Yoopai Filament Guide for Main Filament Types

Whether you're a 3D printing novice or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the unique characteristics of different filaments is crucial.
Below are some common FDM printing filament materials, with a simple summary of their key features, pros and cons, and printing parameters provided by Yoopai to help users select the appropriate filament.

Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Low melting point, easy to print, and low warping.

Beginner-friendly and easy to print.
Wide application in prototype manufacturing, art, and décor items.

Poor heat resistance, begins to deform around 60°C.
Brittle and low impact strength. Not suitable for high temperatures or outdoor use.

Nozzle temperature: 190-220°C.
Heated bed temperature: Not required or set to 50-70°C for better adhesion.
Print speed: Typically 30-60 mm/s, dependent on the level of detail.

Choose PLA if you need an eco-friendly and easy-to-print material that won't be subjected to mechanical loads or high-temperature cycles.

Good heat resistance, impact strength, and hardness.
Suitable work with printer enclosure.

Resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, ideal for printing durable parts.
Can be sanded, drilled, and painted for further finishing.

Requires a heated bed to prevent warping and cracking.
May emit unpleasant odors.

Nozzle temperature: 210-250°C.
Heated bed temperature: 90-110°C to avoid warping.
Print speed: 40-100 mm/s.

Choose ABS when you need better heat resistance and mechanical properties, given that you have proper ventilation.

Combines the ease of use of PLA with the strength of ABS.
Water-resistant and resistant to some chemicals.

Good printing qualities and heat resistance.
Some elasticity and strength.

Prone to absorbing moisture; storage needs care.
High energy absorption; requires good cooling.

Nozzle temperature: 230-250°C.
Heated bed temperature: 70-90°C.
Print speed: 40-60 mm/s.

Choose PETG when you require greater chemical resistance and weather-resistance.

Flexible and elastic, capable of stretching.

Shock and abrasion-resistant, suitable for creating flexible parts.
Combines durability with flexibility.

More challenging to print, might need a specialized printer or modified extruder.
Printing can be tricky, requiring adjustments to retract and extrude rates.

Nozzle temperature: 220-250°C.
Bed temperature: 30-60°C (or unheated).
Print speed: 15-30 mm/s.

Choose TPU/TPE for printing items that require flexibility and impact resistance, like phone cases, pipe connectors, or machinery parts.

High strength, toughness, and wear resistance make it highly suitable for gears, hinges, and other parts that must resist wear.
High heat resistance allows it to withstand higher working temperatures than PLA and ABS.
Good chemical resistance, effectively resisting oils and many industrial chemicals.
Good impact resistance maintains stable mechanical properties even at lower temperatures.
Hygroscopic: Nylon tends to absorb moisture from the air and should be dried before printing and stored in a sealed container.

High strength, good wear resistance, and flexibility.
Strong chemical and heat resistance.

High moisture absorption; requires dry processing and storage.
Prone to warping during printing; demanding bed adhesion.

Nozzle temperature: 240-260°C.
Bed temperature: 70-90°C.
Print speed: 30-70 mm/s.

Nylon is a great choice for parts requiring high wear resistance, impact resistance, and chemical resistance.

Extremely high heat resistance, maintaining form at higher temperatures.
High mechanical strength, suitable for making tough, durable parts.
Excellent optical properties; transparent PC can be used to print clear or translucent objects.
Good electrical insulation, suited for electronics and electrical applications.
Relatively challenging to print, requiring high bed and nozzle temperatures, as well as good bed adhesion and environmental control.

Exceptional heat resistance and mechanical performance.
Good transparency and refractive properties.

Challenging to print, requires high nozzle and bed temperatures.
High demands for bed adhesion, prone to warping and deformation.

Nozzle temperature: 260-310°C.
Bed temperature: 110-140°C.
Print speed: 30-60 mm/s.

Choose PC for advanced applications demanding extreme mechanical strength, weatherability, and transparency.

Choosing the right filament requires considering not only the material's physical properties but also the specific demands of your print project, such as mechanical load, temperature, aesthetic requirements, and budget. Storage conditions are also crucial for filament performance. Always keep filaments dry to prevent print defects. Experiment with different brands and types of filaments to determine the best fit for your printing needs.