What Type of 3D Printer Filament Do I Need?

3D printing is more popular than ever, and the trend isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. However, choosing the right 3D printer filament can feel overwhelming, especially with so many materials promising different strengths and finishes.

Keep reading as we break down the most common filament types, what they’re best for and how to decide which one fits your project, printer and skill level. By the end, you’ll be able to know exactly what 3D printer filament you need and why.

3D printer filament is the material used by a 3D printer to form objects. It comes in the form of a long, thin strand or spool of plastic that the printer feeds into its hot end, melts and deposits layer by layer to build a 3D object. Printer filament can vary in material, strength, flexibility and finish, which directly affects how easy it is to print and how the final object looks.See Disclosure ¹

There are several common 3D printer filament types, including PLA, PETG, ASA and ABS.

PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament is one of the most common and beginner-friendly materials used in 3D printing. Polylactic acid filament is made from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane and is known for being easy to print with minimal setup.See Disclosure ² Other PLA filament features include:

• Low printing temperatures compared to other filaments
• Minimal warping during printing
• Little to no odor when printing
• Smooth surface finish with good detail
• Wide availability in colors and finishes

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) filament is a versatile substance that balances strength and printing performance. PETG filament is known for being tougher than PLA while remaining easier to work with than filaments like ABS. Other PETG printer filament features include:

• Strong and impact-resistant prints
• Good layer adhesion for robust parts
• Slight flexibility that helps prevent cracking
• Higher heat resistance than PLA
• Resistance to moisture and chemicals

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) filament is a weather-resistant, sturdy material designed for parts that will be used outdoors or exposed to heat and sunlight. It’s similar to ABS but offers better UV resistance and long-term color stability.See Disclosure ³ Other ASA filament features include:

• Higher heat resistance than PLA
• Strong and durable finished parts
• Better color stability for outdoor use
• Suitable for functional and end-use prints
• Less prone to yellowing over time

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) 3D printer filament is a solid, heavy-duty printing substrate commonly used for functional and impact-resistant parts. It’s known for its toughness, heat resistance and ability to withstand everyday wear, which makes it popular for items like automotive parts and enclosures. Other ABS filament features include:

• Compatible with a wide range of 3D printer nozzles and settings
• Resistant to cracking under stress
• Dimensional stability for precise parts
• Strong layer adhesion for reliable prints
• Works well in enclosed printers to reduce warping

While PLA, PETG, ASA and ABS filaments are the most popular 3D filaments, there are other options designed for specific needs. These alternatives offer specialized performance and creative possibilities for projects that require more than standard materials, especially when working with advanced workflows that incorporate tools like 3D scanners for added precision.

• TPU 3D printer filament. Thermoplastic polyurethane filament is known for its rubber-like elasticity, making it perfect for parts that need to bend or absorb impact. TPU filament prints are resistant to abrasion and wear, but require slower print speeds to prevent stringing.
• Nylon 3D printer filament. Nylon filament is a high-strength and pliable compound ideal for functional parts like gears and hinges. It offers excellent wear resistance and chemical resistance, but requires higher printing temperatures and careful moisture management for the best results.See Disclosure ⁴
• PVA 3D printer filament. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) printer filament is primarily used as a support structure for complex 3D prints. PVA filament dissolves easily in water, making it an excellent choice for creating intricate designs without damaging the main print, but it must be stored carefully to prevent moisture absorption.
• Metal 3D printer filament. Metal filament combines fine metal powders with a base plastic, allowing 3D printers to produce objects with a metallic appearance and increased weight. It can be polished or post-processed to enhance its finish, but it typically requires specialized handling and higher printing temperatures.
• Carbon fiber 3D printer filament. Carbon fiber filament is made by infusing a base plastic like PLA, PETG or Nylon with tiny carbon fibers.See Disclosure ⁵ This gives 3D prints extra stiffness and dimensional stability. Carbon fiber filament is best for functional parts that need to be lightweight yet long-lasting. 

There is a lot to take in when comparing the various 3D printer filament types, but the most important thing to remember is that each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. From beginner-friendly options like PLA and PETG to more advanced, heavy-duty filaments such as ASA and ABS, it’s worth doing your research to find the right material for your project. This becomes even more important when specialized filament types are also available, like TPU, nylon and more.

Hopefully, this 3D printer filament rundown has helped guide your choice. If you’re ready to take the next step, it’s also worth exploring which 3D printer is the best fit for you, along with essential 3D printing accessories, to ensure your filament performs at its best and brings your ideas to life.