Basic Filament Types
Quick Comparison
- ABS is stronger than PLA for impact.
- ABS has more toxic fumes than PLA.
- ABS will not biodegrade.
- ABS will shrink during cooling, enclose printer in a box.
- PLA No Odors or Fumes.
- PLA printes better angles less support.
- PLA is more forgiving.
- PET (PETG, PETT) Ease of PLA with strenght of ABS.
- PET FDA Approved for food.
- PET barely warps.
- PET No Odors or Fumes.
- PET not biodegradable, but is 100% reclaimable.
ABS
Material suitable for common, robust objects. Prusa's parts are made from this material.
PLA
Most common, easy to work with. PPLA (Pro PLA) has a guaranteed thickness diamater, but is otherwise the same as PLA. PLA is made of renewable sources, mostly from the cornflour and cellulose. This material only is proven for 50 microns layer height.
PETG
More people are shifting from PLA to PETG due to it's strength. This material suitable for large objects thanks to its minimal thermal expansion. Universal material suited also for printable mechanical components.
Flex
Flex is a very strong and flexible material suitable especially for the flexible prototypes, covers, etc.
Transparent/Translucent
Translucent colors are basically milky clear with a tint.
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