Filaments
I’m getting through my stock of pla and my first of petg So I’m looking at what I can print on my core one. I’ve got the back fan upgrade. I can also set up ventilation for material that off gasses. What are the materials that the Comunity likes to use?
RE: Filaments
That is an impossible question to answer.
But I'll try anyway.
- Do you want to print something that has great detail? Then use PLA.
- Do you want to print something to organize your things? Then use PETG.
- Do you want to print something for outside? Then use ASA.
- Do you want to print something soft and flexible? Then use TPU
- Do you want to print something that can withstand harsh chemicals? Then use PP
- Do you want to print something that can withstand high temperatures and impacts? Then use PC
- Do you want to print something that can do all of the above? Then use PA
My advice though if you are still a beginner to just stick with PLA and PETG for now. Or maybe throw in a spool of TPU 95A for fun. 99% of the projects you'll want to print can be done with PLA or PETG.
RE: Filaments
Great overview by @hyiger! On top of that, there are various specific considerations, e.g.:
- PLA is available in a large range of decorative finishes (glitter, metallic, silky), which the other filaments don't offer, hence may be the only choice for certain decorative objects.
- ABS can be smoothed with acetone fumes if you need to make the layer lines invisible after printing. But it's an unpleasant material to work with -- shrinks/warps easily during printing and emits unhealthy fumes. Some other filament/solvent combinations have been discussed for the same purpose, but the solvents are either less effective or more toxic than acetone.
- Fiber-reinforced filaments can provide added strength for parts that have to bear mechanical loads, less stretching/shrinkage (creep) under load, and less shrinkage during printing.
RE: Filaments
PETG-CF if my go-to for functional stuff these days, its cheap enough now that I even use it for prototyping.
Although I've been pleasantly surprised with how nice PA6-CF is to print, drying it religiously is a bit of a PITA, but if you can overcome that hurdle it really is good stuff.
RE: Filaments
PETG-CF if my go-to for functional stuff these days, its cheap enough now that I even use it for prototyping.
Although I've been pleasantly surprised with how nice PA6-CF is to print, drying it religiously is a bit of a PITA, but if you can overcome that hurdle it really is good stuff.
Try PET-CF or PET-GF (note it's PET and not PETG). The GF variants are reasonably priced and the color choices are improving. It becoming my "everyday" filament. Polymaker Fiberon Blue PET-GF15
Agree, PA is probably the best all-around filament but it's expensive and a PITA to process, pre and post.