Filaments are everything when you’re 3D printing an object. Your entire product comprises of these filaments. You get to choose from an array of options which include color, texture, material and style.
Instead of randomly picking up filaments as and when you see it, it’s important to have an insight about how each filament differs from the other.
So, get to know the 5 things that you need to look into before buying a 3d printer filament.
1.WHAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR PRINTER?
Once you’ve purchased a printer the next step would be getting the perfect filament.
Some printers are not compatible with certain filaments.
For example, You cannot use a printer which has no heating bed for ABS since it is susceptible to warping. Get the filament which perfectly accentuates your printer. To learn more about pla vs abs check out this article.
2.FIND OUT THE TRAITS
Each filament varies from the other in terms of shape, texture, colour etc. If you want a prototype which has a sturdy/tough exterior, ABS would be recommended. But if you’re a hobbyist trying to make day to day objects, PLA would suffice.
So depending on how thick or how flexible you want your product to look, you need to choose a filament likewise.
3.POST PROCESSING
Few products made using certain filaments cannot be post processed. That is, further beautification might damage its overall outlook if tampered with.
So depending upon the application it is made for, the filament fitting the needs of the same should be carefully chosen.
4.LIFETIME
Certain filaments degrade with age. But, certain filaments serve for a lifetime. Then again, it depends of what you’re making out of it.
Prototypes are usually kept only for a short period of time before manufacturing it on a large scale. SO, customers might not invest in filaments lasting longer than few months to years.
5.COLOUR AND PACKAGING CONDITIONS
While purchasing neutral/natural coloured filaments, the filament cost is cheaper as it does not include the colouring costs. Whereas the the coloured filaments tend to be a little more expensive but it is easy to for setting up your printer while using a coloured filament in contrast to the neutral coloured filaments.
As far as packaging is concerned, the filaments come in reels or coils. But reels are more favourable as it is easier to use but it weighs more when reeled up and hence it might affect the packaging and shipping costs. Coils are less expensive and can be used while getting small quantities of plastic filaments.
CONCLUSION
These are few of the things to keep in mind while purchasing or narrowing down to a particular filaments. Choosing a bad 3d printer filament can damage your printer. More over, time is as precious as money and we wouldn’t want to waste either.
