Top 10 Engineering Filaments for 3D Printing

3D printing has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured, offering unparalleled flexibility and customization capabilities. One of the key factors behind this revolution is the development of advanced engineering materials.

Each of these materials brings unique properties and challenges to the table, making them suitable for specific applications in various industries. This article will delve into some of the most widely used engineering filaments in 3D printing like: ASA, ABS, PETG-CF, PET-CF, PC, HIPS, TPU, TPE, PVB, PVA, PP, and PA.

We will explore their general properties, provide printing tips, and discuss their use cases and more!

Most of these materials can be printed easily with some advanced desktop printers, such as the Kingroon KLP1 CoreXY Printer, that comes with pre-installed Klipper firmware, CoreXY structure, linear rail guides, and an advanced direct extruder with all-metal hotend that allows it to print high-temperature materials like nylon and CF.

Well then, let’s begin!

1. ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) for 3D Printing

What is ASA?

ASA is a type of plastic known for its excellent resistance to UV rays and bad weather, making it a top choice for printing items that will be used outside. Unlike other plastics like ABS, ASA keeps its color and doesn't weaken when it's left in the sun, rain, or cold for a long time. This makes it really good for outdoor projects.

source: xometry.pro

Tips for Printing with ASA

• Temperature Settings: Keep your printer enclosed to help maintain a stable temperature. Set your extruder around 260°C and the heated bed at 105°C for the first layer, then 110°C for subsequent layers.
• Bed Adhesion: Use glue or blue painter's tape on a smooth or powder-coated PEI sheet to help the first layer stick better and avoid warping.
• Cooling: You don’t need to use cooling fans when printing with ASA—actually, it’s better to keep them off. But if you need to improve overhangs or the overall print quality, you can try setting the fan to a very low speed, around 5 to 10%.

Why ASA is Great

ASA is very tough, which makes it perfect for making sturdy and durable items. It's stronger than ABS, especially in outdoor settings where both strength and good looks are important.

What Can You Make with ASA?

• Outdoor Functional Parts: Great for printing items like drone components, signs, and fixtures that need to last outside without breaking down.
• Automotive Parts: Ideal for making custom car parts such as bumpers and trim that need to withstand sunlight and temperature changes.
• Sporting Equipment: Perfect for creating sports gear like ski attachments or drone parts that will face outdoor elements.
• Garden Equipment: Excellent for printing items like hose attachments, plant pots, and garden decor that need to resist UV rays and weather conditions.

2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) for 3D Printing

What is ABS?

ABS is a strong, heat-tolerant plastic that's slightly flexible, which allows it to withstand knocks without breaking. This makes it great for a variety of applications. It can be smoothed, painted, or sanded post-printing to enhance the appearance of the final product.

 source: amfg.ai

Tips for Printing with ABS

• Hot Printer Settings: ABS requires higher printer temperatures, around 230-255°C, to ensure it melts and adheres properly during printing.
• Warm Bed: Keep the printing bed warm, about 95-110°C, to help the first layer stick well and prevent the edges from curling up.
• Keep It Covered: Print inside a closed space to maintain a steady temperature and protect against drafts that can disrupt your print.
• Stick It Down: A glue stick or a layer of ABS dissolved in acetone (ABS juice) can improve adhesion and stability during printing.
• Cooling: Manage cooling carefully; start with low fan speeds to prevent uneven shrinkage and poor layer adhesion. Adjust the fan speed according to the enclosure temperature—around 15% for 40-45°C and up to 40% for 60-65°C.

Why ABS is Good

ABS is exceptionally tough and heat-resistant, ideal for products that need to be durable and withstand high temperatures. Its flexibility and strength make it perfect for serious applications.

What Can You Make with ABS?

• Prototypes: Ideal for testing designs under real-world conditions due to its strength and heat resistance.
• Electronics Housing: Excellent for enclosures that protect against electricity and heat.
• Toys and Games: Safe and durable for toys and detailed gaming models.
• Car Parts: Used for internal car components exposed to sunlight and varying temperatures.
• Tools and Jigs: Suitable for creating durable tools that endure the rigors of a workshop.

Additional Tips for Successful Printing with ABS

• Ambient Temperature: Maintain a high ambient temperature in the enclosure to minimize warping and ensure high-quality prints. If lacking an enclosure, use a skirt in PrusaSlicer to keep the model warm.
• Chemical Smoothing: ABS can be smoothed with acetone vapors for a glossy finish, enhancing both aesthetics and structural integrity.
• Handling Large Prints: Allow large prints to cool slowly to avoid warping or cracking. Use a spatula gently to remove the print from the bed.

3. PETG-CF (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol with Carbon Fiber) for 3D Printing

What is PETG-CF?

PETG-CF is a type of plastic used in 3D printing that mixes regular PETG with carbon fibers. This mix makes the plastic stronger, stiffer, and more durable, which is great for making items that need to be tough but not too heavy. It’s also good at resisting water, so it doesn’t get ruined easily in damp environments.

source: gagatstudio.com

Tips for Printing with PETG-CF

• Hotter Printing: You need to set your printer a bit hotter than usual, around 240-270°C, so the material melts properly and sticks together well.
• Tough Nozzle Needed: Use a strong nozzle made from something like hardened steel because the carbon fibers in the filament are rough and can wear out softer nozzles.
• Warm Bed: Keep the printer bed warm, about 75-90°C, to help the first layers of your print stick down well and avoid warping.

Why PETG-CF is Great

The carbon fibers in PETG-CF make it really strong and stiff, so it’s great for projects that need to handle stress or strain without bending or breaking.

What Can You Make with PETG-CF?

• Mechanical Parts:This material is perfect for parts that move or have stress on them, like gears or parts of machines.
• Drone Parts: It’s light and strong, ideal for making parts of drones that need to be tough to handle flying stresses without adding much weight.
• Sporting Goods: Great for making sports equipment that needs to be lightweight yet durable enough to withstand impacts and stresses.
• Car Parts: Useful for making car components that need to resist stress and not add too much weight to the vehicle.

4. PC (Polycarbonate) for 3D Printing

What is PC?

PC, short for Polycarbonate, is a super tough type of plastic that’s as clear as glass but much stronger. It can handle temperatures up to 135°C without changing shape or melting. This makes it an excellent choice for items that need to be both see-through and very durable. It’s also resistant to bumps and drops, which is why it’s used in many safety products.

source: zmorph3d.com

Tips for Printing with PC

• Hot Bed Needed: To print with PC, you need the bed of your printer to be hot, around 110°C. This high temperature helps the plastic stick to the bed and prevents the edges of your print from lifting up as it cools down.
• Enclosed Printer: Using an enclosed printer is important because it keeps the air around your print warm, which helps prevent the plastic from cooling too quickly and warping.
• Slow and Steady: Printing PC slowly can also help improve print quality by giving each layer enough time to cool properly before the next one is applied, reducing the chances of warping and other issues.

Why PC is Great

PC is incredibly tough and can withstand a lot of pressure and hits, which makes it ideal for creating items that need to be impact-resistant. Despite its strength, it is very clear, allowing for the creation of items that not only need to be strong but also visible through, like lenses and windows. However, when 3D printed, the layer lines and infill structure can reduce its transparency, so it may not be as clear as when it's molded or extruded.

What Can You Make with PC?

• Custom Mechanical Components: Ideal for parts like pulleys and gears that need to withstand high stress and friction.
• Protective Enclosures: Great for printing durable fan shrouds or cases that protect sensitive components from heat and impact.
• Functional Prototypes: Perfect for creating strong, heat-resistant prototypes like battery housings or electrical connectors.
• Industrial Fixtures: Suitable for printing robust parts such as lever arms for valves or durable hinges that need to endure frequent use.
• Heat-Resistant Mounts: Excellent for parts like air filter covers or other mounts that are exposed to high temperatures and require long-term durability.

5. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) for 3D Printing

What is HIPS?

HIPS, or High Impact Polystyrene, is a durable material commonly used for printing large objects or as a support material for other filaments like ABS, ASA, or PETG. It adheres well to the print surface and can be easily dissolved in limonene, making it ideal for creating complex supports that can be removed cleanly after printing.

source: Zortrax

Tips for Printing with HIPS

• Heated Bed Required: HIPS requires a heated bed, around 110°C, to ensure proper adhesion of the first layers and to prevent warping.
• Use an Enclosed Printer: Printing HIPS in an enclosed space helps maintain a stable temperature, which is crucial for preventing warping and ensuring a successful print.
• Pair with ABS or ASA: HIPS is often used with ABS or ASA because they share similar printing temperatures. Once the print is complete, the HIPS support can be dissolved away with limonene, leaving the main model intact.

Strength and Durability

HIPS is durable and provides good mechanical properties, although it is not as strong as ABS. It is lightweight, has less shrinkage than ABS, and is suitable for parts that do not need to bear heavy loads or endure significant stress.

Uses for HIPS in 3D Printing

• Support Material: HIPS is primarily used as a soluble support material in 3D printing, especially with ABS. It dissolves easily in limonene, making it an excellent choice for supporting complex geometries during the printing process.
• Complex Overhangs: HIPS is ideal for prints with challenging overhangs or intricate internal structures that would be difficult to achieve without support. The supports can be easily removed after printing, ensuring a clean and smooth final part.
• Dual-Material Prints: In dual-extrusion 3D printers, HIPS is often paired with ABS or other materials to create support structures that can be dissolved away, allowing for more complex and precise prints.

6. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) for 3D Printing

What is TPU?

TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is a highly flexible plastic that can be stretched and bent repeatedly without losing its original shape. It's tough against wear and tear and can handle different temperatures well, making it great for items that need to be durable and elastic.

source: 3dnatives.com

Tips for Printing with TPU

• Slow Printing: Since TPU is very stretchy, it’s important to print slowly to prevent the material from stringing or forming blobs, which can happen if it moves too quickly through the printer.
• Temperature Settings: Although TPU doesn’t always need a heated bed, using one can help the first layers stick better without warping and print more smoothly.
• Nozzle and Bed: Use a slightly higher nozzle temperature than rigid plastics to help TPU flow better (about 230-245°C), and if you use a bed, keep it at a lower temperature (about 30-60°C) to avoid sticking issues.

Strength and Durability

TPU is not just flexible; it's also really strong when it comes to resisting impacts and fatigue, which means it doesn’t wear out quickly even with regular bending or stretching.

Uses for TPU in 3D Printing

• Phone Cases: Perfect for creating custom phone cases that need to be shock-absorbent and flexible enough to snap onto a phone.
• Footwear: Used for making parts of shoes, such as the soles, because it’s durable and provides good cushioning.
• Medical Devices: Ideal for flexible medical devices or parts like tubes or seals that need to be safe for skin contact and resist wear.
• Seals and Gaskets: Great for creating watertight seals or gaskets that need to fit snugly and withstand pressure without leaking.

7. TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) for 3D Printing

What is TPE?

TPE, or Thermoplastic Elastomer, is super flexible and soft, much like rubber. It's softer than TPU, which makes it ideal for 3D printing items that need to be stretchy and comfortable. However, because it's so elastic, TPE can be tricky to print with.

source: facfox.com

Tips for Printing with TPE

• Slow Printing: Since TPE is very stretchy, you need to print slowly. This helps prevent the material from stretching too much and messing up your 3D print.
• Adjust Settings: TPE is sticky and stretchy, so you'll need to fine-tune your 3D printer settings to manage its unique texture and avoid problems like clogging or uneven prints.
• Temperature Control: Keep your nozzle clean and consider setting your bed to a high temperature (Up to 110°C) to help with adhesion, if needed. The best nozzle temperature for TPE is usually between 210°C and 260°C.

Strength and Durability

TPE is incredibly flexible and can stretch a lot without breaking. However, it's not as strong as harder plastics when it comes to withstanding impacts. It's best used for 3D printed items that need to be bendy and stretchy, rather than for parts that must handle heavy loads.

Uses for TPE in 3D Printing

• Grips: TPE is perfect for making comfortable, non-slip grips for things like sports equipment and kitchen tools, thanks to its softness and good grip, all achievable through 3D printing.
• Leisure Products: Ideal for 3D printing flexible toys, stress-relief items, or parts of sports gear that need to be safe and gentle to the touch.
• Wearable Accessories: Great for 3D printing things like wristbands or watch straps, where you need a material that's stretchy and comfy against the skin.

8.  PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) for 3D Printing

What is PVB?

PVB, or Polyvinyl Butyral, is a type of plastic used in 3D printing that's known for its smooth, glass-like finish, especially when treated with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). However, PVB has poor layer adhesion, meaning it doesn't stick to itself as well as other materials like PLA, making it less strong and durable. Despite this, it's great for printing decorative items like vases and lampshades, where a nice finish is more important than strength.

source: rosa3d.pl

Tips for Printing with PVB

• Optimal Printing Temperatures: PVB should be printed at moderate temperatures, generally between 220°C and 250°C, to ensure proper melting and adhesion of layers without causing warping.
• Heated Bed: A heated bed temperature of 60°C to 80°C is recommended to assist with initial layer adhesion and minimize warping issues.
• Alcohol Smoothing: Applying isopropyl alcohol to the finished print can dramatically smooth the surface, enhancing its clarity and achieving a polished, glass-like finish.

Strength and Durability

PVB offers moderate strength and flexibility. It excels in post-processing capabilities, allowing for a smooth finish that can mimic glass, making it suitable for both functional and display items.

Uses for PVB in 3D Printing

• Automotive Components: In 3D printing, PVB is often utilized to prototype components like windshield safety layers or transparent elements within vehicles due to its clarity and durability.
• Architectural Models: PVB is ideal for creating clear, detailed architectural models that benefit from its smooth finish and optical clarity.
• Protective Equipment: Useful for printing items like face shields or other protective gear where transparency is crucial.
• Artistic and Decorative Objects: Artists and designers frequently choose PVB for sculptures or decorative items that require a high-quality finish and clear appearance.

9. PP (Polypropylene) for 3D Printing

What is PP?

PP, or Polypropylene, is a versatile plastic known for its exceptional fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, and smooth, low friction surface. It's incredibly tough and also has a high resistance to electricity, making it a popular choice for many industrial applications.

 source: sculpteo.com

Tips for Printing with PP

• Bed Adhesion: PP can be difficult to adhere to the print bed, so using a specialized print surface or surface treatments such as adhesion promoters is often necessary.
• Printing Temperature: Typically, PP is printed at a temperature around 220°C.
• Bed Temperature: A heated bed set to about 100°C helps improve adhesion and overall print quality.

Why PP is Good

PP is extremely resilient and tough, making it suitable for applications that involve repeated flexing. It's an excellent choice for creating parts like living hinges, which need to bend repeatedly without breaking.

What Can You Make with PP?

• Automotive Parts:PP is ideal for 3D printing parts in the automotive sector due to its durability and resistance to chemicals and electricity.
• Containers and Packaging:Due to its toughness and chemical resistance, PP is perfect for containers and packaging that need to withstand the rigors of transportation and storage.
• Living Hinges:One of the best materials for creating living hinges, PP allows for repeated bending without failure, commonly used in consumer product designs.
• Medical Applications:Its resistance to most chemicals makes it suitable for various medical containers and non-reactive applications.

10. PA (Polyamide/Nylon) for 3D Printing

What is PA?

PA, or Polyamide (commonly known as Nylon), is known for its durability, strength, and flexibility. It has excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals, making it a robust material for various demanding applications. One of the unique properties of Nylon is its ability to absorb moisture, which can affect its mechanical properties and dimensional stability.

 source: solaxis.ca

Tips for Printing with PA

• Moisture Control: It's crucial to dry Nylon filament before use and keep it dry during storage to minimize moisture absorption. This can be done using a dry box or a filament dryer.
• Printing Environment: Print in a dry environment to prevent the filament from absorbing moisture during the printing process, which can lead to poor quality prints.
• Temperature Settings: Nylon prints best at higher temperatures, typically around 250°C to 285°C, and benefits from a heated bed set to approximately 95°C to 110°C to improve adhesion and reduce warping.

Why PA is Good

Nylon is highly valued for its mechanical strength, toughness, and heat resistance, making it suitable for parts that need to withstand wear, mechanical loads, and high temperatures. Its flexibility also allows for the creation of parts with varying degrees of stiffness, depending on the specific type of Nylon used.

What Can You Make with PA?

• Functional Parts:Due to its robust nature, Nylon is ideal for creating functional parts that are subjected to mechanical stresses, such as snaps and clips that require both strength and a slight flex.
• Gears and Bearings:Nylon’s durability and low friction coefficient make it a preferred choice for gears, bearings, and other components within machines that experience regular movement and wear.
• High-Wear Components:Its abrasion resistance makes it suitable for manufacturing high-wear components like bushings or contact surfaces in machinery and vehicles.
• Prototyping:Engineers often use Nylon for creating prototypes that need to mimic the strength and flexibility of parts made from injection-molded plastics.

Kingroon's 3D Printer Filament Options

Kingroon offers a wide variety of 3D printer filaments, including standard materials like PLA, PETG, TPU, and Nylon, as well as other composite materials with unique properties. Their selection features special filaments like wood PLA for a natural wood-like finish, glow-in-the-dark PLA for objects that light up in the dark, and carbon fiber PLA for added strength and stiffness and more!

You can find or buy these filaments from Kingroon's website at very good price with high quality: Kingroon 3D Printer Filament.

And if you are seeking detailed information on filament differences, especially between PETG and ABS, or PLA and ABS, we have you covered!

Kingroon’s website have insightful articles that compare these materials:

• PETG vs. ABS: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right 3D Printing Filament
• Choosing the Right Filament: A Comprehensive Guide to PLA vs. ABS for 3D Printing

These guides will help you understand the properties and applications of each filament type, aiding in making the best choice for your specific printing needs.

You can also check out this article: The Main 3D Printer Filament Types, which provides comprehensive insights into various filament properties and selection tips.

FAQs

1. What is the best material for outdoor 3D prints? 

ASA is ideal for outdoor use because it is UV-resistant and maintains its color and strength even after long exposure to the elements.

2. How can I prevent warping when printing with ABS? 

Use a heated bed set between 95-110°C, print in an enclosed space to maintain temperature consistency, and use adhesives like glue or ABS juice on the bed.

3.Why would I choose PETG-CF over regular PETG? 

PETG-CF includes carbon fibers, which enhance strength and stiffness, making it suitable for parts that require higher durability without adding much weight.

4. What is a TPU filament?

TPU filament is a flexible, durable material used in 3D printing. Known for its elasticity, it's ideal for creating items like phone cases, gaskets, and wearable accessories. TPU offers a combination of rubber-like flexibility and plastic strength, making it perfect for projects requiring impact resistance and flexibility.

5. Is ABS filament better than PLA?

ABS and PLA filaments each have their strengths. ABS is more durable and heat-resistant, making it ideal for functional parts and outdoor use. PLA, on the other hand, is easier to print and biodegradable, suitable for beginners and decorative items. The choice depends on your specific project needs.

6. Is TPU better than PLA?

TPU and PLA serve different purposes in 3D printing. TPU is flexible and durable, ideal for items needing elasticity, like phone cases and wearables. PLA is rigid, easy to print, and great for decorative objects and prototypes. The choice depends on the specific requirements of your project.

In conclusion, each engineering material for 3D printing offers specific properties and challenges. Selecting the right material depends largely on the intended application and the physical demands of the product. As 3D printing technology evolves, these materials continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved, expanding the possibilities for designers and engineers across industries.