What Are 3D Printing Filaments?
3D printing filaments are long filament-like materials used in 3D printing technology, which are heated and extruded to build three-dimensional objects layer by layer. These filaments usually exist in the form of reels for easy storage and feeding into 3D printers.
A key decision in additive manufacturing is 3D printing filaments selection. Alfa Chemistry introduces you the properties and features of filament types, and it guides you on which filament is best for your application, so that your 3D printing project goes smoothly and you get an excellent finished product.
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Working Principle
The working principle of 3D printing filaments is based on fused deposition modeling (FDM) or fused filament fabrication (FFF). FDM is one of the most common 3D printing methods. As of now, FDM desktop 3D printing is accessible in nearly all industries where models and prototypes are needed (mass production, even home entertainment), and is increasingly being used to direct-manufacture some goods.
The basic principle of FDM technology is to melt thermoplastic materials such as ABS, PLA, PETG, PC, TPU and their composite materials at high temperature, extrude them through the hot melt nozzle, and then quickly solidify and solidify when cooled, and then form a three-dimensional object through the swing of the print head on the plane and the downward displacement of the heating plate.
Common Filament Types
- Features: Easy to use, low melting point, little shrinkage, non-toxic and low odor, especially good for beginners and low temperature projects.
- Applicable scenarios: Suitable for teaching aids, toys, product models and other fields with relatively high environmental protection requirements.
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer)
02- Features: ABS is impact and heat resistant. It has a drawback that it can release noxious gases on burning and will turn brown under the sun.
- Applicable scenarios: Suitable for projects that require high strength and durability, such as automotive parts, tool housings, and electronic equipment housings.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
03- Features: PETG combines the ease of use of PLA with the durability of ABS, with good chemical resistance and high transparency. It is not easy to warp, has good interlayer adhesion, and is suitable for food-grade applications.
- Applicable scenarios: Suitable for printing items that require high strength and high transparency, such as bottles, lampshades and other waterproof applications and snap-on components.
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)
04- Features: PEEK is a high-performance engineering plastic with extremely high heat resistance and mechanical strength. It is suitable for industrial applications that need to withstand high temperatures and high strength. Its cost is relatively high.
- Applicable scenarios: Suitable for high-end industrial projects such as aerospace, medical equipment, and automotive parts.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
05- Features: TPU is an extremely flexible material with good wear resistance and impact resistance. It is often used in projects that require soft and elastic parts.
- Applicable scenarios: Suitable for consumer electronics, medical equipment, and automotive interiors, tire gaskets, etc. (flexible prototypes).
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
06- Features: PVA is a water-soluble material that is non-toxic and biodegradable, meets environmental protection requirements, and has good flexibility and strength.
- Applicable scenarios: Suitable for creating models of complex geometric shapes, education and prototyping, as well as medical and bioengineering, etc.
Selecting the Right Filament
The choice of filament depends on several factors, and we recommend that you consider the following aspects:
Are you having trouble deciding which 3D printing material is best for you? Don't worry! Contact our team of experts to discuss your solution in detail!
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Best Practices for Storing Filaments
According to the 3D printing filament type, improper storage environment may influence the printing characteristics, especially for environmentally sensitive materials. For optimal printing, make sure to keep 3D printing filaments in the correct storage.
You'll want to use the new filaments in less than 12 months if possible, as this will help you get the best printing results, but if not, you have to take special care in storage to avoid damaging the filament. Filaments should always be stored in a cool place as possible; the optimal storage temperature is between 15 and 24°C (59 and 75°F).
Another important aspect of storage is humidity. All plastics absorb moisture over time, but the difference is the amount. While less hygroscopic materials such as ABS, PETG or TPU can only be dried before use to ensure optimal printing results, some hygroscopic plastics such as PLA, PVA and nylon absorb particularly high amounts of moisture. They do not fully regenerate after drying and are more prone to errors and problematic printing results. Therefore, we recommend that you store them in sealed containers with a desiccant.
Frontier News: 3D Printing Continuous Fiber BF/PLA Reinforced Composites
(Jin Young Jung, et al. 2025)
Recently, the journal Composites: Part A published a research result on the process-structure-performance of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced composites completed by a research team from the Advanced Composites Research Institute of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford, UK, and the School of Engineering at the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences. The study systematically studied the application of continuous basalt fibers (BF) in 3D printed polymer composites, providing an important reference for the design of composite materials with high load-bearing capacity and environmentally friendly properties.[1]
Reference
- Jung, Jin Young, et al. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2025, 188, 108538.
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