Experiencing nozzle clogs, strong odors, curled products, or difficulty removing support structures during the printing process can be frustrating, and these issues are often related to the quality of the filament. So, how do you choose high-quality 3D printing filament? Today, we will share 3 tips that will make you a pro in no time!

Tip 1: Visual Inspection

Assess the quality of 3D printing filament based on external conditions.

After opening the seal, check if there are any color variations in the filament.
Look for small bubbles inside the filament.
Check if the color of the filament is uniform. Non-uniform color distribution indicates possible changes during the production process.
Look for any black spots or other colored spots on the filament.

Tip 2: Accuracy

Test the accuracy by hand. Open a 1-2m length of filament, pinch it gently between your thumb and index finger, and slowly pull the filament. If the thickness is uneven or the surface is not smooth, it will be easily noticeable.
Use measuring instruments to test accuracy. Use a digital caliper to measure if the filament diameter is within the controlled tolerance range. Measure at various points along the 1-2m length to ensure uniform filament diameter. Rotate the caliper around the filament to measure multiple points and check if the filament shape is consistent and the diameter is under control.

Tip 3: Observation during the Printing Process

Observe the uniformity of the printed lines on the build plate (especially the first layer). A typical 3D printer must create a raft or a skirt at the beginning of the print to observe the nozzle's consistency on the build plate. If the printing is relatively uniform, it indicates that the filament accuracy is within the desired range.
Listen for any abnormal sounds. During normal operation, the filament feeding mechanism should not produce any noise, and uneven filament may cause a "creaking" sound due to gear friction.
Observe the internal structure of the filament during the printing process, and check for the presence of bubbles, spots, or other issues during extrusion.

For desktop FDM 3D printers, ABS and PLA are commonly used as printing materials, each with suitable applications.

PLA is mainly made from plants (such as corn). It is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and has no irritating odor during printing. Some people even describe its smell as popcorn-like. ABS has good formability and strength. Everyone can observe and compare based on their printing requirements and choose the appropriate printing filament accordingly.

Recommended Creality ABS Filament on Amazon

Recommended Creality PLA Filament on Amazon

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3 Tips to Quickly Determine the Quality of 3D Printing Filament