1. PLA: The Plant-Based Filament Used Most Often
The filament used most often is a material called "PLA". It is made from plants, such as corn. Because it melts at a low temperature, it is suitable for people who are using a 3D printer for the first time [1]. The price is usually about 2500 to 4000 yen per kilogram.
However, PLA has a weakness. If you leave it in a hot place, it becomes soft. This means it is not suitable for places that get very hot, such as the inside of a car [1].
2. ABS and PETG: Stronger Filaments Compared with PLA
"ABS" is a material that is much stronger than PLA and also resistant to heat. It belongs to the same group of materials used for toy LEGO blocks [2]. However, its weakness is that it gives off a specific smell when it melts.
"PETG" is a plastic related to PET bottles. It has some of the ease of use of PLA and some of the strength of ABS. Because of this balance, it is good for parts of tools that you actually use [2]. Choosing between these three depends on whether you want ease, strength, or a mix of both.
3. TPU and Nylon: Flexible and Tough Filaments
A filament called "TPU" stays soft and flexible even after it hardens. You can bend it like rubber. It is used for parts that need to stretch or bend, such as shoe soles or smartphone covers [3].
"Nylon" is a very strong material that does not wear down easily from rubbing. However, it absorbs moisture from the air easily. This means you must dry it thoroughly before using it in your printer [3].
4. Wood and Metal Powder Filaments: Special Looks and Feels
If you print with filament that mixes PLA with wood powder, the finished object looks and feels like wood. During the printing process, it may even smell like wood [4].
There are also filaments where PLA or other plastics are mixed with metal powders, such as copper or stainless steel. After you print an object with this material, if you polish it, it can develop a shiny look that resembles real metal [4]. These special materials let you create objects that look like they are made from natural or metallic substances.
5. PVA: The Filament That Dissolves in Water to Remove Supports
Sometimes, when you print shapes that stick out into the air, like an extended arm, the printer needs temporary supports to hold them up while printing. If you use a filament called "PVA" for these supports, they will disappear after the printing is done simply by soaking the object in water [5].
Because you do not need to cut or scrape away the unwanted parts, you can create complex and detailed shapes cleanly. After the model is finished, the parts used for supports dissolve in water, allowing you to take out complicated shapes without damaging the main object [5].
6. Coffee Grounds Filament: Reusing Waste as Printing Material
Recently, filaments mixed with leftover coffee grounds have been created. This is an attempt to use waste that would otherwise be thrown away [6].
There are also other types of filament made from unusual ingredients, such as the pulp left over when making beer or hemp fibers. New kinds of materials using these unexpected sources are being made one after another [6].
7. How to Find Out What Your Filament Is Made Of
If you have a 3D printer at home or school, look at the label on the bag of filament it uses and try to find out what material it is. You can also look at plastic products around you, such as containers, toys, or stationery. On the bottom side of these items, the type of material used is sometimes written. Try to find out which materials are being used in your daily life.