Redefining Print Quality: The Best 3D Printer Filament

Choosing the right material for 3D printing can be a challenging task. The best 3D printer filament not only plays a pivotal role in end product quality, but also impacts the printing process. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, selecting the best filament makes a huge difference to your 3D printing experience. This article will walk you through the best 3D printing filament and offer tips to help you make the best choice. Strap yourself for a rewarding journey through the exciting world of 3D printing filaments!

Best 3D Printing Filament

3D printing has shown huge potential in various fields from prototyping to production of end-use parts. The outcome of a 3D print is largely influenced by the type of filament used. Below, we explore some of the best filament for 3D printing including PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and Exotic filaments.

PLA 3D Printing Filaments

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the most common yet the best 3D printer filament for beginners. This is because of its ease of printability, low warping, and wide range of available colors.

• Hatchbox PLA:A consistent performer, it is hailed by the community for its quality at a reasonable price. It offers good dimensional accuracy, making it ideal for technical prints.
  
  

• eSUN PLA Pro:It has excellent layer adhesion and reduced brittleness compared to other PLA filaments. This best quality 3D printer filament is a perfect choice when durability matters!
  
  

ABS 3D Printing Filaments

Wondering which filament is best for 3D printing in terms of durability? Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is the answer! It's known for its toughness and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it popular for printing durable parts that need to resist wear and tear.

• Hatchbox ABS:This is the best 3D printer filament for outdoors as it offers reliable printing with less warping and shrinking. It is ideal for interlocking parts like gears, parts exposed to UV and heat like a car cup holder, or prototyping.
  
  

• MG Chemicals ABS:Known for its consistent diameter that prevents under-extrusion or jamming, it provides a good balance between price and performance.
  
  

PETG 3D Printing Filaments

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG) is one of the best among 3D printer filaments comparison. It combines the best of PLA and ABS—the simplicity of printing offered by PLA and the strength and durability of ABS.

• eSUN PETG:Known for strong prints with good layer adhesion and minimal shrinking or warping, it has a slight advantage over competitors due to its consistent quality and affordable price.
  
  

• Inland PETG:The best cheap 3D printer filament option known for its dependability and ease of use, making it attractive for both beginner and seasoned printers.
  
  

TPU 3D Printing Filaments

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is the best flexible 3D printer filament. This flexible filament type offers properties like elasticity, impact resistance and flexibility.

• SainSmart TPU:This top rated 3D printer filament offers a perfect balance of flexibility and hardness, making it easier to print as compared to other flexible filaments.
  
  

• NinjaTek Ninjaflex:Its high elasticity and excellent abrasion resistance makes it ideal for printing items such as phone cases, watch bands, and other wearables.
  
  

Exotics 3D Printing Filaments

Exotic filaments are undoubtedly the best color filament for 3D printing. Printing with exotic filaments can add variety to your prints, including filaments mixed with metals, wood, carbon fiber, and glow-in-the-dark additives.

• Glowry (Glow-in-the-dark):A PLA-based filament that transitions through multiple colors. Perfect for decorative or artistic prints, or anything you'd like to illuminate!
  
  

• Hatchbox Wood Filament:Feels and smells like real wood, and even allows sanding and staining. Creates impressively realistic wooden finishes.
  
  

• ColorFabb Bronzefill:Among different filaments for 3D printers, this stands out. A blend of PLA and bronze, this filament prints like PLA but results in a heavy print with a striking metallic finish when polished.
  
  

Tips to Choose the Best 3D Printing Filament

Considering the variety of 3D printing filaments available, it can be challenging to decide the best one for your needs. Use these tips to make an informed decision:

1. Understand your purpose –Determine the intended application of your 3D printed object because different materials work better for specific uses. For instance, PLA works great for decorative items while ABS is excellent for functional parts.
   
   

2. Consider printer compatibility –Make sure the filament is compatible with your 3D printer.; some printers require specific filament diameters, such as 1.75mm or 2.85mm.
   
   

3. Analyze filament properties –Assess the physical and mechanical properties of the filament, such as its strength, flexibility, and heat resistance, depending on your project requirements. 
   
   

4. Check for quality and consistency –Look for filaments with consistent diameter and material attributes, as this affects print quality and reduces the risk of errors.
   
   

5. Safety and environmental concerns –Some materials, like ABS, emit potentially harmful fumes and require proper ventilation. Opt for safer materials such as PLA or PETG when printing in residential spaces.
   
   

6. Price and availability –Choosing the best budget filament 3D printer requires understanding that filament price varies depending on the material, quality, and brand. So, always make sure to balance quality and cost-effectiveness. Ensure that the filaments are easily accessible and can be restocked when needed.
   
   

To ensure the best 3D printing experience, choosing a reliable and versatile 3D printer is equally important, such as the AnkerMake M5 or AnkerMake M5C. These printers offer excellent performance and compatibility with a wide range of filaments, allowing you to explore the world of 3D printing materials. Here's a closer look at the two 3D printers:

• AnkerMake M5 3D Printer

  Our AnkerMake M5 3D Printer is capable of a new speed record of 500 mm/s and precise 0.1 mm detail. It features built-in AI camera monitoring, automatic timelapses, a hub for multiple device connections, 7x7 auto-leveling, and easy assembly. Also, its aluminum alloy structure supports a print volume of 235x235x250 mm³.
  
  

• AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer

  On the more affordable side, our AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer offers seamless multi-device control and a customizable one-click action. Its ability to print at high speeds of 500 mm/s, paired with a 35mm³/s extrusion flow and 0.1mm precision, ensures rapid and accurate output. With a fully aluminum structure and all-metal hotend, it provides robust operation while offering auto-leveling on a 7x7 grid for increased reliability. 
  
  

Conclusion

In the end, selecting the best 3D printer filament is about more than just the quality of the material itself. It's about understanding your specific printing needs and embracing the limitless possibilities of 3D printing. With the right filament at your fingertips, you'll be well on your way to creating exquisite masterpieces. So, what are you waiting for? The world of 3D printing awaits your innovation, and it all starts with the perfect filament. Go on and bring your visions to life!

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked queries about the best 3D printer filament.

Is PLA or PETG better for beginners?

PLA is generally better for beginners when it comes to 3D printing. It's one of the easiest materials to work with, it doesn't require a heated bed, prints at lower temperatures and has less tendency to warp. On the other hand, PETG requires higher print temperature and has higher shrinkage, making it more challenging for beginners.

What is the most bendable filament?

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are considered the most bendable filaments for 3D printing. TPE filaments, such as NinjaFlex, provide exceptional flexibility and durability, mimicking the properties of rubber, which makes them perfect for creating flexible and stretchable items.

Can I mix different types of filament?

Mixing different types of filaments can be achieved, but it is not as straightforward as one might think. It can be done using the best multi filament 3D printer or dual extrusion 3D printer. However, factors like varying melting points and adhesion properties can make the practice quite challenging. Therefore, expertise and experience in 3D printing are essential to do it effectively.