Check which filament will be the best material for your printing project.
Over the past few years, 3D printers have gained great popularity, and more and more people, including professionals, hobbyists, and casual users, are turning to this technology. In fact, the fundamental idea behind 3D printing is quite straightforward. The device creates three-dimensional objects layer by layer, based on a computer model. In order to build up the object’s layers, and eventually its entire structure, proper material is needed. In 3D printers, that indispensable consumable material is called filament.
- PLA
- ABS+
- ASA
- HIPS
- PA-12
- PET-G
- PMMA
- SILK
- TPU
Filament itself has a form of a long, thin and flexible plastic wire that is typically wound on a spool. In the process of 3D printing, the filament is fed into a 3D printer, where it is heated and applied layer by layer to create three-dimensional objects.
There are several types of filaments. The choice will depend on your project’s requirements and the kind of environment in which the printed object will be used. Now, we will review the most popular types of filament by Devil Design.
PLA by Devil Design
PLA (polylactide) is one of the most basic and frequently used filaments. It is a biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastic that will successfully find its way into both industrial and hobbyist applications. PLA is made from natural materials such as maize starch, sugar cane or potato starch. Thanks to that, it is considered an environmentally friendly choice. PLA has a lower tendency to shrink upon cooling than other materials, which makes it more predictable when printing various shapes. It is easy to work with, and thus suitable for both novice and experienced users. However, when it comes to mechanical and thermal endurance, it has a few disadvantages compared to other materials – these are described in more detail below.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1586822_typ-filamentu:pla
ABS+ by Devil Design
Another type of filament is ABS+ (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). It is more resistant to chemicals, has a higher melting point and greater mechanical strength. These features make ABS+ suitable for printing of stronger components and items that will be exposed to harsh weather conditions. This filament usually requires a higher printing temperature and a heated printer bed. It is also advisable to ensure that the room is well ventilated, as the fumes emitted during printing can be harmful.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1591705_typ-filamentu:abs
ASA filament
The assortment of Devil Design products also includes an ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) filament, which is similar to the ABS+ filament described above. However, it offers better properties and resistance to external factors. ASA is known for its resistance to UV radiation, humidity, rain and other external factors. As a result, objects made from this filament are more durable and stable in outdoor conditions. Just like in the case of ABS+, this material requires higher printing temperatures and a heated bed. Additionally, it is recommended to make sure that the room is properly ventilated. Products made from ASA are often characterised by a smooth surface, which makes this filament suitable for printing decorative elements.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1716195_typ-filamentu:asa
HIPS by Devil Design
HIPS (high impact polystyrene) is another type of material for 3D printing. HIPS is usually used to make support structures when printing objects with a different filament, e.g. ABS. This makes it possible to print objects with complex shapes or containing protruding parts. After printing, the supporting elements must be dissolved in a suitable chemical (e.g. D-limonene), thanks to which the final object is revealed.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1593283_typ-filamentu:hips
PA12 – filament for the most demanding projects
Another filament that is used in 3D printing is PA12 (nylon 12), a synthetic material from the polyamide family. It is characterised by exceptional mechanical strength, durability and resistance to extreme conditions. PA12 has a relatively high melting point, which makes it resistant to higher temperatures compared to PLA or ABS+. Due to its characteristics, PA12 is often used to print engineering elements, functional prototypes or other mechanical components. Printing with this filament requires a certain amount of skill and experience – as such, it is recommended for more advanced users. The filament is available in an 800 g spool, with a diameter of 1.75 mm.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1597138_typ-filamentu:pa12
PET-G – easy-to-process and long-lasting filament
PET-G (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) combines the advantages of PLA and ABS. It is distinguished by excellent mechanical and visual characteristics. PET-G is more resistant thanPLA and has a lower shrinkage rate than ABS, which makes it easier to print large items. Moreover, when heated, it emits less harmful volatile compounds than other plastics, which makes it safer to process.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1597140_typ-tiskove-struny:pet-g
PMMA – transparent filament
PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), commonly referred to as acrylic, is famous for its visual qualities. Characterised by high transparency and clarity, it is a great choice for printing optical components, including inspection windows, housings, covers and other elements that must be transparent. It is important to remember that PMMA is relatively brittle and prone to fracture when under high pressure. The filament has a smooth surface and eye-pleasing gloss finish, so it is perfect for decorative projects.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1621082_typ-filamentu:pmma
SILK – a silky filament
SILK (silk) is a very interesting filament with a unique gloss and silk-like texture. This makes it a popular material for printing decorative pieces, jewellery and other items that require an elegant and unique look. Printing with SILK is not very different from using a standard PLA, as it requires no specific skills or printer settings. SILK is available in a wide spectrum of colours, and can be used to create a variety of silk-effect designs.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1849091_typ-filamentu:silk
Flexible TPU filament
When discussing the topic of filaments, it is also worth mentioning TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). It is a popular choice for printing flexible and robust components that need to be resistant to bending and stretching. TPU is one of the most flexible materials for 3D printing, so objects made with it can be stretched, bent and squashed without losing their structure or mechanical properties. The filament is available in several hardness variants, thanks to which you can adjust the flexibility of the printed object to suit your specific application. Although TPU is flexible, it is not as resistant to abrasion as some other filaments, and thus may be less suitable for projects requiring high friction resistance.
https://www.tme.com/in/en/katalog/p,devil-design_1019/?params=2813:1593280_typ-filamentu:tpu
Devil Design filaments are sold in spools with net weight ranging from 330 g to 5 kg. The diameter of most filaments is 1.75 mm, but a diameter of 2.85 mm is also available. The manufacturer offers a wide choice of colours, which can make a difference in many projects. With the variety of materials described above, Devil Design’s filaments will be perfectly suitable for applications that require specific features. Each type of the filament has its own pros and cons, so make sure you check and choose proper characteristics of your material before you start printing. This way, the final product will have the best qualities possible.
Text prepared by Transfer Multisort Elektronik Sp. z o.o.
