Filaments

Most of our 3D printers use filament. This is a long spool of material which is fed into the printer and melted at the print head and extruded in layers to create the model. This technology is fast and can be used to incredible levels of detail.

PLA

PLA is a great material for rapid prototyping as it is easy to print to a high level of detail and doesn’t require high temperatures. It is however quite brittle and should not be used for any applications where strength is a priority.

• Strength: Medium | Flexibility: Low | Durability: Medium
• Difficulty to use: Low
• Print temperature: 180 – 230 °C
• Print bed temperature: 20 – 70 °C (but not needed)
• Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
• Soluble: No

ABS

ABS is a highly durable filament which is able to withstand high temperatures. It is useful in items which have to be durable or are frequently handled. It is however prone to warping which means ABS parts do not have the same quality and precision as parts printed with other filaments.

• Strength: High | Flexibility: Medium | Durability: High
• Difficulty to use: Medium
• Print temperature: 210 – 250 °C
• Print bed temperature: 80 – 110 °C
• Shrinkage/warping: Considerable
• Soluble: In esters, ketones, and acetone