Filaments represent the raw material which is used to create 3D objects with fused deposition modeling 3D printers. They look like long, thin strings that can have a lot of different colours, and are made of a thermoplastic material A type of plastic polymer that becomes soft and pliable when heated and hardens when cooled, and can be repeatedly melted and reshaped without significant degradation . Filaments come in a range of diameters, most commonly 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm, with the latter often being confused with the less common 3 mm. Filaments consist of one continuous slender plastic thread spooled into a reel.

Types of filaments: Below is an overview of the most frequently used types of filaments, however, nowadays, there is an extremely wide variey of other materials than can be used.

PLA: Polilactic acid: filament is a recyclable, natural thermoplastic polyester that is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane. Easy to print with, biodegradable, though only in very specific conditions. Most frequently used filament type. Low flexibility medium strength.

ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene: provides favorable mechanical properties such as impact resistance, toughness, and rigidity when compared with other filament types. High durability, medium strength. This type of filament can be used if the 3D Printer you are utilising has a proper enclosure and ventilation.

PETG: Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified: It's viewed as especially useful by print enthusiasts and professionals because it's less likely to warp, it has high impact strength and low haze, and it's pretty low cost compared to other professional filament types. High durability, high flexibility, medium strength. It is advisable to use this type of filament if you are printing objects that should have high resistance to heat.

TPU: Thermoplastic Polyurethan: This filament is unique amongst widely available 3D printing materials. Unlike stiff composite parts that are replacing aluminum in factories, 3D printing with TPU filament applies the many benefits of additive manufacturing to a different category of parts: strong, flexible, rubber-like parts. It is advisable to use this type of filament if you are printing an object that has parts which need to bend.

Since the range of different filaments than can be used when 3D Printing is so wide, here is an overview of the particular use-cases, as well as, pros and cons of using the 4 most popular types of filaments.

If you want to print an object with multiple colours, you are going to have to swap the filaments within the printing process. Here is a short instruction list on how to change the filament in the 3D Printer that will be used in the exhibiton phase for this tutorial. (For many other types of 3D printers, this process is very similar, unless you are using a 3D Printer which automatically switches filaments during the printing process.)

Unload the filament currently in use (button click).

Remove spool: never let go of the end, could cause a knot and make the next print stuck!

(Cut the end off)

Load new filament in the desired colour (button click).

Push new filament further until pulled in.

Here are some specialised terms that are frequently used when talking about filaments and their use in the process of 3D Printing.

	Support	Auxiliary structure printed along with a model to ensure successful printing of overhangs, bridges, and other complex features.
	Brim	A flat, single-layer area printed around the base of a model, acting as a border to improve adhesion and reduce warping.
	Infill	The internal structure within a printed object that supports the outer walls and affects its strength, weight, and material usage.
	Raft	A temporary, extra layer of material placed between the build plate and the 3D printed object.

Test the knowledge you have accumulated from this chapter by completing this interactive Quiz Test!

1. Which of the follwing is the most frequently used type of filament in 3D Printing?

a) ABS
b) TPU
c) PLA
d) PETG

2. Select the correct answer from below with regard to the different types of filaments used for 3D Printing:

a) One of the advantages of ABS filaments is the fact that it is heat resistant.
b) PLA and ABS can be used interchangeably, since they have extrmely similar properties.
c) PETG is by far the best type of filament to use in any use case.
d) When printing an object wiht parts that can bend, the most appopriate to use filament is PLA.

3. Select the correct answer from below:

a) A brim is the internal structure within a printed object that supports the outer walls and affects its strength, weight, and material usage.
b) A support is a flat, single-layer area printed around the base of a model, acting as a border to improve adhesion and reduce warping.
c) A support is an auxiliary structure printed along with a model to ensure successful printing of overhangs, bridges, and other complex features.
d) An infill is a temporary, extra layer of material placed between the build plate and the 3D printed object.

Submit Answers