Buy 3D filament of various materials and different colors

In the field of 3D printing, the most used technology is FDM (Fused deposition modeling), 3D printing technology by wire deposition. The consumables used with FDM 3D printers are therefore spools of filaments of different materials. There are many kinds of 3D filaments but the two most known and used are PLA filament and ABS filament. 3D filament spools are usually supplied by machine manufacturers, although there are more and more generic filament manufacturers.

Which filament to choose?

PLA filament

PLA plastic or Polylactic Acid is one of the most used materials in 3D printing. PLA is a corn starch based yarn, very easy to print. The filament is perfect for 3D printing large architectural models or complex educational models. High-end concept models and decorative elements are also among its applications. PLA has a lower printing temperature than ABS, so no heated bed is required and it does not deform easily.

ABS filament

ABS plastic is a universal solution for cost-effective prototyping and manufacturing. Its low cost and versatility allow you to effectively test various iterations of your designs without spending too much. The 3D printing material is also resistant to high temperatures and is strong enough for basic functional testing. This filament will also prove useful for economical short-run production of enclosures, accessories and educational aids. It's a great choice for first-time users, as well as professionals looking for low-cost drawing and testing. The material can be chemically or mechanically treated. You can use acetone to fuse larger 3D printed parts separately.

PETG filament

PETG is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) thermoplastics enhanced with the addition of glycol to eliminate brittleness and to enhance the valuable properties of PET. This industrial grade material can withstand UV rays and time. It also has a high resistance to oils and fatty substances. Due to ease of extrusion and thermal stability, PETG and other PET derivatives are increasingly being used in the FDM 3D printing world. PETG is resistant to cold temperatures, chemical agents and high mechanical resistance.

PETG filament is more flexible and durable than PLA and easier to print than ABS. PETG filament has very similar functionality to ABS (good temperature resistance, strength, durability…) and ease of being printed like PLA. It also has good adhesion between layers, little deformation during printing, resistance to low temperature environments during time intervals, chemical resistance (bases and acids) and the absence of odor during printing.

PC Filament (Polycarbonate)

Polycarbonate filament is a material renowned in the field of 3D printing for its excellent impact resistance and transparency. Highly efficient and highly resistant to shocks and heat, it is used to manufacture extremely strong parts. It's a lightweight yet strong thermoplastic, but it's not as easy to print as PLA or PETG because it requires quite high extrusion and build plate temperatures. This filament is therefore reserved rather for 3D printing experts who have enough know-how to print it correctly.

The material is highly prized by the additive manufacturing sector for its strength and transparency. It generally responds very well to external constraints. but it must be taken into account that PC is particularly sensitive to UV, water (in the case of prolonged contact at 60°C), acetone, etc. This range of Polycarbonate 3D filament is aimed at manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace, or industrial sectors looking for rapid prototyping with rigid materials.

Flexible Filament

Flexible plastic TPE (TPU, TPS, TPC) is a material that gives us the possibility to print soft, flexible and stretchable objects with 3D printers. This category of flexible 3D filament is evaluated according to a flexibility value called shore hardness. It is generally impact and tear resistant. The fact that it is flexible sometimes makes it difficult to print it correctly. A slow speed and following the advice given on the flexible filament datasheets are essential to successfully print them. The success of flexible printing therefore largely depends on the design of the extruder. Depending on the Shore hardness of the flexible filament, it is possible to obtain 3D prints on desktop machines, without making any modifications.

This flexible 3D filament is ideal for printing soles, straps, grips or any other object requiring flexible properties.