Properties of 3D Filament for Outdoor Use

It is important to understand what properties 3D printer filaments should have when using them outdoors, as they will need to withstand the environment in ways that indoor models generally do not. Below we have listed some of the most important ones.

Weather Resistance

General resistance to the weather in your area is one of the most important factors, so if you live in an area with lots of sunlight, UV-resistant filament should be a priority for your 3D filaments. The same is true for temperature resistance, low or high, so certain filaments hold up better under cold conditions while other filament materials are more ideal for hot conditions. Finally, you’ll want to look at moisture and humidity as well as waterproof capability.

Mechanical Property

Depending on what your 3D print is used for, you might also want to ensure that the filament in question has a decent impact resistance, abrasion resistance or even long-term load-bearing capacity if you are using it to hold certain items in place (like brackets), as this will also narrow down your options of filaments.

Chemical Stability

And finally, some outdoor environments make it crucial for you to consider corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance, especially if you live near the ocean, where moisture, salt and pollutants from the sea can degrade your model, or harsher environments where the air quality and UV radiation might oxidize your models earlier than intended.

Comparison of Filaments Suitable for Outdoor Use

Below we have provided an overview of the main characteristics for each of the following 5 filaments, ASA, PETG, PC, Nylon and TPU. As well as some recommended application scenarios of these materials.

ASA Filament

As you can see in the table above, ASA filament is generally the best filament for outdoor use, as it works well for most scenarios.  ASA performs more stably in extreme climates. It has excellent UV resistance and is not prone to fading or becoming brittle even after long-term exposure to sunlight, and Good water resistance and excellent chemical resistance.
But its printing difficulty is relatively high, requiring a heated bed and a closed printing cabin. It is prone to curling edges. The cost of ASA filament is also relatively high, around $30/KG.

PETG Filament

Next up, we have PETG 3D printer filament which is not as temperature resistant, but is a great water safe 3D printer filament, making it a good option in climates where it often rains, as well as for garden utilities such as planter boxes or similar. The PETG UV resistance is also decent, but a little poorer than ASA. If your budget is not sufficient to choose ASA, or if your print is not used in extreme weather, PETG will be a more cost-effective option. And PETG’s threshold for printing skill is also lower than that of ASA.
Click here to buy PETG filament bundle.

PC Filament

The highest performing material for high temperature tolerance is polycarbonate filament and it can be a major determinant in specific situations. Generally speaking, this high temp 3D printer filament also does an excellent job of enduring most other elements as well and is an excellent choice for a wide variety of builds.

Nylon Filament

Nylon filament can be a great option for functional parts that are not directly exposed to water, as the water absorption property is a main downside of nylon as a material in many cases. It is considered quite a decent heat resistant 3D printer filament as well, making it applicable for a number of uses. There are also reinforced versions of nylon on the market that are chosen by outdoor enthusiasts.

TPU Filament

And finally, TPU filament is quite poor in terms of temperature resistance, and also not a great option for load-bearing projects. However even the lower point of 50°C is more than enough for outdoor use in most parts of the world, and the impact resistance property of TPU filaments is the best out of the filaments we have covered, making it great for parts or items needing that extra strength, and some flexible components (like outdoor water bottle sealing rings and garden faucet sealing rings) that can’t be printed by ASA, PETG and others strong 3d printer filament.

How to Improve Prints’ Outdoor Durability?

Now that we have categorized the properties of different 3D printing filaments for outdoor use according to the main factors playing a role in durability, it is worth noting that we also have the option of enhancing the durability even further with post-processing or when designing our models.

Post-Processing

Once your design is finished in the printer, you can further improve durability by spraying UV protective paint on your models in order to further increase their resistance to sunlight, and avoid them losing strength or fading as rapidly. In general this can be applied to all types of materials, but each type of filament might require a different product, so be sure to research what works for ASA or TPU for instance.

The same goes for waterproof coating that can make the models absorb less water, although this coating might need to be reapplied in extreme cases. You can also chemically smooth your prints in order to seal the layer lines, while also reducing the penetration of moisture, thus making your models last longer.

Optimization Design

No matter which filament you use on your 3D printer, you’ll always be able to choose to design your models with more material to make them stronger. For example, you may want to make the walls thicker so you’ll get more strength and resistance, and the models won’t degrade so easily as the extra layers will be slower to degrade over time naturally.

You should also consider avoiding water accumulation structures, as some designs might have pockets that catch water and let it sit, so design your models according to the environment in order to optimize and provide a longer lifespan.

Conclusion

All in all, we have many fantastic options for printing 3D models designed to be used outdoors, that can last a long time while also maintaining their structural integrity and beautiful surfaces. And by taking a little extra time to plan ahead and make sure you use the best possible filament, perform post-processing if needed and optimize the design to fit the environment, your designs can last for years without any issue. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something. Thanks for now!

ASA vs. ABS Filament: Composition

Before diving into details, let us first start with a few basics about ABS and ASA 3D filament. They are both what is known as ternary copolymers, which is a fancy way of saying both have 3 key monomers in their composition. However, the specific composition is slightly different, which provides different effects in your 3D printer.

ABS filament uses butadiene, which makes the filament and 3D prints tougher, and also provides impact resistance. ASA filament, on the other hand, uses acrylate as the third monomer, which improves weather and UV resistance, but makes the filament slightly less able to resist impacts (around 15% less resistant than ABS).

Both the ASA and ABS printer filaments use acrylonitrile and styrene in their compositions. This provides great chemical resistance and rigidity to your models, while also making them easy to process once printed. This means that the main difference is that ASA is great for outdoor use, while ABS is great for heavy duty prints.

ASA vs. ABS: Properties

Next, let us take a closer look at ABS vs. ASA filament properties in a table to get a quick and easy overview. As you can see below, they are both decent at heat and chemical resistance, with the main differences being in terms of strength, UV and weather resistance.

ASA vs. ABS: Printing

When it comes to printing with these two filaments, there are some slight differences in terms of settings, the optimal environments and potential issues. Again we have opted for a table to quickly list the differences between ASA and ABS filament. For instance, look at the difference between ASA and ABS print temperature in order to see how the different compositions change the printing settings.

As you can see, ABS is more likely to warp or crack when being printed and thus it is recommended to use a 3D printer with an enclosed chamber for the best results, but cooling is not necessary for most cases. Both filaments do well with ventilation due to the strong ASA filament ​fumes, and the printing temperature of ASA plastic material is usually 5 to 10 ℃ higher than ABS.

ASA vs. ABS: Performance of Prints

Once you have printed your 3D prints with either ASA filament or ABS 3D printer filament, it is also important to consider the performance due to the different properties. Post-processing is a key factor for many people, and both materials do fairly well in this regard, with ABS being the slight winner due to its particles are relatively soft than ASA.

ASA vs. ABS: Applications

While we have already touched on applications earlier, let us look in more detail at the best uses for ABS plastic filament and ASA filament. The rule of thumb is that ABS is best for indoor parts, while ASA is a great option for prints used outside.

Digging a little deeper, we often see examples of ABS parts being used in functional parts. This is because ABS is more suitable for printing indoor engineering components, as it has high strength but is not weather-resistant. Examples include items such as gears, housings, dashboards, electronics enclosures or even toys due to their durability and the fact that they are easy to clean up and post-process.

ASA has the same mechanical properties and offers better UV resistance, weather resistance and color stability, making it more suitable for outdoor applications. ASA filament is thus often used for outdoor signs, garden tools, light fixture housings, and even bumpers for cars or bikes on larger printers. They are also used for drone bodies and RC cars as the UV-resistance means they will not fade or turn yellow as opposed to ABS 3D printing filament.

Conclusion

In terms of service life, ASA 3D printer filament emerges as the big winner. It has superior weather resistant properties, makes for easy printing, and its long-term toughness makes it the smarter purchase for most applications, while it will cost a few dollars more initially. If your printed models are only designed to be used indoors and you desire the highest amount of strength and resistance possible, ABS remains a quality, economy-priced option. So here’s our tip: choose ASA for versatility and long-term life, and then choose ABS for budget ruggedness.

What Is PETG Metal Filament?

As we’ve briefly mentioned in the introduction, 3D printing filaments using PETG and metal are a special type of PETG 3D printer filament which combines the durability and easy printing properties that PETG offers, while also blending metal powders (often bronze, copper, steel or iron) into the composition.

This combination produces a strong yet flexible and chemically resistant material that looks amazing and also weighs a bit more, which makes it feel more like real metal due to the added metal powder.

Highlights of PETG Metal Filament

One of the most desired and unique benefits of metal filament compared to standard PETG filament is, of course, the metallic luster and texture that is achievable on a home printer. While it will never touch like a 100% metal product, it still looks realistic and very nice for the low cost and easy printability.

Another thing worth highlighting is the great layer adhesion and durability, which is thanks to the PETG composition, allowing the metal powder to add weight and more quality while still providing a solid and more flexible 3D print than PLA and ABS that performs as you would expect from PETG due to the overall great mechanical performance.

The metal 3D filament also makes it able to withstand harsh weather and is even anti-corrosive. You can even perform post-processing on PETG metal filament as you normally would, such as grinding, electroplating and coating, further enhancing the metallic filament texture.

Print Settings and Some Challenges

While you probably need to change the temperatures slightly compared to normal PETG (more on this down below), the overall filament is compatible with almost all FDM printers, and thus a great option for people looking for a heavier and more premium feel to their newly printed objects.

Recommended Print Settings

We have spent quite some time working on tweaking the settings in order to get the best results using the metal 3d printing filament. Below are what we have come to the conclusion that provide a great starting point for most standard FDM printers out there when using metal 3D printer filament​. Remember that you might have to adjust some settings, but this should get you started.

Print Challenges

There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to print with this material, as the metal part of the metal filament will need some consideration out of the ordinary, the main one being PETG temperature settings.

Avoid Printing at an Too High Temperature

The primary thing to remember, is that you should most likely adjust the PETG printing temperature slightly lower than you would for other PETG filaments. During our own tests, we initially printed the object at a 255°C setting. However, the result was not satisfactory, as the final print appeared rough with bubbles and stringing. It was not until we lowered the temperature to 230°C that the situation began to improve.

It is worth noting that although our printing parameters are suitable for most cases, we still recommend that you print a temperature tower first to determine the printing temperature that is most suitable for you, because different brands of 3D printers have different characteristics.

Never Neglect the Humidity

Another key thing to keep in mind, is that because Geeetech’s PETG metal filament has metal powder added to the composition of the material, the moisture absorption capacity is slightly higher than standard PETG. Therefore, it is generally necessary to dry filament that has already been opened previously, at 80° for around 4 to 6 hours before printing.  

Result Show Time

Below you can see some of the results we ended up with after dialing in on the best 3D printer settings for the metal PETG 3D filament, where you can see the beautiful metal luster and powder dust shining through the objects.

Notice how there are no more bubbles or stringing thanks to the improved settings. These 2 screws are ready to be used, or you could even post-process them slightly to get rid of the tiny layer artefacts and further improve the visual appearance.

This hand vise turned out quite well, and we can now use it as part of our tool collection thanks to the strong mechanical properties of the PETG. Not only that, it also emits a metallic luster, which is particularly noticeable under the light.

You don’t have to print objects that are going to be used for their mechanical strength. The results are also amazing when trying out decorative objects, such as this statue that imitates a metallic copper printed by Geeetech brown PETG metal filament, looking great effect.

Our final piece to showcase for this article came out extraordinarily well. Just look at those sharp edges and the overall unique sheen and metallic texture. If given some post-processing and polish, this will look even more incredibly beautiful as a decorative piece! Let’s learn more about Geeetech’s new arrival Green PETG metal filament.

Conclusion

Thanks to the combination of the easy-to-print and sturdy PETG polymer and the different types of metal powder, you can create some really unique and beautiful 3D prints that will surprise anyone you show them to. And since you can also work on them afterwards like with any normal filament, you can create functional objects such as tools or mechanical parts or even decorative objects that look great on your bookshelf, or perhaps can be given as gifts!

Definition of TPE and TPU

The scientific names for these two materials are thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). While they might sound similar, they have some unique differences that make them great for different 3D printed objects and parts.

What Is TPE

TPE  is the name given to a broad category of materials that use thermoplastics. Many subgenres of materials stem from the umbrella term, such as TPU, TPV, SEBS and more. Therefore, all of these materials share some common features, such as elasticity, while still being machinable due to the plastic elements. TPE is often used for phone cases or gaskets for instance due to the soft and flexible properties.

What Is TPU

TPU is a filament that actually branches off TPE filaments, which is produced by cross-linking the chemical structure in a very specific manner. This results in a semi-rigid material that has excellent wear resistance and is extremely durable. It is typically less soft than TPE, but lasts better. Because of these properties, TPU is an excellent material for tires or protective equipment.

Technological Process of Production

Both materials are produced in a somewhat similar manner, since both materials are made by melting and shaping the material into 3D printing filaments. However, TPE is made super soft and bendable by adding more raw materials with rubber properties, while TPU is made stronger and tougher by adding a special mix of chemicals.

Key Differences Between TPU and TPE Production

Looking at the chart below, we have highlighted a few of the key differences between the two processes for creating TPU and TPE filaments. And looking at the scale, it is clear that thermoplastic polyurethane filament is better if you require a wear-resistant product, while TPE is better for more bendable objects.

Properties: TPE VS TPU

Below we have provided another table for a quick overview of the different properties of TPE and TPU 3D print filament, which are both popular materials. Use this to guide your next design, based on which properties you wish your object to have.

Comparing the properties of both materials, it is clear that there are some applications that might be better suited for one over the other. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is typically easier printing with TPU, which you can learn more about in this TPU Filament Guide blog post.

Recycling: TPE VS TPU

Many consumers are increasingly concerned with sustainability, and being able to safely recycle the 3D printing filaments is a great additional bonus for any hobby enthusiast who cares about the environment.

TPE is generally a bit easier to recycle, as it can be melted down and extruded into new filament for instance. TPU is recycled through a more mechanical process, and therefore should be sorted and separated correctly before being disposed of.

Both filaments can be reused for other products, so there is no difference in the final waste. Recycled TPU is often used as a material for insulation, industrial parts or even flooring. TPE has a wider application as recycled materials can be used in many different consumer goods.

Applications: TPE VS TPU

Looking at TPE vs TPU by exploring their applications is a great way to apply what we have learned about the TPE and TPU 3D printer filament properties.

TPU is used for many different soft yet durable products, such as phone cases, footwear, shoe soles, gaskets, seals, automotive parts, medical devices, flexible hoses and sports equipment. These objects can be expected to last a long time, while also being flexible enough to be useful for the purpose.

TPE is also used for phone cases, however, they generally are a bit less protective, but due to their better flexibility, they can fit the phone even better. Other uses are toys, hoses, tubing, seals, straps, insoles, grips for equipment and more.

Conclusion

Whether you wish to print with filament made from TPU material or TPE material, you should always consider the overall properties of each type, and how you will use your printed object once it is completed.

TPU 3D filament lasts longer and is better for outdoor use, while TPE filament is better suited for softer products that should be safe for children or perfectly fit another product or object requiring high conformity. But as a material for 3D printing, TPE is harder to print than TPU. TPU is more suitable for beginners. Regardless of what you choose, both materials are safe for the environment and great options. Happy printing!

What Is ABS Filament?

Before we get to deep into the specifics and settings, let us first make sure we are on the same page regarding ABS 3D printer filament and what it actually is. In short, ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is a thermoplastic material that many of us already know well, since it is among other things what the world famous LEGO blocks are made of.

Therefore, it is a safe material that has been tested over many decades. It provides great strength properties that lends itself well to many applications, and it is also highly resistant to heat, making it a solid contender for prints that should not deform due to heat. Furthermore, you can drill and sand the heat resistant 3D printer filament as well, and even use acetone for a clear and smooth finish. Geeetech filament uses enhanced versions of the basic ABS material, known as ABS+ filament which is even better for 3D printing with the improved overall properties.

ABS Print Settings

In order to help you make the most of your 3D filament, and answer common questions, such as what temperature does ABS print at, we have made a quick overview in the table below. Use this as a starting point for your ABS 3D printing projects, but feel free to modify the values if you believe it will work better. These settings have been extensively tested with our very own Geeetech filament ABS+, which allows for optimal 3D printing with ABS plastic projects.

What Support Material Is Required for ABS?

Since ABS is an extremely strong and tough material, sometimes it can be difficult to remove the self-supports when printing those with ABS as well. Instead, some users use specialized support materials like PVA, HIPS or Breakaway Supports in combination with the ABS plastic filament, in order to get the best of both worlds. See the table below for inspiration.

Post-processing

One of the major advantages of using ABS filament for your 3D prints, is the ABS temperature resistance properties, that allows for many different post-processing techniques without ruining the look or compromising the structure of your newly printed models.

Applications

In order to provide you with some inspiration for what is possible using ABS 3D printing techniques, we have gathered some very different ideas below, to help you get started with your next project or just inspire you for your own designs. All of these are made by 3D printing with ABS plastic.

Car Interior Panel

BMW provides MINI owners with personalized interior customization services.Owners can choose different patterns and colors of interior panels according to their personal preferences, which are manufactured and loaded into the car through rapid 3D printing.

ABS 1/4 inch Barbed Connector

This filament is also great for DIY connectors for your garden hose or other similar types of equipment and tools. Due to the strength and heat resistance, it can be used for many years outside without issue.

Wheel for your office chair

Have you ever had to throw out your favorite chair because one of the wheels broke? Or perhaps you just want to save some money and not purchase a replacement wheel? Then ABS can help you out as well! Look online for different designs that are universally adaptable to any chair.

Phone stand

ABS is also a great option for a phone stand, as the durable and solid material will not bend or flex, making it the perfect companion for late night binge-watching, or perhaps as a holder for your video shoots.

Conclusion

ABS is one of the best 3D printer filament types currently available to consumers, as it offers many different advantages and allows for durable, heat-resistant, and versatile prints. As long as you use the correct 3D printer filament settings, and optionally use our ABS+ filament, then you will get perfect results every time!

What Is Marble PLA?

As the name suggests, the PLA filament itself is made out of PLA, but where the magic happens is with the addition of fine marble powder, which is essentially crushed real marble stones. This produces a unique look and results in a stone filament.

The Properties of Marble PLA

Marble filament shares a number of aspects with regular PLA, but also has some significant differences. In order to find out whether marble 3D printer filament is for you, please refer to the table below in order to learn more.

If you want to know more comprehensive PLA properties, please refer to our other blog post: How to choose the best 3d printing PLA filament?

How to Print with Marble PLA?

At Geeetech we love experimenting with different types of filament and optimizing the print settings to achieve the best results. We have used Geeetech Marble filament in order to find the below settings to produce some beautiful prints without compromising on quality, durability or printing time.

It is important to note, that since Marble PLA filament contains actual marble particles, there can sometimes be issues with clogging during printing. Furthermore, the nozzle itself is also put under more stress due to these particles, which is why we recommend a sturdy metal nozzle that can be cleaned repeatedly, and which will not be damaged as easily.

A few users printing with other brands of marble PLA have also experienced issues with layer adhesion due to clogged nozzle, where the typical suggestion would be to increase the nozzle size to 0.06mm. However, during our tests with Geeetech Marble PLA, we found that our own brand of filament works just fine with a nozzle size of 0.04mm.

What Is Marble PLA Filament Used for?

This unique stone PLA filament is typically used in designs where there is a decorative element involved, since it produces a realistic-looking marble texture and effect. Therefore it is especially useful for statues and busts, where you can recreate famous sculptures and art pieces that have been digitally scanned and made available, to create your own mini museum.

Alternatively, you can use it for architectural models and miniatures that also benefit greatly from the unique texture. As seen in the images below, the details and fidelity that regular PLA offers are still visible with marble filament, allowing for highly detailed prints that work great no matter the size of your print.

We also recommend that you try geological models of terrain and topology, perhaps an aerial shot or height map of your hometown, for a unique and personalized print that can decorate your favorite area of your home.

Conclusion

Marble PLA is a great 3D printer filament that can be used to achieve a realistic-looking print, resembling real stone found in nature. It is relatively easy to use in your existing 3D printer, as long as you follow a few guidelines. If you are planning to print with this filament a lot, you might want to invest in a metal nozzle to keep your printer running without issues. Thanks for reading!

What Is TPU Material?

TPU is a thermoplastic 3D filament that is known for its transparency, elasticity and flexibility, as well as being resistant and durable. It is closely related to TPE which is one of the most used types of plastics for consumer products. For an in-depth discussion on the two, please read another blog: TPE VS TPU.

TPU filament does require a bit more attention to detail when choosing 3D printer settings, but other than that, it is a great filament to work with.

The Properties of TPU

Below, you will find an overview of some of the properties that make up TPU filament. Hopefully, this will guide you in the right direction when considering whether TPU is a good fit for your specific print design in the future.

If you want to know how the properties of TPU compare to other types of materials, please refer to our other blog where we have an overview of the most popular types of 3D printing filaments: The Different Types of 3D Printer Filament.

How to Print with TPU?

When it comes to using TPU Geeetech filament or other types of 3D filament made of TPU, it is worth reading up on the best settings to print TPU properly. It is known to be a little trickier than printing with PETG or PLA, so be sure to read the details below, and refer to any other settings on your specific filament.

Applications

TPU filament is commonly used in many different applications and areas.  Due to the flexibility of TPU 3D printer filament, it is often used to print objects and designs that can move or stretch a little during use. So if you are looking for ideas to print with TPU 3D filament, then keep reading for some inspiration and practical applications.

Industrial Products

For instance, it is a popular material for producing gaskets, seals and bushings for cars and other mechanical products. Tires for toy cars and robots are another popular application for this material, as the rubber-like quality is a perfect fit for wheels and more.

You can also print some great phone cases and tablet covers with TPU as the shock-absorbing properties work well in this case. It is also widely used in the medical industry, where the softness is great for making braces or splints, ergonomic tools and more.

Consumer Products

TPU filament is also an excellent option if you want to print consumer products, especially those for children. TPU soft printing is a great technique, where you can print flexible figurines and soft toys that are safe, durable, and child-friendly.

It is also great for sports and recreational equipment, such as shoe soles, cleats and grips for sports gear like bike handles and racket grips. Not only is TPU flexible and soft to the touch, but it is a non-toxic material that is resistant to wear and tear, and can withstand being outside conditions.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this quick guide to TPU 3D printer filament has helped you learn more about the properties, the best settings to print TPU with, and given you some inspiration for specific types of prints you can design and enjoy with this material.
While it is not the most common or popular material in general, it is certainly one of the best when it comes to specific types of products that require a combination of flexibility, durability and impact resistance.

With this article, we will cover the basics of storing 3D printer filament, including filament dry bags, mention some of the best vacuum storage bags, storage boxes and more. So if you are looking for filament storage ideas keep reading. Enjoy!

Why Should You Keep Filament Dry?

Most filaments can absorb moisture from humidity in the air and other environmental factors, which can lead to many different issues once the filament is heated up and used in your 3D printer.

Such common problems can be stringing or oozing, where the 3D filament fails to adhere properly once it comes out of the nozzle. You might also have issues with the layers being inconsistent as the moisture can have an impact on the way the material cools down and settles.

There can also be issues with the final prints having blobs or zits that protrude out from the layers, as the air will create small bubbles that can ruin the look and texture of the models. In some cases, people even have problems with the nozzle clogging due to the extra moisture.

Finally, depending on how badly the filament has been affected by the moisture, some models might even be less durable and can even have a cloudy or hazy look to the exterior, that can not easily be fixed by polishing the models. So it is important to keep your filament dry if you want the best results every time.

How to Dry Wet Filament?

If your 3D filament has been exposed to moisture and is causing issues, you can often salvage it by carefully drying it. There are various 3D printer filament drying methods available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Desiccant

Storing your 3D filament in airtight boxes goes a long way in keeping your filament ready to use. And if you add desiccant bags to your boxes, they will not only keep already dry filament good but can even help remove excess moisture from the already damaged filament. It will take some time, however, so if you are in a hurry and want to print soon, keep reading below.

Dryer

Next, you can also use a 3D filament dryer. These are commercial machines that typically take a single roll of filament at a time, and dries the material effectively. They allow for better control over the temperature and other options for different types of filament, such as PLA, ABS and so on, allowing you to set the perfect PETG drying temperature every time. You can even use the dryer to store your filament rolls when not in use.

Oven

Finally, using your basic oven at home can be a quick and easy solution to dry wet filament, but it will be more risky and less precise. Typically you will set the temperature around 50-60 degrees Celsius, in order to remove the moisture and avoid melting the plastic polymers. You can keep the oven door slightly open and stick in a thermometer to make sure the temperature stays correct. It should be heated this way for 1-4 hours, depending on the amount of moisture and types of material.

How to Store 3D Printer Filament Properly?

You can make use of specialized PLA filament storage containers, vacuum bags or more, in order to keep your filament properly sealed to nip wet in the bud and avoid having to make use of 3D printer filament drying methods ( excess drying work ).

Vacuum bag

A vacuum bag is an effective solution to keeping your 3D filament rolls safe and sound. They come with a small hole in the bag, and a suction pump that will remove all the air from inside once you have sealed the top.

This way no air will get in or out, ensuring that your filament keeps dry. It is important to only add 3D printer filament that is already dry, as the vacuum bags will not also remove any moisture that is already present in the rolls.

These can be reused and cleaned for many years and make a great addition to your cart, especially when purchasing more Geeetech filament. They are easy to use and the transparent bags makes it quick to see which roll you want to use next.

DIY storage box

Next up we have a DIY filament storage box that you can design yourself. The basic principle behind these boxes, is to have an airtight/sealed lid that prevents air from entering or leaving. You can buy premade containers for food, or make your own special prints.

On top of that, you can find designs from 3D model websites that include access points that make it easy to use when printing, without removing the individual rolls from their storage units. Some designs even include humidity sensors that can alert you if anything is critical.

Conclusion

That wraps up this article where we covered some different filament storage ideas, that you hopefully can make use of in the future. We also hope to have inspired you to try one of the 3D printer filament drying methods that we mentioned, in order to save your existing materials. Have fun and happy printing!

What Is Resin 3D Printing?

As the name suggests, this technology uses resin for printing 3D models. The resin is liquid when printed, but will become hardened once the print is finished and subjected to UV lights.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Resin 3d printing works make it possible to achieve very good results when it comes to precision and specific details. This is because each new printed layer will blend well with the previous ones.

However, the technology is not as quick compared to other methods such as plastic or polymer filaments. And the cost for the resin also tends to be higher per weight unit. Some types of resin are also toxic or dangerous to handle without proper care.

What Is Filament 3D Printing?

This is the type of 3D printer material that most people are familiar with. It uses some form of filament, which can be made from a wide variety of different ingredients. For instance, Geeetech filament is biodegradable, safe for coming in contact with food, and suitable for extreme temperatures.

Advantages and Disadvantages

On the positive side, the technology is well developed now, with high production efficiency resulting in effective cost control, so you can find cheap 3D printing filament.

That being said, there are also some possible things to consider, such as the slightly worse precision and details for FDM printing. The surface can sometimes require people to sand or smooth it for a more polished finish.

Comparison of Resin and Filament 3D Printing

Below you can see an overview of both Resin 3D printing and FDM printing. We have compared both methods on a number of different aspects.

Print Operation

Overall Filament 3D printing is easier for people to use. It does not require a complicated process with the resin vat, UV curing and chemical cleaning.

FDM printers are also easier to maintain over time, and they are less messy since plastic filament is easy to handle compared to liquid resin.

Print Speed

One of the main advantages of FDM printers is their greater speed. In general, 3D printing can be quite slow, especially for larger objects. So, having roughly twice the speed can save users many hours and even days or months over the long run.

Print Quality

Maintenance of Resin vs Filament 3D Printer

Overall it is easier to maintain an FDM printer due to the less amount of upkeep required, along with lower maintenance costs and not needing to replace mechanical parts over time.

Applications

Conclusion

To conclude, 3D printing liquid resin models can deliver more precision and detail, at the cost of a more expensive model, slower production and overall more care and maintenance involved. It is still a viable option if you need the best quality possible or want to sell your items for the highest price possible.

Filament 3D printing is the best option when it comes to prototyping your own 3D printed designs and models, giving you quick and cheap results compared to Resin printing. The 3D printing machine types on the market are also cheaper and have fewer replacement parts needed.

If you are also seeking the answers, let’s dive into the most common and popular types of 3d printing filament here together and impress your friends and family by getting perfect prints every time!

PLA Filament

With PLA, you can expect to see many different colors, as the filament is easy to customize. Moreover, PLA variants have emerged to meet growing aesthetic demands. You can even find filament that looks like wood grain, marble stone or comes with a glossy silky finish.
Click here to explore the magic of silk PLA.

What Is PLA?

We recommend this type of 3D printer filament if you are looking for the best overall material or for your first print. If you are a beginner, PLA filament is a great choice; it requires no special printer settings and can be used for most types of prints that you find on common 3D model websites, and it is even widely recommended as “the easiest 3D printing material to print”.

The Properties of PLA Filament

You can also decide whether PLA suits your needs by assessing the required performance properties of the object that you want to print.

PETG Filament

Next on the list is PETG filament, which is easier to print than ABS and more durable than PLA.
If your printing skills have advanced from the new level, I will recommend PETG to you. You can find transparent filaments or glossy filaments with color, depending on what you prefer. An advantage here is that it can be in contact with food.

What Is PETG?

PETG(Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is often used in 3D prints designed to be placed outdoors. This is because the impact of the sun or temperature changes does not affect PETG as much as other types of filament. And more, PETG combines the key advantages of PLA’s printability and ABS’s durability.

The Properties of PETG Filament

PETG’s properties strike a balance between PLA and ABS.

ABS Filament

ABS filament is often overlooked by people due to the pungent smell and high temperature requirements during the printing process.
But for special types of prints, such as high-heat-resistant automotive parts, Impact-resistant Lego pieces and so on, ABS is the best choice. Once you try it, you will be impressed by its remarkable heat resistance, impact toughness, mechanical strength and chemical stability. Read more below about its properties and uses.

What Is ABS?

ABS filament is made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. When using ABS filament, you will get results that are able to stretch during printing, making it optimal for vase mode and other similar settings on your 3D printer. It gives you long-lasting prints that are durable.

The Properties of ABS Filament

Here are core properties of ABS.

TPU Filament

TPU filament is not used as frequently as some of the other filaments on our list, because of compatibility constraints, compared to the more commonly used Bowden Extruder on the market, TPU requires the Direct Drive Extruder for printing as it can more precisely control the retraction.
For applications where you need it to be soft or bendable, TPU can be an amazing option.

What Is TPU?

TPU can be used to make flexible and pliable parts such as connectors, belts, springs, phone covers, etc. The highly flexible material makes it possible to make prints with soft rubber properties, resulting in a flexible and elastic print.

The Properties of TPU Filament

People are often attracted by the softness of TPU.

Which 3D Printer Material Is Right for You?

We made a comprehensive comparison as below:

Please keep in mind, that you are free to experiment and try out new combinations. This is just a guideline.

Which Material Is the Most Eco Friendly?

PLA is the clear winner here. It also uses less heat and therefore wattage for printing.

What Size 3D Print Filament Is Most Commonly Bought?

Typically, older 3D printers use a thicker filament, but newer technology has become more precise over the years, so 1.75 is now the standard.

Conclusion

The tables above mainly used reference products from Geeetech filament types, so different manufacturers might vary slightly in their values. All in all, the options above are considered among the most used for 3D printing filament types around the world and offer great value for money and print quality. Hope you have found your right 3d printing filaments after reading the article.