Which Filament Should I Use? A Beginner's Guide
Choosing the right filament can feel overwhelming. But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be complicated. Let's break it down.
The Simple Rule: What Are You Making?
The type of filament you need depends on what you're printing. Here are the most common choices:
For Most Beginners: PLA
If you're just starting out and don't have a specific reason to use something else, PLA is your answer. It's:
- Easy to print
- Forgiving of mistakes
- Works on almost any 3D printer
- Sustainable and eco-friendly
Use PLA when: You're printing decorative objects, toys, models, or learning how to 3D print.
When You Need Something Tougher: PETG
Think of PETG as PLA's stronger sibling. It's harder to break and more flexible, but slightly trickier to print.
Use PETG when: You're printing something that needs to be durable or handle some stress (like tool handles, brackets, or parts you'll actually use).
When You Need Maximum Strength: ABS
ABS is the tough guy. It's strong, but also the most difficult to print. It requires a heated bed and careful handling.
Use ABS when: You're making functional parts that need to be really strong and can handle temperature (like replacement printer parts or engineering models).
Don't Overthink It
Here's what we want you to know: all our filament is sustainable and high-quality. You don't need to worry about whether you're making an environmental mistake. Just pick based on your project.
Still not sure? Start with PLA. It works for 99% of beginner projects, and you'll learn as you go.
The Next Step
Once you've chosen your filament type, you just need to pick a color and get printing. That's it.
Happy printing!
