3D Printing Filaments

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
ABS30YE1

ABS30YE1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT YELLOW ABS 0.112" 1KG

17

ABS17BK1

ABS17BK1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT BLACK ABS 0.07" 1KG

13

PLA17BK1

PLA17BK1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT BLACK PLA 0.07" 1KG

30

ABS30BL1

ABS30BL1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT BLUE ABS 0.112" 1KG

8

ABS30SK1

ABS30SK1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT PEACH ABS 0.112" 1KG

10

ABS17THPU1

ABS17THPU1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT PURPLE ABS 0.07" 1KG

8

PLA17WH1

PLA17WH1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT WHITE PLA 0.07" 1KG

39

ABS30PI1

ABS30PI1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT PINK ABS 0.112" 1KG

19

ABS17SGN1

ABS17SGN1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT GREEN ABS 0.07" 1KG

6

PLA17FLGR1

PLA17FLGR1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT GREEN PLA 0.07" 1KG

3

PLA30GY1

PLA30GY1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT GRAY PLA 0.112" 1KG

11

PLA30GO1

PLA30GO1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT GOLD PLA 0.112" 1KG

5

PETG17WH1

PETG17WH1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT WHITE PETG 0.07" 1KG

7

ABS17GO1

ABS17GO1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT GOLD ABS 0.07" 1KG

6

ABS30BR1

ABS30BR1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT BROWN ABS 0.112" 1KG

18

PLA30YE1

PLA30YE1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT YELLOW PLA 0.112" 1KG

8

ABS30WH1

ABS30WH1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT WHITE ABS 0.112" 1KG

2

PLA30BL1

PLA30BL1

MG Chemicals

PRE 3D FLMNT BLUE

12

PLA30NA1

PLA30NA1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT BLUE PLA 0.112" 1KG

2

PLA30SGN1

PLA30SGN1

MG Chemicals

FILAMENT GREEN PLA 0.112" 1KG

2

3D Printing Filaments

1. Overview

3D printing filaments are thermoplastic materials used as feedstock in fused deposition modeling (FDM) and fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers. These polymer-based materials melt at specific temperatures and solidify into complex geometries through layer-by-layer deposition. As core consumables in additive manufacturing, filaments enable rapid prototyping, small-batch production, and customized manufacturing across industries. Their material properties directly determine printed parts' mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and functional performance.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
PLA (Polylactic Acid)Biodegradable, low warping, 60-65 C heat resistancePrototyping, educational models, food packaging
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)High impact resistance, 100 C heat resistance, requires heated bedIndustrial enclosures, automotive parts
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)Chemical resistance, food-safe, moderate flexibilityMechanical parts, medical devices
NylonHigh strength-to-weight ratio, abrasion resistanceGears, bearings, functional tools
TPU/TPE (Thermoplastic Polyurethane/Elastomer)Flexible (Shore 60A-95A), vibration dampingFootwear midsoles, protective cases
PC (Polycarbonate)Optical clarity, 110 C heat resistance, requires 260 C+ printingAerospace components, safety equipment

3. Structure and Composition

Typical 3D printing filaments feature a semi-crystalline or amorphous polymer matrix with diameter precision of 0.02mm (1.75mm or 2.85mm standards). Key structural elements include:

  • Base polymer resin (e.g., PLA, ABS)
  • Plasticizers for flexibility control
  • Stabilizers for thermal degradation resistance
  • Pigments for coloration (optional)
  • Fillers (glass/carbon fibers, minerals) for property enhancement

Advanced composite filaments incorporate 5-40% by weight of reinforcing materials like carbon nanotubes or metal powders.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterImportanceTypical Range
Tensile StrengthDetermines load-bearing capacity20-100 MPa
Elongation at BreakIndicates ductility3-300%
Heat Deflection TemperatureThermal stability threshold50-150 C
Shrinkage RateAffects dimensional accuracy0.2-2.0%
Moisture AbsorptionImpacts print quality consistency0.1-1.5% @ 50% RH
Melt Flow IndexCorrelates with extrusion performance2-20 g/10min (190 C)

5. Application Fields

Primary industries utilizing filament-based 3D printing include:

  • Aerospace: Stratasys Fortus systems for UAV components
  • Healthcare: Formnext-certified medical guides using PEEK filaments
  • Automotive: BMW's customized jigs with carbon fiber-reinforced nylon
  • Consumer Goods: Nike's midsole prototypes with TPU materials
  • Education: STEM training using desktop FDM printers

Typical equipment: Prusa i3 MK3S, Creality Ender-3, industrial systems from 3D Systems and Materialise.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Feature
StratasysAntero 800PEPEKK-based aerospace-grade material
3D VerkstanHT-PLAHeat-treated PLA with 120 C heat resistance
EssentiumFast TPU 80AHigh-speed printing (500mm/s) flexible filament
ArkemaSarten MetamorphHigh-temperature resistant PA11 for industrial applications
ColorFabbnGen FlexRecreus-branded engineering-grade TPE

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations for filament selection:

  • Mechanical requirements (static vs dynamic loading)
  • Environmental exposure (temperature, UV, chemicals)
  • Printer compatibility (nozzle temperature, enclosed chamber)
  • Cost-performance balance (standard vs premium materials)
  • Regulatory compliance (FDA, UL, REACH certifications)
  • Post-processing needs (annealing, vapor smoothing)

Case Study: Automotive ducting applications often select PETG for its balance of chemical resistance and formability versus nylon's superior wear resistance at higher cost.

8. Industry Trends

Market developments include:

  • Biodegradable composites (PLA/PHA blends) addressing sustainability
  • Conductive filaments (graphene-infused ABS) for EMI shielding
  • AI-driven material property prediction platforms
  • High-temperature polymers (PEEK, PEKK) for metal replacement
  • Recycling systems for industrial filament waste streams

According to SmarTech Analysis, the global filament market will reach $3.2B by 2027 with 18.4% CAGR, driven by production-grade materials adoption.

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