3D Filament Types and Uses

Below are a few of the most common 3D filaments available on the market, as well as a brief overview of their properties and applications. PLA is by far the best 3D printer filament for beginners as it is easy to use, as is the up and coming PETG, but with a little bit of time, patience, and practice, most of the other 3D filaments can be mastered to make impressive and useful products.

PLA(polylactic acid)is easy to use, beginner-friendly, doesn't need a heating bed, emits little to no odor, has minimal warping and shrinkage, is biodegradable and eco-friendly,and is available in a variety of colors and styles.
ABS(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)is the top rigid filament available that is high-temperature resistant, highly durable, hard, but it's not particularly user- or beginner-friendly as it tends to warp and shrink.
ASA(acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)is a weather-resistant alternative to ABS, and slightly easier to print with. It's a little brittle, though, and has a tendency to crack while printing if the settings aren't perfect.
PETG(polyethylene terephthalate with glycol)is user-friendly, clear, non-brittle, durable yet flexible, and resistant to high temperatures. Ideal for beginners. PETG resin has been FDA approved for food contact, however, you should always check the Safety Data Sheet on each product as compositions may vary from product to product.
PP(polypropylene)is durable and tough, flexible and light, is resistant to chemicals, and is food-safe. The trade-off is that it's difficult to print with, as it tends to warp, and it isn't the best at layer adhesion.
POM(polyoxymethylene)is often used in engineering as it's perfect for high-precision parts like gears and bearings. The first layer needs a lot of care and attention and the print bed temperature needs to be high for a desirable result.
TPE(thermoplastic elastomers),TPU(thermoplastic polyurethane), andTPC(thermoplasticcopolyester)are flexible yet durable plastics similar to rubber, that are used a lot in medical industries. They're not the easiest to print.
PMMA(polymethyl methacrylate), commonly known asacrylicor Plexiglass, is a clear glass-like material that is lightweight, and shatter-proof. It may warp during printing, and is not very flexible.
FPE(flexiblepolyester)is a combination of hard and soft polymers, is durable, and quite user-friendly.
Nylonis an expensive material that requires a high bed temperature to print with. It is strong, flexible, and durable, and you can even dye it before or after use.
Carbon fiberreinforced filaments, whether PLA, PETG, or ABS, are strong, lightweight, but extremely rigid and have a high heat tolerance.
PC(polycarbonate)is one of the strongest filaments. It's both heat and impact-resistant and needs to be stored in a cool, dry place to stay in optimal condition. There is also a PC/ABS filament that provides the best of both plastics.
PVA(polyvinyl alcohol)is a water-soluble plastic (think the plastic covering dishwasher tablets) that is useful for very particular products but not really easy to handle.
Wood, metal, ceramiceffect filaments are PLA or ABS based with wood fiber, metal powder, or clay properties added to give the desired effect.
Other effects, i.e. glow-in-the-dark, rainbow, or color-changing filaments are also available for more creative and original designs.

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