3d Filament guide
3d Filament guide
Welcome to our comprehensive 3D filament guide: Achieve success with high-quality prints! Exploring the world of 3D printing is both exciting and challenging, and we're here to make your journey as smooth and rewarding as possible. Designed for both beginners and experienced users, our guide aims to provide you with in-depth knowledge of 3D filament, which is a critical component for successful 3D printing.
As an introduction in our 3D filament guide is PLA Filament, eller Polylactic Acid ett populärt och användarvänligt material för 3D utskrifter. PLA filament har bra priser och är även relativt lättanvänt. Dess miljövänliga egenskaper kommer från förnybara källor som majs och sockerrör vilket gör den till ett populärt val när det kommer till 3D printer.
Extruder
190-210 °C
Building plate
45-70 °C
Kylning
100 %
Benefits
Cheap
Degradable
Wide Color Spectrum
Disadvantages
Skirt
Low Melting Point
Absorbs Water
Inställningar
Problem: Ozzing
Lower The printing temperature to reduce excess thread deposition during breaks. Activate Filament Retraction on Layer Change to avoid wire waste when changing bearings. Fine tune The withdrawal settings for faster retraction and reduce thread deposition during movements. Activate Z Hop When Retracted to lift the printhead from the model and reduce the risk of wire deposition during retraction. Together, these adjustments optimize your 3D printing for best results and minimize wire deposit issues.
Problem: Överhäng
To improve the overhang of your 3D prints with PLA filament, adjust important settings in your slicer software. Increase cooling fan speed under Layer cooling for faster solidification and better overhang. Check and lower the Print Temperature to reduce dripping. Reduce the Print Speed for overhang parts for increased precision. Use a smaller Layer Height to improve detail by reducing step and step effects on the overhang.
Problem: Flow
Fine tune Flow Rate to control the amount of plastic, especially to avoid excess plastic or underextrusion. Adapt Initial Layer Flow (Flow for first layer) to ensure even adhesion to the building surface at the initial layer. Activate Flow Compensation to handle filament diameter variations and ensure a constant extruder amount. By making these adjustments, you improve material flow and avoid potential problems for reliable, high-quality 3D printing.
3d filament jämförelse
| Property | PLA | PLA+ | PLA PRO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Polylaktisk syra | Modifierad polylaktisk syra | Förstärkt polylaktisk syra |
| Strength | ● ○ ○ | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Flexibility | Spröd | Lätt flexibel | Stel |
| Printability | ● ● ● | ● ● ● | ● ● ○ |
| Surface finish | Standard | Improved | Smooth |
| Layer stapling | ● ○ ○ | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Temperature resistance | ● ○ ○ | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Applications | Grundläggande prototyper, Låg-belastningsmodeller | Prototyper, Funktionella delar | Prototyper, Funktionella delar, Mekaniska komponenter |
*In relation to each other
Näst i vår filament guide är, ABS filament eller Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Det är ett välkänt och pålitligt material med sin glastemperatur på cirka 90 ºC. ABS är ett kostnadseffektivt material att använda men kan medföra sina motgångar. Dess robusta natur gör det lämpligt för tekniska och funktionella prototyper. ABS är känt för sin höga slagseghet och värmetålighet, vilket gör det lämpligt för tillverkning av hållbara komponenter.
Extruder
220-250 °C
Building plate
95-110 °C
Kylning
0-100 %
Benefits
Heat resistant
Moderate Stiffness
Slitstark och bra slagbeständighet
Disadvantages
Tenderar att krympa under utskrift
Kan i vissa fall vara svår att använda
Avger en illa lukt vid utskrift
Inställningar
Problem: Utskriftshastighet
Since ABS material can be sensitive to rapid temperature changes, it may be beneficial to reduce the fan speed during the first layers. This helps to avoid the object cooling too quickly, which can lead to deformation. After the first coats, the fan speed can be gradually increased to improve the surface finish. Print speed in general may also need to be adjusted depending on your specific 3D printer and filament.
Problem: Lagersprickning
Raise the print temperature to 220-250°C and use a heated build plate (80-110°C) to minimize shrinkage and improve adhesion. Lower the fan speed for the first layers to avoid rapid cooling and adjust the layer adhesion parameters for stronger bonding between the layers. Maintain a constant room temperature to avoid temperature fluctuations. These adjustments help prevent cracking and provide reliable 3D printing with ABS.
Problem: Warping
Use reliable binding surface that Kapton tape or BuildTak, and create a closed printing environment to minimize temperature differences. Adjust the extrusion multiplier and first layer, avoid excessive cooling from the cooling fan, and consider using brim or rafter for better adhesion. Use a chamber fan for even temperature and integrate a filament guide to ensure even feeding of the filament.
Acetone treatment
Using acetone to smooth 3D prints is a method that is mainly effective on ABS plastic, not on all types of filament. Follow these steps to use acetone and achieve a smoother surface on your ABS prints:
1. Prepare printout
Acetone works best on ABS plastic. Make sure your 3D print is made of ABS filament before using acetone
2. Create a closed environment
Place the 3D printed model in a container or a sealed bag. This helps create an environment where the fumes from the acetone can act on the surface of the print.
3. Apply
Moisten a sponge, a piece of torn cloth or a cotton swab with acetone. Then place the moistened surface in the hold with your 3D print. Alternatively, you can use an acetone vapor chamber.
4. Ventilate properly:
After the process is complete, air out your 3D print properly to remove any remaining fumes from the acetone.
3d filament jämförelse
| Property | ABS | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Material sammansättning | Akrylnitrilbutadienstyren | Polylactic acid |
| Strength | ● ● ● | ● ○ ○ |
| Flexibility | Mindre flexibel | Mera flexibel |
| Printability | ● ○ ○ | ● ● ● |
| Layer stapling | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ● | ○ ○ ○ |
| Applications | Mekaniska delar, Industriella prototyper | Konsumentprodukter, Prototyper |
*In relation to each other
In our filament guide we will now talk about Polyethylene terephthalate glycol, or PETG filament villket är en termoplastisk polymer som offta används i 3D utskrifter. Det är en populär och mångsidig termoplast som kombinerar fördelarna med både PLA (polylaktid) och ABS (akrylnitrilbutadienstyren). PETG är känd för sin höga styrka, goda vidhäftning, och dess förmåga att motstå fukt och UV-ljus, vilket gör det till ett pålitligt material för olika tillämpningar.
Extruder
230-250 °C
Building plate
75-90 °C
Kylning
100 %
Benefits
Chemical Resistance
High UV resistance (Good outdoors)
Good prices on various colors
Disadvantages
Perceptible For Stringing
Poor Overhang Ability
Inställningar
Problem: Ozzing
Lower The printing temperature to reduce excess thread deposition during breaks. Activate Filament Retraction on Layer Change to avoid wire waste when changing bearings. Fine tune The withdrawal settings for faster retraction and reduce thread deposition during movements. Activate Z Hop When Retracted to lift the printhead from the model and reduce the risk of wire deposition during retraction. Together, these adjustments optimize your 3D printing for best results and minimize wire deposit issues.
Problem: Överhäng
To improve the overhang of your 3D Printer with PETG filament, adjust important settings in your slicer software. Increase cooling fan speed under Layer cooling for faster solidification and better overhang. Check and lower the Print Temperature to reduce dripping. Reduce the Print Speed for overhang parts for increased precision. Use a smaller Layer Height to improve detail by reducing step and step effects on the overhang.
Problem: Flow
Fine tune Flow Rate to control the amount of plastic, especially to avoid excess plastic or underextrusion. Adapt Initial Layer Flow to ensure even adhesion to the building surface at the initial layer. Activate Flow Compensation (Flow Compensation) to handle filament diameter variations and ensure a constant extruder amount. By making these adjustments, you improve material flow and avoid potential problems for reliable, high-quality 3D printing.
3d filament jämförelse
| Property | PET | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Material sammansättning | Polyeten tereftalat | Polyeten tereftalatglykol |
| Strength | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Flexibility | Stel | Måttligt flexibel |
| Printability | ● ● ○ | ● ● ○ |
| Surface finish | Smooth | Smooth |
| Layer stapling | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Applications | Prototyper, Förpackningar | Prototyper, Funktionella delar, Mekaniska komponenter |
*In relation to each other
ASA is a UV resistant thermoplastic 3D filament, similar to ABS but with improved weather resistance. It is particularly suitable for outdoor applications and retains its mechanical properties over time when exposed to the sun's UV radiation. We have chosen to include ASA in our 3D filament guide due to its popularity and versatile uses. A must try material if you ask us.
Extruder
220-245 °C
Byggplatta
90-110 °C
Kylning
0-100 %
Benefits
High UV Resistance
Hög glastemperatur
Hög slag- och slitstyrka
Disadvantages
Relativt dyrt
Hög utskrifts temperatur
Dålig lukt och ånga under utskrift
Inställningar
Problem: Ventilation
Vid 3D-utskrift med ASA-filament är god ventilation viktigt för att minska illa lukt och partiklar. Placera skrivaren i ett välventilerat område, öppna fönster för luftcirkulation, och använd avsug eller luftrenare med aktivt kolfilter. Om möjligt, använd en skrivare med sluten byggenhet och säkerställ tillräcklig ventilation. Använd personlig skyddsutrustning vid behov. Dessa åtgärder minskar risken för exponering och skapar en tryggare arbetsmiljö.
Problem: Första Lagret
To ensure a strong attachment of the first layer when 3D printing with ASA filament, lower the temperature of the first layer by 5-10 degrees Celsius and reduce the printing speed. This reduces the risk of overextrusion and improves adhesion to the build plate. Complete with careful calibration of the build plate and use of a clean and level surface such as PEI or Glass to optimize 3D printing with ASA filament.
Problem: Lager Separation
To avoid layer splitting when printing larger projects, it is crucial to use a heated environment. Activate and optimize it with a temperature of 45°C to 60°C for even adhesion between layers. Gradually increase the temperature during printing and adjust the settings according to the size of the project. By following these steps, you create better conditions for a stable and reliable 3D printing.
3d filament jämförelse
| Feature | ASA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate | Polyethylene terephthalate Glycol |
| Strength | ● ● ● | ● ● ● |
| Flexibility | Somewhat flexible | Some flexibility |
| Printability | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Surface finish | Smooth | Smooth |
| Layer stapling | ● ● ○ | ● ● ○ |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ● | ● ● ○ |
| Applications | Outdoor applications, Auto parts | Outdoor applications, Mechanical parts |
*In relation to each other
Next up in our 3D filament guide is TPU filament, or thermoplastic polyurethane filament. It is a type of 3D filament used to create flexible and elastic objects. TPU is made from a type of thermoplastic rubber and offers properties such as high elasticity, resistance to oils and moisture, as well as good wear resistance. TPU filament is popular for creating flexible details such as phone cases, shoe soles, and other products where flexibility and durability are important.
Extruder
190-210 °C
Byggplatta
45-70 °C
Kylning
100 %
Benefits
Många nya användningsområden
Elastic and Soft
Strong Bonding Ability
Disadvantages
Difficult Printing
Bad Overhangs
May need to be dried before use
Inställningar
Problem: Utskrivningshastighet
To get optimal results when 3D printing with TPU filament, it is essential to adjust the printing speed carefully. TPU is known for its flexibility, and to avoid problems such as overstretching and misprints, you should reduce the print speed. Also adjust the movement speed of the extruder and avoid fast corners and curves by reducing the speed at these areas. By making small, gradual adjustments and testing the results with test prints, you can fine-tune the settings to achieve the best possible quality and precision with the TPU filament.
Problem: Överhäng
When 3D printing with TPU filament, it is crucial to manage overhangs effectively. Adjust the print temperature to avoid overextrusion and use support structures for overhangs. Consider increasing the cooling to prevent deformation of the flexible TPU filament and adjust the overhang angle to minimize the risk of filament sag. These measures together enable a better control over overhang problems and result in more accurate and qualitative TPU prints. Test and fine-tune the settings to optimize the result for your specific TPU project.
Problem: Stringing
Optimize TPU prints by customizing retraction. Use a moderate retraction distance (1-3 mm) and slow speed (20-40 mm/s) to avoid tension and stringing. Try different settings through small adjustments and test prints to find the most effective configuration. Pre-stop and reset can also be used to improve retraction handling. These adjustments provide better control and result in cleaner and more accurate TPU prints.
3d filament jämförelse
| Property | TPU | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Thermoplastic polyurethane | Polylactic acid |
| Strength | ● ● ○ | ● ○ ○ |
| Flexibility | Flexible | A bit flexible |
| Printability | ● ● ● | ● ● ● |
| Surface finish | Improved | Standard |
| Layer attachment | ● ● ○ | ● ● ○ |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ○ | ● ○ ○ |
| Applications | Prototypes, Low Load Components | Simple Prototypes, Low Load Models |
*In relation to each other
Carbon fiber filled 3D filament is a type of filament used in 3D printing and is reinforced with carbon fiber material. This gives the finished 3D prints improved mechanical properties, including increased strength, stiffness and wear resistance compared to standard filaments. The carbon fiber reinforcement also gives the material a light weight, which is beneficial for manufacturing components where weight reduction is important. The carbon-filled filament is popular in industry and is often used to create high-performance prototypes, tools and final products with advanced technical requirements.
Extruder
200-230 °C
Byggplatta
45-60 °C
Kylning
100 %
Benefits
Strength and Stiffness
Low Weight
Heat resistant
Disadvantages
Wear on the printhead
Depending on the seller, expensive
Difficulties with Printing
Strength
Tune
Problem: Ozzing
Lower The printing temperature to reduce excess thread deposition during breaks. Activate Filament Retraction on Layer Change to avoid wire waste when changing bearings. Fine tune The withdrawal settings for faster retraction and reduce thread deposition during movements. Activate Z Hop When Retracted to lift the printhead from the model and reduce the risk of wire deposition during retraction. These adjustments together optimize your 3D printing for best results and minimize wire deposit problems.
Problem: Överhäng
To improve the overhang of your carbon-reinforced filament 3D prints, adjust key settings in your slicer software. Increase cooling fan speed under Layer cooling for faster solidification and better overhang. Check and lower the Print Temperature to reduce dripping. Reduce the Print Speed for overhang parts for increased precision. Use a smaller Layer Height to improve detail by reducing step and step effects on the overhang.
Problem: Flow
Fine tune Flow Rate to control the amount of plastic, especially to avoid excess plastic or underextrusion. Adapt Initial Layer Flow to ensure even adhesion to the building surface at the initial layer. Activate Flow Compensation to handle filament diameter variations and ensure a constant extruder amount. By making these adjustments, you improve material flow and avoid potential problems for reliable, high-quality 3D printing.
3d filament jämförelse
| Feature | Plain Filament | Carbon fiber reinforced filament |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Polylactic Acid (PLA) | Polylactic Acid (PLA) with Carbon Fiber Reinforcement |
| Strength | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Flexibility | Brittle | Generally Less Flexible |
| Printability | ● ● ● | ● ● ○ |
| Surface finish | Standard | Generally Improved |
| Layer stapling | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Temperature resistance | ● ● ○ | ● ● ● |
| Applications | Basic prototypes, low-load models | Prototypes, functional parts, mechanical components |
*Compared to each other
In conclusion
Thank you for following our comprehensive 3D filament guide, designed to guide both beginners and experienced users towards successful and high-quality 3D printing. From affordable and eco-friendly PLA filaments to robust ABS options and specialized materials such as TPU and carbon-filled filaments, we've covered the full spectrum of possibilities for your unique projects.
Our guide has not only explored the characteristics of each filament type, but also shared tuning tips to optimize your prints. By customizing temperatures, flow rates and overhang settings, you can overcome challenges and create impressive results.
To choose the best filament for your needs and maximize your 3D printing success, we hope our guide has given you the insight and confidence you need. Remember that our goal is to make your journey through the exciting world of 3D printing as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Keep exploring and experimenting to discover new possibilities, and we wish you the best of luck with your future 3D projects. If you have additional questions or need support, our team is here to help. Thank you for choosing us as your guide, and we look forward to following your successful journey in 3D printing!
