Filament Selection

In 3D printing, filament selection significantly influences the quality, strength, and functionality of printed objects. With numerous options available, understanding filament parameters and quality can be challenging. This guide covers common filament parameters, and quality assessment methods, and emphasizes the importance of considering factors beyond price.

Common Filament Parameters

• Material Type: Filaments come in various materials, each with distinct properties. Common options include PLA (Polylactic Acid), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), and more.
• Diameter: Filament diameter is typically 1.75 mm, but sometimes could be 2.85 mm. It's crucial to ensure that your 3D printer's extruder is compatible with the filament diameter you choose.
• Printing Temperature: Different materials require specific printing temperatures to melt and extrude properly. Good producers usually specify the optimal printing temperature of their filament product.
• Bed Temperature: Some filaments, like ABS or ASA, may require a heated print bed to prevent warping during printing. Good producers usually specify the optimal bed temperature of their filament product.
• Tolerance: Filament tolerance refers to the consistency of diameter throughout the spool. A low tolerance ensures consistent extrusion, resulting in smoother prints. A tolerance of ±20 μm is considered as very good.

Filament Quality

Determining the quality of a filament goes beyond its price tag. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Consistency: High-quality filaments have the same consistency in diameter and colour throughout the spool. Inconsistent filament diameter can lead to extrusion issues and poor print quality.
• Printability: A good filament should be easy to print with minimal clogging or jamming. Look for filaments with a reputation for smooth extrusion and reliable performance.
• Strength and Durability: Depending on your application, consider the strength and durability of the filament. Some materials, like ASA, offer great UV resistance, while others, like PLA, are known for their rigidity and ease of printing.
• Surface Finish: Filament quality can significantly impact the surface finish of your prints. High-quality filaments result in smooth, uniform surfaces, free from defects like stringing or blobs.

In conclusion, selecting the right filament for your 3D printing projects requires careful consideration of various parameters beyond just price. Amazon offers ratings and reviews created by users themselves. These ratings and reviews may be useful when choosing cheap and good-quality filaments.