Mastering 3D Printing Filaments for Superior Results | Austic Shop

3D printing filament synonyms with thermoplastic feedstock for fused deposition modelling 3D printers. While in a growing market exploding with a range of various types of filaments that adhere to advanced properties and materials, most people have no idea what these terms mean.

In this blog, we will break down the different types of filaments available on the market and explain their properties and best use cases. But, before moving forward, let’s understand the real meaning of a 3D printing filament.

3D Filament Types: What You Need to Know!

Every 3D printer filament behaves differently depending on its chemical composition. This isn't just about reading specifications on a box—it's about knowing how a filament performs in the real world, under heat, with movement, or exposed to pressure.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Polylactic Acid is perhaps the most user-friendly filament on the market. Crafted entirely from corn starch or sugarcane–  raw material, PLA filament offers a low-barrier entry point to the 3D printing market. If you're developing figurines, toys, or decorative items, PLA filament will likely serve you well.

No requirement for a heated bed and produces minimal warping, perfect for beginners. However, if you're planning to build functional tools or objects that need to withstand heat, PLA filament is not something you can count on over time. 

A simple test? If you leave PLA filament in your car on a hot summer day, it might soften or lose its shape.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is the next step up and is recognised for its robustness. The same plastic used in LEGO bricks stands apart due to its durability and strength. A strong material which is perfect for engineering components, casings, and parts that need to endure physical stress.

However, working with ABS comes with a learning curve. It emits strong fumes during the printing process, so ventilation is crucial. Additionally, it tends to warp if printed without a heated bed or enclosure. ABS filament creates impact-resistant parts capable of handling heat far better than PLA filaments when printed properly.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a modern version of PET, which combines the user-friendliness of PLA filament with the durability of ABS. PETG is a great food and beverage packaging option with highly formable technologies, including 3D printing, heat blending, and vacuum forming. Commonly used for containers, brackets, and other parts that might come into contact with moisture, this recycled PETG filament material is characterised by its resistance to water and chemicals, making it ideal for outdoor purposes.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

What sets TPU apart from other filaments? Flexibility! A sturdy material that is a great fit if your project involves parts that bend, stretch, or compress. It's perfect for phone cases, keyboard protectors, gaskets (a seal that fills the gap between two surfaces to prevent leaks), or wearable gear.

Printing with (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) TPU filament is more approachable. Owing to its wire and cable jacketing applications, it can be harder to feed into certain printers. You should also slow down your print speed and ensure your machine setup is compatible with flexible materials. Its resistance to warping and eliminating the need for primer makes it a perfect filament for 3D printers when flexibility and elasticity are required in objects.

Nylon and Other Advanced Filaments

Beyond these standard filaments are advanced materials like Nylon, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fiber blends, and ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate). These are typically designed to be used in professional settings where mechanical strength, heat resistance, or UV protection are fundamentals. 

Polycarbonate can withstand high impact and extreme temperatures, but requires high extrusion temperatures and an enclosed printer. It's often seen in industrial applications where toughness is non-negotiable.

Filament Technology: Applications Across Multiple Sectors

3D printing has grown from using basic plastics to advanced materials for many growing industries. The choice of filament depends on the industry's specific requirements or the project at hand.

In the medical sector, tis precision-grade PLA filament counts as a popular choice for printing models of organs, bones, and surgical guides. Its eco–friendly nature makes it a safer option for temporary implants or educational models. Thanks to its strength, durability, and compatibility with 3D printing, ABS is a popular choice for prosthetics and long-lasting medical tools.

Carbon fiber Nylon is used in automotive and aerospace to make strong, lightweight parts. These 3D prints can simulate real-world stress tests, helping engineers tweak designs before mass production.

A renowned artist and designer have found their niche in filament usage. Wood-filled filaments, for instance, can mimic the texture and scent of real wood, which is ideal for custom furniture models or home decor blueprints. Similarly, metallic or glow-in-the-dark filaments open new fashion, art, and retail design doors.

Perfect Prints: Overcoming Filament Issues

Warping is a common problem, especially with ABS filaments. It happens when the first layer of a print cools too quickly, causing it to contract and lift from the print bed. Using a heated bed and keeping your print area enclosed to maintain a stable temperature resolves the issue. 

Blocking occurs when filament residue builds up in the nozzle, which ultimately leads to under-extrusion or complete blockages sometimes. Prevent this by using clean, dry filament and occasionally running a cleaning filament or cold-pull technique.

Layer separation is another frequent issue, usually stemming from incorrect print temperatures or poor layer adhesion. You might notice that your print looks fine at the base but starts splitting at higher layers. Increasing your print temperature slightly and reducing the cooling fan speed can often resolve this.

Stringing leaves thin, wispy threads between parts of your print. It usually results from retraction settings that aren't quite right. Adjusting with these settings, slowing down your print speed, and adjusting your temperature can significantly reduce unwanted strings.

Best Practices for Storage and Usage

It says, even the most expensive filament can become unusable if not stored correctly. Many materials, especially Nylon and TPU, absorb moisture from the air. While a moist filament often causes popping sounds during printing, leading to poor print quality.

Make sure to keep your rollers in airtight containers with evaporative silica gel packs. It is ideal to consider investing in vacuum-sealed bags or filament dry boxes that regulate humidity for long-term storage.

Before planning to start a new print process, inspecting the filament for any signs of weakness or breakage is also a smart act. Next, running your filament through a cleaner before loading it into your printer is a wise step that can make a big difference. 

Ultimately, this process helps eliminate dust and tiny particles, so you’re less likely to deal with frustrating nozzle blocking and can enjoy a smoother, hassle-free 3D printing experience.

Unlocking Better Results Through Experimentation

While learning the technical specifications of a filament, nothing beats hands-on experimentation. Each printer behaves differently; environmental factors like room temperature and humidity can influence outcomes.

Try printing the same object with different filaments to observe texture, strength, and finish variations. Don't give up after one attempt if you find a particular material tricky. Adjust your print settings, bed adhesion methods, and ambient conditions until you strike the right balance.

For instance, someone printing a tool handle might try ABS first due to its strength but find the surface too slick. Switching to PETG or adding a textured surface in the 3D model can solve the problem. It's often about trial and adaptation.

Final Thoughts: Your Filament, Your Formula for Success!

3D printing filaments aren't about chasing the "ultimate" material;  it's about understanding which one suits your project needs. Each filament brings something different to the table, whether it's the toughness of ABS, the eco-friendly charm of PLA, or the flexibility of TPU. The secret lies in experimenting with confidence, learning from misprints, and evolving your techniques.

For professionals, hobbyists, and creators, finding reliable 3D filaments is easier with At AUSTiC SHOP. Whether prototyping, customising, or building something entirely original, our range is curated to help you print with precision, reliability, and creative freedom.

So next time you load that filament spool, don't just press print — think, test, tweak, and innovate. 

Because Great prints start with great materials!