not have a magnetic field of its own.
Color changing
If you want your print to change color based on how hot or cold it is, then this is the filament you use. Color changing filament makes your print change color based on temperature.
Dichromatic
This is a two-tone filament that allows you to create a multi-color print that changes color based on your perspective.
Ceramic
Ceramic filaments are non-plastic. They use a mix of polymer and clay to create a ceramic finish. Source
Expert filaments
These are more often used by professionals than hobbyists. Some examples of professional filaments include glass, carbon, metal, PVA and ASA.
Glass fiber-filled
This is mostly nylon mixed with chopped glass fibers.
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber filament is nylon reinforced with carbon. This allows you to create a print that’s both strong and lightweight.
Metal
Metal based filament is different from metal-filled in that it allows you to create a full metal part.
PVA
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is water soluble. It’s generally used as a support material for printing complex shapes that might not stand on their own.
ASA
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) is a more chemical and heat resistant alternative to ABS.
These are the most common materials used for 3D printing. There are others like HIPS, Polypropylene, hemp and even filament made from coffee grounds that are being developed to satisfy the demand for certain properties. Source
You may also want to consider other types of 3d printing that do not involve filaments. For more on this, check out our post ” Comparing 3D Printing Types: Filament VS Powder VS Resin (Pros & Cons)“
Also, find out id you Can Use Weed Eater Line In A 3D Printer as Filament?