Beginner 3D Printer Filament: Guide to Top Choices and Brands

If you are new to 3D printing, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of filaments available for your projects. Starting with the correct beginner 3D printer filament will ensure your printing journey starts off successful. Here’s our full guide on beginner 3D filaments to use.

This guide is designed to unravel the complexities of filament choices, ensuring that beginners have the knowledge to choose wisely and set the foundation for successful 3D printing projects. In this blog post, we will focus on beginner 3D printer filament types that are easy to use, versatile, and affordable.

3D printing can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it also requires some learning and experimentation. Not all filaments are equally easy to work with, and some may require special settings, equipment, or skills. As a beginner, you want to start with filaments that are reliable, versatile, and forgiving.

In this guide, we will cover the main characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each filament type, as well as some examples of what you can make with them. By the end of this guide, you will have a better idea of which filaments are suitable for your needs and preferences, and how to get started with 3D printing.

Here’s our beginner 3D printer filament and brand guide:

PLA (Polylactic Acid):

If you are new to 3D printing or looking for a versatile and eco-friendly filament, you might want to consider PLA. PLA stands for polylactic acid, and it is a type of plastic that is derived from natural sources such as corn or sugarcane. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PLA is biodegradable and compostable under the right conditions. PLA also has many advantages for 3D printing, such as:

• PLA has a low melting temperature, which means it can be printed at lower settings and with less energy consumption.
• PLA is easy to work with, as it has good adhesion and minimal warping or shrinkage. It also does not require a heated bed, which makes it compatible with most printers, making it an excellent beginner 3D printer filament.
• PLA produces smooth and shiny prints, with a wide range of colors and finishes available. You can also find PLA blends with other materials, such as wood, metal, or glow-in-the-dark additives.
• PLA is suitable for printing objects that do not need high strength or durability, such as decorative items, toys, models, or sculptures. PLA is also safe for food contact and skin contact, which makes it ideal for printing utensils, jewelry, or cosplay accessories.

Printing tips with PLA

As you can see, PLA is a great choice for 3D printing enthusiasts who want to create beautiful and environmentally friendly prints. However, PLA also has some limitations that you should be aware of, such as:

• PLA is not very resistant to heat or UV light, which means it can deform or degrade if exposed to high temperatures or sunlight for long periods of time.
• PLA is not very flexible or impact-resistant, which means it can crack or break if subjected to stress or force.
• PLA is not very compatible with solvents or glues, which means it can be difficult to smooth or join with other materials.

Therefore, PLA is not recommended for printing functional parts that need to withstand harsh conditions or heavy loads, such as mechanical parts, tools, or outdoor items. For these applications, you might want to use other filaments such as ABS, PETG, or nylon.

Some of the best PLA brands are:

• Hatchbox: Hatchbox PLA is known for its consistent quality, vibrant colors, and smooth finish. Hatchbox PLA is also affordable and comes in a variety of spool sizes and diameters.
• eSUN: eSUN PLA is another reliable and high-quality brand that offers a wide range of colors and special effects, such as glow-in-the-dark, marble, wood, or silk PLA. eSUN PLA also has good layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy.
• Prusament: Prusament PLA is the premium filament from Prusa Research, the makers of the popular Prusa i3 MK3S printer. Prusament PLA is manufactured with strict quality control and precision, resulting in very low tolerance and high consistency. Prusament PLA also comes in unique colors and gradients that are exclusive to the brand.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified):

If you are looking for a beginner 3D printing filament that can handle both high temperatures and impacts, you might want to consider PETG. PETG stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified, and it is a type of polyester that combines the properties of PLA and ABS.

PETG is easy to print with, as it has low shrinkage and warping. It can be printed at similar temperatures as PLA, around 220 to 245°C, but it also has the heat resistance and durability of ABS. PETG is ideal for functional parts that need to withstand harsh environments, such as automotive or industrial applications.

PETG also has some aesthetic advantages over other materials. It has a glossy finish and good transparency, which makes it suitable for translucent or clear prints. It also has low odor and does not emit harmful fumes when heated.

However, PETG is not without its challenges. PETG can be sticky and stringy, which can cause adhesion problems and poor surface quality. To print PETG successfully, you need to have a well-calibrated bed and a consistent temperature throughout the print. You also need to use a cooling fan and a retraction setting to reduce stringing and oozing.

If you are interested in trying PETG, here are some recommended brands that offer high-quality PETG filaments:

• Overture PETG: This brand offers good layer adhesion and a wide range of colors to choose from. It also comes with a build surface sheet that helps with bed adhesion.
• eSun PETG: This brand is known for its ease of use and consistent quality. It has a smooth surface and a low tendency to warp or curl.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):

ABS is another common filament in 3D printing. It is a thermoplastic polymer that is strong, durable, and resistant to heat and impact. ABS is often used for printing functional or mechanical parts, such as gears, brackets, or enclosures. ABS can also be sanded, drilled, or painted after printing.

Some disadvantages of ABS are that it needs high temperatures and a heated bed to print well, otherwise it can warp or crack. ABS also produces bad-smelling and possibly dangerous fumes when melted, so it should be printed in a place with good ventilation or with an enclosure. ABS can also absorb moisture and should be kept in a dry place.

Some of the best ABS brands are:

• ZYLtech: ZYLtech ABS is a budget-friendly filament that still delivers good performance and quality. ZYLtech ABS has a smooth surface finish, good layer adhesion, and minimal stringing. ZYLtech ABS also comes in a variety of colors and spool sizes.
• MatterHackers: MatterHackers ABS is another affordable and reliable brand that offers consistent results and quality. MatterHackers ABS has good strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. MatterHackers ABS also has a wide range of colors and diameters to choose from.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane):

If you are looking for a 3D printing material that can bend, stretch and absorb shocks, you might want to consider TPU. TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane, and it is a type of flexible filament that can create durable and elastic parts. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the features, benefits and challenges of printing with TPU, as well as some of the best brands to choose from.

What is TPU and why use it?

TPU is a type of thermoplastic elastomer, which means it can be melted and reshaped multiple times without losing its properties. It is composed of hard and soft segments that give it both strength and flexibility. TPU has many advantages over other types of flexible filaments, such as:

• High abrasion resistance: TPU can withstand wear and tear from friction, making it ideal for parts that are in contact with other surfaces.
• High impact resistance: TPU can absorb shocks and vibrations, making it suitable for parts that need to withstand drops or collisions.
• High elasticity: TPU can stretch up to 600% of its original length and return to its original shape without deformation, making it perfect for parts that need to bend or twist.
• High chemical resistance: TPU can resist oils, greases, solvents and water, making it compatible with various environments and applications.
• High thermal stability: TPU can operate in a wide range of temperatures, from -40°C to 80°C, making it adaptable to different climates and conditions.

How to print with TPU?

TPU is not the easiest material to print with, but with some adjustments and tips, you can achieve great results. Here are some of the main factors to consider when printing with TPU:

• Temperature: TPU prints at moderate temperatures, around 220-250°C for the nozzle and 50-70°C for the bed. You may need to experiment with different settings depending on your brand and model of filament.
• Speed: TPU needs to be printed slowly, around 15-30 mm/s, to avoid issues with feeding the filament. Printing too fast can cause the filament to buckle or jam in the extruder.
• Retraction: TPU should have minimal or no retraction, as retracting the filament can cause it to curl or clog in the nozzle. If you have stringing or oozing problems, try reducing the temperature or increasing the travel speed instead.
• Extruder: TPU requires a direct drive extruder with a short and constrained filament path. A bowden extruder with a long and flexible tube can cause the filament to bend or kink inside the tube, leading to feeding problems or underextrusion.
• Cooling: TPU should have minimal or no cooling fan, as cooling the filament too quickly can cause it to warp or crack. If you have bridging or overhang issues, try increasing the temperature or reducing the speed instead.

What are some of the best brands of TPU?

There are many brands of TPU available on the market, but not all of them are equally easy to print with or have consistent quality. Here are some of the recommended brands that have good reviews and feedback from users:

• NinjaFlex TPU: This is one of the most popular and well-known brands of TPU. It is highly flexible and available in different hardness levels, from 85A (soft) to 98A (hard). It also comes in a variety of colors and finishes, such as metallic, semi-transparent or glow-in-the-dark.
• SainSmart TPU: This is another reputable brand of TPU that is known for its ease of printing and consistent quality. It has a hardness level of 95A, which is slightly stiffer than NinjaFlex but still very flexible. It also has a smooth surface finish and a wide range of colors.

AMOLEN PLA:

If you want to give your 3D prints some extra flair, you should check out AMOLEN PLA. This brand has a variety of PLA filaments with special effects, such as glow-in-the-dark, color-changing, and marble-like textures. These filaments can make amazing prints that are unique and eye-catching. Don’t be worried, it is beginner 3D printer filament.

AMOLEN PLA filaments are easy to work with, as they have a similar temperature range to standard PLA (around 190-220°C). They also have a smooth finish and a high reliability, making them suitable for both beginners and experts. AMOLEN PLA filaments work with most FDM 3D printers and have a 1.75mm diameter.

What are some of the best types?

One of the most popular AMOLEN PLA filaments is the Glow in the Dark PLA. This filament can absorb light and glow in the dark for up to eight hours. It is great for making nightlights, decorations, or cosplay props. The Glow in the Dark PLA has various colors, such as green, blue, and purple.

AMOLEN PLA filaments are a great option for anyone who wants to add some spice to their 3D printing projects with some special effects. They are affordable, easy to use, and high-quality. You can buy them on Amazon or on the official AMOLEN website.

In Summary
3D printing is a fascinating technology that allows you to create physical objects from digital models. However, not all 3D printing materials are the same. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of project you want to make.

These are just some of the many beginner 3D printer filament options available for beginners. By choosing the right material for your project and printer, you can enjoy the process of 3D printing and create amazing prints that showcase your creativity and skills. As you gain more experience and confidence, you can also try more advanced filaments like ABS or TPU that offer more functionality and flexibility. The world of 3D printing is full of possibilities and innovations, and we hope this guide helps you discover them.