The 5 Filament Types You Need to Know (And What They're Good For)

Summary

In this video, the creator offers an in-depth guide to 3D printing materials, focusing on PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS, and ASA. PLA, known for its affordability and ease of use, is ideal for decorative and indoor functional prints. TPU provides flexibility for impact-resistant items, while PETG, with better UV and heat resistance, is recommended for functional parts. ABS and ASA offer superior strength, heat resistance, and UV durability, with ASA being better suited for outdoor use. The video delves into the pros, cons, and practical applications of each filament, helping viewers select the best material for their projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 PLA (Polylactic Acid) is popular for beginners due to its affordability, ease of use, and wide availability in various colors and finishes.
• 😀 PLA is strong and rigid, but it has a low melting point and is prone to deformation under heat or strain.
• 😀 PLA is ideal for decorative items, indoor functional parts, and projects that won't be exposed to high heat or stress.
• 😀 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is the go-to material for flexible prints, such as seals or impact-absorbing parts like door stoppers.
• 😀 PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is known for better UV resistance and heat tolerance than PLA but suffers from printing challenges like being too sticky and requiring drying.
• 😀 Despite its challenges, PETG offers a great mix of strength, flexibility, and durability, making it ideal for functional parts exposed to moderate heat or UV.
• 😀 ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a strong and impact-resistant material commonly used in automotive parts and toys, but it requires an enclosed printer to avoid warping and fumes.
• 😀 ABS is best for parts under sustained load, exposed to high heat, or requiring vapor smoothing, but its tendency to warp makes it unsuitable for open printers.
• 😀 ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is an improved version of ABS with better UV resistance, lower shrinkage, and fewer fumes, but it is more expensive and harder to print with.
• 😀 ASA is ideal for outdoor applications or parts exposed to UV, high heat, or chemical wear, but it is more difficult to print and less widely available than ABS.
• 😀 If you have an enclosed printer, ABS is often a more affordable option for heat-resistant and durable parts, while ASA is best for UV-resistant outdoor use.

Q & A

Why is PLA the most popular filament for 3D printing among beginners?

PLA is popular for beginners because it is easy to use, affordable, and works well for approximately 80% of the things that beginners want to print. It is also low in melting point and highly rigid, making it a go-to choice for decorative and indoor functional prints.

What are the limitations of PLA when it comes to practical applications?

PLA has limitations in high-temperature environments, as it starts to deform at relatively low temperatures (around 45°C). It is also not UV-resistant and can degrade over time when exposed to constant strain or sunlight.

What types of projects is PLA best suited for?

PLA is ideal for decorative items like statues, toys, and small indoor functional parts that will not be exposed to high temperatures or significant mechanical stress. It's also good for projects like shelf brackets or gridfinity components.

What makes TPU a popular choice for flexible prints?

TPU is the most commonly used flexible filament in 3D printing due to its ability to absorb impact and provide flexibility. It's perfect for applications like seals, door stoppers, or anything that requires a flexible, durable material.

What are the challenges associated with printing with TPU?

Printing with TPU can be challenging, especially with softer variants, as it requires a direct drive extruder and is tricky to extrude. The material's flexibility makes it difficult to handle in printers not designed for it.

Why does the author criticize PETG despite its popularity?

The author criticizes PETG because it doesn't excel in strength compared to other materials, has quality of life issues like sticking too much to bed surfaces, and is slow to melt. Despite these, it has become popular due to its easier printability compared to more difficult materials like ABS or ASA.

What advantages does PETG have over PLA and ABS?

PETG offers better UV resistance than PLA and is more flexible, making it suitable for functional parts. It is also less prone to warping than ABS and works well in moderately heated environments without needing an enclosure.

What are the main disadvantages of ABS in 3D printing?

ABS tends to warp easily and requires an enclosed printer to avoid issues like warping. It also emits strong fumes and VOCs, which can be harmful if not ventilated properly. Additionally, it can be difficult to print without an actively heated chamber.

What makes ASA an improvement over ABS?

ASA offers several improvements over ABS, including better UV resistance, greater environmental stress resistance, and lower fumes during printing. It also has less shrinkage and is easier to print without warping in an open printer.

When should ASA be preferred over ABS?

ASA should be preferred for outdoor applications due to its superior UV resistance. It is also a better choice for prints exposed to environmental stress, high temperatures, or chemical wear. However, it is more expensive and harder to find than ABS.