3D Printing Filament Guide | Know this before you start 3D Print

3D printing has changed the way we create prototypes, tools, miniatures, and end-use parts. Still, there are some print failures, warping, or weak results that often happen because of one main reason: using the wrong 3D printing filament. Selecting the correct 3D printing filament can greatly improve print quality and durability.

In this easy guide on choosing the right 3D printing filament, you’ll learn:

–  What is 3D printing filament?
–  The different types of 3D filament
–  How to choose the right 3D printing filament for your project?
–  Why FilamentX by 3Ding is one of the most trusted brands for 3D printing filament in India, and so on

What Is 3D Printing Filament & Why Does It Matter?

3D printing filament is a type of plastic material used in FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) 3D printers. The 3D printer melts the filament and lays it down layer by layer to build an object.

3D Filaments are sold in spools, usually in 1.75mm or 2.85mm thickness. The quality of the 3D filament is very important. It affects how strong, smooth, and reliable your 3D prints will be.

1. Consistency
–  Good filament has a steady diameter. It’s free from bubbles or dust.
–  Poor-quality filament can clog the nozzle, print unevenly, or create weak layers.

2. Strength & Flexibility
–  Each 3D printing filament type behaves differently.
–  Some are strong and rigid. Others are soft and flexible.
–  If you use the wrong one, your print may break or fail.

3. Ease of Printing (Printability)
–  PLA filament is easy to print and works at low temperatures.
–  Materials like ABS or TPU need more settings, like a heated bed or printer enclosure.

4. Surface Finish
– Better filament = smoother finish and better detail.
– High-quality brands like FilamentX offer vibrant colors and clean results.

Which 3D Printing Filament to Use for Which Purpose?  

Here’s a quick guide matching popular 3D filaments to common use cases:

Types of 3D Printing Filament Explained (With FilamentX Benefits)  

PLA (Polylactic Acid)  

What is PLA filament?

PLA filament is a popular 3D printing filament made from plants like corn or sugarcane. This makes it eco-friendly and biodegradable, which is great for the environment.

Why Choose PLA Filament

PLA filament is ideal for projects that require a smooth surface finish and fine detail. Known for its smooth printing and wide range of colors, it’s a top choice for all. Some reasons include:

1. Melts at low temperatures
2. Doesn’t require a heated bed
3. Easy to print with

PLA filament is best for:

1. Miniatures & figurines
2. Home decor and art pieces
3. School or college projects
4. Simple design prototypes

Limitations for PLA Filaments:

1. Can break easily under stress
2. Not heat-resistant (may deform)
3. Not suitable for outdoor or heavy-use items

Why Choose Filament X PLA Filament:

FilamentX gives you 25% more usable PLA filament in each spool compared to many other brands. It also has consistent thickness, bright colour choices, and smooth printing performance. PLA filament is perfect for students, hobbyists, and anyone new to 3D printing.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)  

What is ABS Filament?

ABS filament is a strong and durable plastic used in many industries. It can handle heat, impact, and wear, making it great for printing real-world parts like tools, covers, and machine components.

This type of 3D printing filament is also used in automotive parts and electronics because of its strength and long-lasting performance.

Why Choose ABS Filament:

ABS filament is tough and strong. It is often used for things that need to last, like machine parts, covers, or mechanical parts. ABS filament is a kind of plastic used in car parts and electronics.

ABS filament is best for:

1. Industrial or working prototypes
2. Protective enclosures or covers
3. Tools or strong mechanical parts
4. Drone bodies and mounting parts

Limitations for ABS filament:

1. Needs a heated bed and a closed printer to avoid warping
2. Creates fumes, so good ventilation is needed
3. A bit tricky for beginners to work with

Why Choose FilamentX ABS:

FilamentX ABS goes through a degassing process to remove air bubbles. FilamentX’s ABS filament makes the prints smoother, stronger, and more reliable. It’s great for engineers, makers, and anyone building tough, real-world products.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)  

What is PETG Filament?

PETG Filament is a plastic that mixes the benefits of PLA and ABS filament. It’s strong, flexible, and resistant to water and chemicals. PETG filament is a good all-around 3D filament that is easier to print than ABS but stronger than PLA.

Why Choose PETG Filament:

PETG filament prints with little smell and holds up well under stress. PETG filament is also good for outdoor use and for parts that need to handle water, bending, or chemical exposure.

PETF filament is best for:

1. Drone parts and RC components
2. Bottles or water-tight containers
3. Tools and working prototypes
4. Functional home-use parts

Limitations for PETG filament:

1. It can produce strings or small bits of extra material.
2. It needs some fine-tuning in settings compared to PLA

Why Choose FilamentX PETG:

FilamentX PETG sticks well to the print bed, warps less, comes in clean, and has vibrant colours. FilamentX’s PETG filament is stable and easy to work with and making it perfect for anyone who needs strong, long-lasting prints.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)  

What is TPU Filament?

TPU filament is a soft, bendable plastic that feels like rubber. TPU filament is great for printing things that need to bend or absorb shock, like phone cases or flexible grips.

Why Choose TPU Filament:

TPU filament is durable and doesn’t wear out easily. It’s ideal for making flexible parts that get handled a lot or need to stretch, bend, or bounce back.

TPU filament is best for:

1. Soft grips or handles
2. Wearable items like bands or phone cases
3. Rubber-like seals or gaskets
4. Footwear or ergonomic designs

Limitations for TPU Filament:

1. It prints more slowly than other filaments.
2. It can be tricky on some 3D printers (especially Bowden-style ones).
3. It needs careful setup to avoid jams.

Why Choose FilamentX TPU:

FilamentX TPU gives smooth, clog-free prints and consistent flexibility. FilamentX’s TPU filament is great even for beginners trying out flexible materials. Perfect for designers and businesses making custom-fit or soft parts.

Filament X by 3Ding  

When it comes to 3D printing, the quality of your filament can make or break your prints. FilamentX by 3Ding is designed to deliver professional-grade results at a great value, whether you’re a hobbyist, educator, or running a full-scale printing operation. Here’s why FilamentX stands out:

More Filament, More Value  

With FilamentX, you receive up to 25% more usable 3D filament per spool compared to many other brands. Unlike other Filament brands that include spool weight or packaging tricks in the listed weight, our spools are 100% transparent in their weight claims, and what you see is what you get. This means longer 3D print times, fewer changeovers, and better cost efficiency for every print job.

Smooth, Consistent 3D Printing  

Every spool of FilamentX undergoes a special degassing process during manufacturing to eliminate internal air bubbles. This significantly reduces nozzle clogs, print failures, and inconsistent extrusion. Whether you’re printing large-scale models or intricate prototypes, you’ll enjoy clean, smooth layers and reliable performance every time.

Precision Engineered Quality  

We maintain strict diameter tolerances, typically within 0.02 mm, to ensure the 3D printer extrudes filament at a constant rate. This means:

1. Fewer calibration issues
2. Enhanced layer adhesion
3. Better dimensional accuracy in prints

FilamentX is engineered to work seamlessly with the most popular FDM/FFF 3D printers.

Wide Range of 3D Filaments & Multiple Colours

Choose from a diverse range of 3D filaments including:

• PLA filaments – Ideal for beginners, prototypes, and models

• ABS filaments – Durable and impact-resistant, suitable for functional parts

• PETG filaments – Strong and water-resistant, perfect for outdoor or mechanical parts

• TPU filaments – Flexible and elastic for special applications like phone cases, gaskets, and more

Each 3D filament is available in vibrant, high-quality multi-colours, helping you bring your 3D models to life just as you imagined. FilamentX is made in India and shipped across the country.

Conclusion:  

There are many 3D filaments available in the market, but choosing the right Filaments, like Filament X, can greatly improve your 3D print quality and reduce failures. FilamentX offers consistent thickness, fewer air bubbles, and a wide range of vibrant colours, helping you achieve smoother, stronger, and more precise prints.

With 25% more usable material per spool, FilamentX gives you better value and less waste. Whether you’re printing miniatures, prototypes, or functional parts, choosing a reliable 3D filament like FilamentX makes your 3D printing experience easier and more successful.