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3D printer filaments
3D printer filaments are thermoplastic materials that are used in 3D printing process called FFF (which stands for Fused Filament Fabrication) to make threedimensional objecs from them. They are made out of polymers. Filaments are very popular materials in 3D printing industry. There are many types of them available in our shop. Our offer includes not only PLA, ABS and PET-G. We also have lots and lots of filaments for professionals. Do you want to print some decorations? No problem! We have a lot of filaments that have unique visual features. The choice is yours!
3D printer filaments - and what they actually are
Filaments are materials used for 3D printing using FDM/FFF/LPD/LPD Plus methods. They are thermoplastic materials that, when properly processed by 3D printers, are transformed into three-dimensional objects. The printing technology used here, which is FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), involves heating the filament to a temperature characteristic of the specific material, extruding it through a nozzle, and layering it on the printer bed until the final print is achieved. This technique also has other names that have already been mentioned - FFF, LPD, and LPD Plus. There are many types of filaments based on a representative feature/their purpose/material from which the filament was made.
Commonly-used 3D printer filaments pt. I: PLA
PLA filaments are extremely popular among 3D printer users. Polylactic acid - the main component of PLA material - is a biodegradable polyester built from molecules of lactic acid that are connected in long chains. According to many, it is definitely the best material for beginners. PLA filaments are very easy to use! Although the fact of its biodegradability may be a concern, even causing worries that an object printed from it will simply degrade quickly, don't worry - such degradation requires very specific conditions that are not easy to achieve at home. Above all, it should be noted that polylactic acid is sensitive to high temperatures. 60 degrees Celsius is the temperature that will have a negative impact on PLA prints.
Commonly-used 3D printer filaments pt. II: ABS
The second highly popular filament, ABS, differs from PLA in its increased hardness and higher temperature resistance, as well as resistance to the destructive effects caused by many chemical compounds. In addition, it is characterized by high scratch resistance and good insulation properties. ABS filaments are more difficult to print than polylactic acid materials. Materials based on acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer have a large processing shrinkage. 3D printers with a closed chamber are used for their temperature processing into three-dimensional objects.
Commonly-used 3D printer filaments pt. III: PETG
Another one is PET-G. In chemical terms, we are dealing here with a polymer, specifically - poly(ethylene terephthalate), produced in a process that involves, among other things, ethylene glycol. PETG is a material characterized by greater strength than ABS, and its use in printing does not require the use of a specialized chamber. An important characteristic of PET-G filaments is also their high resistance to various chemical factors, including acids, alkaline compounds, and salts.
Technical 3D printer filaments
The variety of 3D printer filaments isn't coincidential. They are not limited to applications made only by hobbyists. Technical 3D printer filaments and materials for engineering applications are also produced. This is a very diverse group of materials for 3D printers. These materials usually have high durability. Objects made from them must perform well in challenging conditions. Conclusion? These are filaments made for special tasks.
Technical filaments - examples
Technical filaments are a diverse group of materials for 3D printing with varying properties. Some examples include anti-static (ESD) materials. Technical filaments are also represented by materials such as PC (polycarbonate) and materials with glass microspheres. POM is also an excellent filament for industrial applications. Here are a few examples of technical materials that have not been mentioned here so far:
Carbon Fiber filaments
Among technical filaments, composites are very significant materials to print with. These are 3D printer products composed of at least two different substances - one of them is responsible, among others, for the cohesion of the output material, while the other plays a structural role. Composite filaments are, for example, materials consisting of thermoplastics and carbon fibers. The role of the structural thermoplastic is usually played by polyamide (PA6 or PA12). Sometimes, PLA or PET-G can also be used as the thermoplastic component responsible for the structure. If we want to produce very durable prints, it is worth paying attention to the PA+CF filament type, which is a combination of polyamide with carbon fiber. It is thermally and mechanically resistant and characterized by low processing shrinkage.