Name 8 different types of FFF
filaments, and what makes it
different.
Name/ Abbreviation
PLA
PLA is the most commonly used
filament for desktop 3D printing. It is
a thermoplastic polyester and creates
rigid objects. This filament is created
from organic, renewable materials
such as sugar cane and corn starch. It
is also eco-friendly since it is
recyclable. Any FDM printers can use
PLA because of its low melting
temperature. PLA will increase in its
brittleness over time, so it should not
be used for objects that will have
high impact applied to it.
Name/ Abbreviation
Nylon
Nylon filament is a rigid but can also
be flexible when it’s thin. This
material is commonly used for
functional parts including gears and
hinges. It is more chemical resistant
than some other filaments. Nylon
needs specialized printers to be able
to heat up to extreme temperatures
to be able to print. This filament also
has the tendency to warp or detach
from the bed during the printing
process since it easily absorbs
moisture.
HIPS
HIPS is a dissolvable filament that is
mainly used as supports to other
printing projects that are using a
different type of filament. This is
done to print complex objects on a
3D printer with two extruders. It
dissolves when it comes in contact
with limonene. By itself, the HIPS is
Durable, low-cost, and lightweight. It
also renders in a matte surface.
ABS
ABS is the second most commonly
used filament. ABS has a moderate
amount of strength that it can
withstand as well as a small amount
of flexibility, and it has the ability to
withstand high temperatures. This
material is usually used in FDM
printers to create items such as
bicycle helmets and LEGO bricks. ABS
generally needs to be printed on a
print bed to prevent warping and
shrinkage as well as to assist in
adhesion.
PETG
PETG is highly resistant to chemicals
and impacts, and it has high ductility.
It is also a food-safe material. It does
not dissolve in water, but it does
absorb moisture. It cannot be cooled
to quickly, like with PLA, because
cracks will form.
ASA
ASA is a filament with strong
durability and can resist high impacts.
ASA offers better weather, UV, and
overall resistance to the elements
and chemicals, making it great option
for objects staying outdoors. One of
the disadvantages is that warping can
easily occur with temperature
changes, and another is the harmful
fumes exhausted from printing.
PVA
PVA is a translucent filament used in
support of other filaments. It is
resistant to organic solvents and oils
but it is highly water-soluble. PVA is
able to create strong bonds with
porous materials such as cloth and
wood. A disadvantage is that PVA
takes several hours to fully dissolve,
which is not time-effective. Typically,
the common grade PVA can only
print well with PLA.
TPU
TPU is a very durable and flexible
filament due to its rubber-like
property. It is highly resistance to
cuts, oils, chemicals, low
temperatures, and it has some water
resistance. It is able to absorb lots of
moisture from its surroundings,
which breaks and warps the object as
the polymeric chains break down. UV
light and oxidation also degrades the
filament.