Filament Database

Comprehensive database of 3D printing filaments with properties, settings, and tips

Understanding filament properties is crucial for successful 3D printing. This database covers the most common FDM filament types with recommended settings and practical usage tips.

Quick Comparison

Material Difficulty Nozzle Temp Bed Temp Enclosure Best For
PLA beginner 190-220°C 50-60°C Not required Prototypes
PETG beginner 220-250°C 70-80°C Not required Functional parts
ABS intermediate 220-250°C 90-110°C Recommended Automotive parts
ASA intermediate 230-260°C 90-110°C Recommended Outdoor parts
TPU intermediate 220-250°C 40-60°C Not required Phone cases
Nylon (PA) advanced 240-270°C 70-90°C Required Gears
PC advanced 270-310°C 100-120°C Required High-temp applications

PLA

Polylactic Acid beginner
Nozzle Temperature 190-220°C
Bed Temperature 50-60°C
Bed Adhesion Optional (glass, PEI)
Enclosure Not required

Properties

  • Easy to print
  • Low warping
  • Biodegradable
  • Good detail

Considerations

  • Low heat resistance (~60°C)
  • Brittle
  • Not for outdoor use

Best Uses

  • Prototypes
  • Decorative items
  • Low-stress parts

PETG

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol beginner
Nozzle Temperature 220-250°C
Bed Temperature 70-80°C
Bed Adhesion Required (glue stick on glass)
Enclosure Not required

Properties

  • Good strength
  • Chemical resistant
  • Low warping
  • Food safe (check brand)

Considerations

  • Stringing prone
  • Can stick too well to PEI
  • Hygroscopic

Best Uses

  • Functional parts
  • Outdoor items
  • Water-contact parts

ABS

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene intermediate
Nozzle Temperature 220-250°C
Bed Temperature 90-110°C
Bed Adhesion Required (ABS slurry, glue)
Enclosure Recommended

Properties

  • Impact resistant
  • Heat resistant (~100°C)
  • Acetone smoothable
  • Durable

Considerations

  • High warping
  • Produces fumes
  • Requires enclosure

Best Uses

  • Automotive parts
  • Heat-exposed items
  • Mechanical parts

ASA

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate intermediate
Nozzle Temperature 230-260°C
Bed Temperature 90-110°C
Bed Adhesion Required
Enclosure Recommended

Properties

  • UV resistant
  • Weather resistant
  • Similar to ABS
  • Less warping than ABS

Considerations

  • Produces fumes
  • Requires enclosure
  • More expensive than ABS

Best Uses

  • Outdoor parts
  • Automotive exterior
  • Garden items

TPU

Thermoplastic Polyurethane intermediate
Nozzle Temperature 220-250°C
Bed Temperature 40-60°C
Bed Adhesion Optional
Enclosure Not required

Properties

  • Flexible
  • Impact resistant
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Chemical resistant

Considerations

  • Requires slow speeds
  • Direct drive preferred
  • Can be tricky to tune

Best Uses

  • Phone cases
  • Gaskets
  • Wheels
  • Vibration dampeners

Nylon (PA)

Polyamide advanced
Nozzle Temperature 240-270°C
Bed Temperature 70-90°C
Bed Adhesion Required (glue, Magigoo)
Enclosure Required

Properties

  • Very strong
  • Wear resistant
  • Flexible yet tough
  • Self-lubricating

Considerations

  • Highly hygroscopic
  • Warps significantly
  • Requires dry storage

Best Uses

  • Gears
  • Hinges
  • High-stress mechanical parts

PC

Polycarbonate advanced
Nozzle Temperature 270-310°C
Bed Temperature 100-120°C
Bed Adhesion Required
Enclosure Required

Properties

  • Very strong
  • High heat resistance (~140°C)
  • Impact resistant
  • Transparent options

Considerations

  • High temps required
  • Warps significantly
  • Hygroscopic

Best Uses

  • High-temp applications
  • Safety equipment
  • Automotive

General Filament Tips

Storage

Store filament in airtight containers with desiccant. Most filaments absorb moisture from the air, which degrades print quality.

Drying

If filament has been exposed to humidity, dry it in a filament dryer or low-temperature oven (check material-specific temps).

First Layer

A good first layer is crucial. Adjust Z-offset and bed leveling until you get consistent adhesion without over-squishing.

Temperature Tuning

Every brand prints slightly differently. Print temperature towers to find the optimal temperature for each filament roll.