Ultimate guide to materials and filaments for 3D printers: Applications, features and how to use them.

3D printing has revolutionized the way we design and manufacture objects, allowing the creation of complex and customized structures efficiently. The variety of materials available for 3D printing is staggering, ranging from conventional plastics to advanced metals and biocompatible materials.

In this Printablog post, we'll explore some of the materials and filaments used in 3D printing , and recommend some basic settings. As always, you must follow the manufacturer's instructions above all else.

At the end of the post we will leave you a summary table that you can keep as a reference for all your projects.

Polylactic Acid ( PLA)

A bioplastic derived from renewable resources, such as corn. It is popular in 3D printing due to its biodegradability and easy handling . It is commonly used in prototype prints and decorative objects. It is the most widely used material in the world of 3D printing.

There is an improved variant of PLA, called PLA+, which offers greater resistance and durability. Although it is not completely biodegradable, it is more sustainable compared to some conventional plastics.

Some studies have proven the biocompatibility of this material, so its use can be extended to medical prostheses.

How to print with PLA:

• Bed : 50°C - 60°C
• Nozzle : 200°C - 220°C
• Does it require a printer enclosure? : NO

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Known for its strength and durability, ABS is widely used in 3D printing. It is found in applications that require robustness , such as automobile parts and toys.

This material was designed for manufacturing through injection molds, especially due to its tendency to compress when cooling, which allows it to be removed more easily. Precisely this characteristic makes 3D printing difficult. Given its nature, it requires a very controlled temperature environment and makes an enclosure mandatory to prevent it from completely detaching from the printer bed while we print it.

How to print with ABS:

• Bed : 85°C - 90°C
• Nozzle : 260°C - 270°C
• Does it require a printer enclosure? : YEAH

Acrylonetrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)

It is a material closely related to ABS, but while ABS uses a butadiene elastomer , ASA uses an acrylic elastomer .

The ASA is practically an advanced ABS. It combines great robustness with high resistance to weather environments and UV rays. If you need to print a piece intended to be displayed outdoors, this is the material you need.

Like its relative, it needs a printing enclosure so it doesn't shrink during printing.

How to print with ASA:

• Bed : 85°C - 90°C
• Nozzle : 260°C - 270°C
• Does it require an enclosure for the printer? : YEAH

Glycolized Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG)

It offers a combination of the properties of PET and the ease of printing of PLA. It is tough and transparent, making it ideal for applications requiring visual clarity and durability. It is also a flexible, impact resistant and UV resistant material.

Although its use is widespread in food products, it is not advisable to use it for this purpose if we have printed it in 3D, since it is an additive manufacturing process where we create a series of layers, between which bacteria may remain. microscopic level, despite washing it.

How to print with PETG:

• Bed : 70°C - 80°C
• Nozzle : 250°C - 260°C
• Does it require a printer enclosure? : Recommendable

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

It offers elastic properties, making it ideal for printing flexible objects such as phone cases, stamps, and parts that require some flexibility. TPU has emerged as a key component in the filament catalog. This exceptionally versatile material has captured the attention of designers, engineers, and 3D printing enthusiasts due to its unique properties.

The difficulty of printing with this filament lies in its tendency to compress as it cools, and it also requires a low printing speed to avoid problems such as stringing .

It is recommended to use direct extruders and not Bowden type, although with due caution and with a well-calibrated printer, it can also be printed with this type of extruders.

How to print with TPU:

• Bed : 45°C - 60°C
• Nozzle : 225°C - 245°C
• Does it require a printer enclosure? : Recommendable

Nylon

Nylon has proven to be a valuable material in the world of 3D printing, offering a unique combination of flexibility, strength and durability.

However, it presents some challenges, such as moisture absorption and high extrusion temperatures, which makes it very difficult to print and is reserved for industrial 3D printing, which is really where these advantages are used.

In addition, its price is high, ranging from €50-€60 per kilo of filament. Given its hardness, both the extruder and the nozzle of your printer must be made of hardened steel.

How to print with Nylon:

• Bed : 70°C - 80°C
• Nozzle : 260°C - 270°C
• Does it require a printer enclosure? : YEAH

Carbon fiber

Blended with polymers, carbon fiber provides a unique combination of lightness and strength. It is popular in the manufacture of high-performance parts in the aerospace and automotive industries, thanks to its combination of strength and lightness.

Carbon fiber in 3D printing is widely used in engineering and prototyping due to its ability to create strong and functional models.

It is tremendously erosive, so it is necessary that your extruder and nozzle be made of hardened steel. Furthermore, carbon fiber is a very expensive material, reaching almost €100 per kilo of filament.

How to print with Carbon Fiber:

• Bed : 90°C - 100°C
• Nozzle : 280°C - 290°C
• Does it require a printer enclosure? : YEAH

Resins

This material is reserved for SLA type printers, and offers exceptional and detailed print quality. Although it presents challenges such as toxicity, the advantages in terms of fine detail and smooth surfaces make it a valuable choice for those seeking superior visual results.

After printing, resin printed models must be washed and cured using UV light to reach their final strength.

There are many types of resin, some with extraordinary medical applications, but since we will not be able to use it in filament printers, we will reserve a guide specifically designed for this type of material.

CONCLUSION:

The wide variety of materials makes 3D printing suitable for everyone. Use this guide to materials and filaments used in 3D printing as your main reference. Here is an overview of the different filaments and different printing settings:

MATERIAL	BED	NOZZLE	ENCLOSURE
PLA	50°C - 60°C	200°C - 220°C	NO
ABS	85°C - 90°C	260°C - 270°C	YEAH
HANDLE	85°C - 90°C	260°C - 270°C	YEAH
PETG	70°C - 80°C	250°C - 260°C	RECOMMENDABLE
TPU	45°C - 60°C	225°C - 245°C	RECOMMENDABLE
NYLON	70°C - 00°C	260°C - 270°C	YEAH
CARBON FIBER	90°C - 100°C	280°C - 200°C	YEAH