Filament
Filament Types#
Wikipedia is a great starting point to read up on the many types of filament available.
We are only listing a breakdown of the most common types. The link above contains a definitive list (and links) to the many varieties of filament available for use.
Some of these types are also combined, for instance, PC-ABS, which combines properties from both Polycarbonates and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene . Another common addition is Carbon Fiber which can add to the stiffness of a part or create a texture on the surface.
ABS#
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
- is a common thermoplastic polymer. Its glass transition temperature is approximately 105 °C (221 °F). ABS is amorphous and therefore has no true melting point.
Our advice for use.
ASA#
- Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate
- also called acrylic styrene acrylonitrile, is an amorphous thermoplastic developed as an alternative to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), but with improved weather resistance, and is widely used in the automotive industry.
Our advice for use.
PETG/PET#
- Polyethylene terephthalate
- is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins.
Our advice for use.
PLA#
- Polylactic acid
- Polylactic acid, also known as poly(lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA), is a thermoplastic polyester with backbone formula formally obtained by condensation of lactic acid with loss of water (hence its name).
Our advice for use.
Nylon#
- Nylon
- is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers composed of polyamides (repeating units linked by amide links). Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, generally made from petroleum, that can be melt-processed into fibers, films, or shapes.
PC#
- Polycarbonate
- are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent.
TPE/TPU#
- Thermoplastic elastomer
- sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers, are a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers (usually a plastic and a rubber) that consist of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.
- Thermoplastic polyurethane
- is any of a class of polyurethane plastics with many properties, including elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion. Technically, they are thermoplastic elastomers consisting of linear segmented block copolymers composed of hard and soft segments.