If you are using a 3D printer on a regular basis to create products for your job or your own personal use, there is a good chance that you have used different materials to print products. Indeed, different materials are available on the market because they have certain properties about them that make them more suitable for certain uses. The most common type of printing material that exists is 3D printing filament, which is characterized by its thread-like appearance being wrapped around a stool. The way it works is that the printer moves the filament through a nozzle, and is heated as it goes through. The printer then creates an object by stacking the material in multiple vertical layers until the job is complete. Most people are already aware that a filament must have the correct settings and diameter in order to be compatible with a 3D printer, or else major damages are incurred on the object or the printer itself.
What Different Printing Filaments Exist?
When selecting a 3D printing filament, it is important to remember that each has a unique appearance and set of physical characteristics. One of the default filaments is polylactic acid (PLA), and is the most commonly used filament for 3D printing. It is the most energy friendly amongst the filaments available, and has many applications. Another common type is known as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which involves the use of a heated printing surface to avoid contraction of the printed object upon cooling. Unlike PLA, ABS is intended to be used when printing objects that are able to tolerate higher temperatures and frequency of use. There is also the use of nylon, which shows incredible strength despite its thin shape. The only downside to using nylon is that it must be kept as dry as possible during its storage as well as immediately before the printing job starts, due to its high sensitivity to moisture. There are several more printing filaments out there, but these are the most frequently used within the 3D printing industry.
Which Printing Filament Is the Best?
A quick analysis of the featured filaments leads to the obvious conclusion that it entirely depends on the printer that you have available to you, and how the printed object will be used. It will be up to you to decide which material is most suitable for your individual needs and preferences. If you are still unsure, it would be a good idea to consult with experts and determine what printing filament would be best for your individual circumstance. Every filament will usually come with instructions for proper care and storage, and it would be wise to follow them if you intend to keeps these materials available for a long period of time.
