What's the difference between the 3D Filaments? – Electus Distribution

3D Printer Filament Types

1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Features & Benefits:

Biodegradable: Made from renewable resources like corn starch.

Easy to Print: Low warping and does not require a heated bed.

Odorless: Emits a sweet smell when printing.

Pros:

Environmentally friendly.

Low cost.

Good for beginners.

Cons:

Brittle and less durable.

Not suitable for high-temperature applications.

2. PLA+ (PLA Plus)

Features & Benefits:

Enhanced Properties: Contains additives that improve strength, heat resistance, and layer adhesion.

Smooth Finish: Produces smoother and glossier prints compared to standard PLA.

Pros:

Stronger and more durable than standard PLA.

Better heat resistance.

Improved layer adhesion.

Cons:

Slightly more expensive than standard PLA.

Different brands may have varying formulations.

3. High-Speed PLA

Features & Benefits:

Fast Printing: Formulated for higher printing speeds without compromising quality.

Easy to Use: Similar to standard PLA in terms of print settings.

Pros:

Reduces print time significantly.

Maintains good print quality at higher speeds.

Cons:

May require fine-tuning of printer settings.

Slightly more expensive than standard PLA.

4. PLA-LW (Light Weight)

Features & Benefits:

Lightweight: Designed to be lighter than standard PLA.

Foaming Technology: Expands during printing to reduce density.

Pros:

Ideal for applications where weight is a concern, such as RC planes.

Good layer adhesion.

Cons:

Requires precise temperature control.

Can be more expensive than standard PLA

5. Luminous Filaments

Features & Benefits:

Glow-in-the-Dark: Contains phosphorescent materials that glow in the dark.

Easy to Print: Similar to standard PLA in terms of print settings.

Pros:

Fun and visually appealing.

Good for decorative items and toys.

Cons:

Slightly more brittle than standard PLA.

Requires exposure to light to recharge the glow.

6. ABS

Features & Benefits:

Durable: Strong and impact-resistant.

Heat Resistant: Suitable for high-temperature applications.

Smooth Finish: Can be easily sanded and glued.

Pros:

Strong and durable.

Good for functional parts.

Cons:

Warps easily, requiring a heated bed.

Emits fumes, needing good ventilation.

7. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

Features & Benefits:

Durable: Strong and flexible.

Chemical Resistant: Resistant to water and chemicals.

Transparent: Can produce clear prints.

Pros:

Less warping than ABS.

Good layer adhesion.

Cons:

Can be stringy during printing.

Requires precise temperature control.

8. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Features & Benefits:

Flexible: Rubber-like flexibility.

Durable: Resistant to abrasion and impact.

Chemical Resistant: Resistant to oils and greases.

Pros:

Flexible and durable.

Good for wearable items and phone cases.

Cons:

Difficult to print with.

Requires slow printing speeds.

9. PA (Nylon)

Features & Benefits:

Strong: High tensile strength.

Flexible: Slightly flexible, making it durable.

Chemical Resistant: Resistant to many chemicals.

Pros:

Strong and durable.

Good for mechanical parts.

Cons:

Absorbs moisture, requiring dry storage.

Warps easily, needing a heated bed.

10. PC (Polycarbonate)

Features & Benefits:

Extremely Strong: High impact resistance and tensile strength.

Heat Resistant: Can withstand high temperatures up to 115°C.

Transparent: Produces clear, glass-like prints.

Pros:

Very strong and durable.

High heat resistance.

Good for functional and engineering parts.

Cons:

Difficult to print, requiring high temperatures (260-310°C) and an enclosed build space.

Hygroscopic, needing dry storage.

11. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)

Features & Benefits:

Water Soluble: Dissolves in water, making it ideal for support structures.

Non-Toxic: Safe to handle and print.

Pros:

Excellent for complex prints with overhangs.

Easy to remove supports.

Cons:

Expensive.

Requires dry storage to prevent moisture absorption.

12. ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

Features & Benefits:

UV Resistant: Suitable for outdoor use.

Durable: Strong and impact-resistant.

Heat Resistant: Can withstand high temperatures.

Pros:

UV and weather-resistant.

Good for outdoor applications.

Cons:

Emits fumes, needing good ventilation.

Warps easily, requiring a heated bed.

13. Silk PLA

Features & Benefits:

Aesthetic: Produces a glossy, silk-like finish.

Easy to Print: Similar to standard PLA in terms of print settings.

Pros:

Beautiful, shiny finish.

Good for decorative items.

Cons:

Less durable than standard PLA.

Can be more flexible, making it unsuitable for functional parts.

14. Metal-Filled Filaments

Features & Benefits:

Aesthetic: Contains metal powders, giving prints a metallic look and feel.

Heavy: Heavier than standard filaments, adding a premium feel.

Pros:

Metallic finish is aesthetically appealing.

Does not need a high-temperature extruder.

Cons:

Requires a wear-resistant nozzle.

Printed parts can be brittle.

15. Wood-Filled Filaments

Features & Benefits:

Aesthetic: Contains wood fibers, giving prints a wood-like appearance and texture.

Easy to Post-Process: Can be sanded, stained, and painted.

Pros:

Wood-textured finish is aesthetically appealing.

Aromatic and pleasant smelling.

Cons:

Prone to stringing.

May require a larger nozzle to prevent clogs

16. Marble PLA

Features & Benefits:

Aesthetic: Contains marble particles, giving prints a stone-like appearance.

Easy to Print: Similar to standard PLA in terms of print settings.

Pros:

Attractive, stone-like finish.

Hides layer lines well.

Cons:

Not as structurally stable as other filaments.

Limited availability.

Each filament type has its unique properties, making them suitable for different applications. If you have a specific project in mind, we can help you choose the best filament for it!