What Makes Filament Clear?

There are three major components that make up transparent filament, whether we’re talking about clear PLA filament or others 3D printer filament. In short, it will depend on the overall composition and purity of the base material used in the clear filament, meaning what particles and additives are used. The internal structure also plays a role when it comes to the manufacturing process, as the structure should be quite uniform and without pigmented materials.

And finally, when chasing clear 3D prints, it is also important that light is able to pass the transparent 3D printer filament uninterrupted. This depends on how light interacts with the material’s microstructure. The core principle lies in whether there are “light-scattering centers” inside the material, meaning that the light should not come into contact with a dense group of polymers or particles. Below is a quick table showing the characteristics necessary.

The base material used should be made up of amorphous polymers, as the microstructure (the molecules) will have a random arrangement. This makes it possible for light to flow through the filament without scattering and diffusing the light, thus keeping the 3D printed object transparent to a large degree. On the other hand, semi-crystalline polymers form compact microstructures that can have colored pigment for an opaque result.

The additives used in the transparent 3D filament are another important factor. Typically, manufacturers often use a range of different additives to enrich their filament with vibrant colors, add a fake wood look thanks to sawdust or metal flakes, etc. When it comes to the best transparent filament types, they don’t have dyes, fillers or matting agents included, as this will break up the light and make the object more opaque.

Now that you have selected a clear filament and loaded it into your printer, you will also need to control the printing settings for the best results. We cover this in more detail below, so for now, all you need to know is that each layer can become a small boundary in itself where the light can refract and reflect, which is the main issue people experience when trying clear 3D printing techniques.

How to Choose the Best Clear Filament?

To select the most suitable clear filament, you need to balance optical clarity, tensile strength and printability according to your project’s needs. PLA provides ease of use and printability, whereas PETG is more durable and has better optical clarity. However, printing with PETG has more complicated print parameters than printing with PLA.

Translucent PLA vs PETG​

Translucent PLA prints easily and consistently, making it ideal for beginners or projects where light diffusion is acceptable rather than true clarity. It retains detail well but traps more visible layer lines, limiting how transparent it can become even with post-processing.

Translucent PETG prints feature much stronger interlayer adhesion and can withstand higher temperatures and, when tuned properly for drying and other properties, may be much clearer. Although stringing and drying conditions must be more closely controlled on PETG prints than on other prints, PETG would be more desirable if a glass-like effect is desired.

Due to the differences in their molecular structures and the resulting different ways of light scattering, under normal printing settings, Translucent PLA looks more milk white, PETG is clearer.

What Can Clear 3D Printer Filament Be Used For?

A clear 3D printing filament is best suited for uses that require light transmission and transparency. It may be used for creating lenses and lighting cover-ups and as a decoration item, prototype model with hidden elements, container for various fluids, and artworks portraying glass and crystal.

In many functional scenarios, your detailed prints can also be utilized as housing enclosures, inspection tools for laboratories and engineering models that enable individuals to see through them to observe the internal structures of their part designs. When creating parts and when producing prints for design, using transparent filaments provides an aesthetically unique style that can be unlocked only with clear filaments, making them a great choice for these purposes.

Understanding your own intentions and the uses of the filament is the key to choosing the best clear filament.
If you need to print objects that can be used at room temperature indoors, choose PLA. If you need to print functional, tough, impact-resistant, shock-resistant objects that can be used at high temperatures, then PETG is a more suitable choice.

How to Improve Transparency in 3D Printing?

In 3D printing, optically clear objects mean managing moisture, printing parameters, material extrusion, and surface finishes. Small deficiencies such as micro-bubbles, layer lines, and layer adhesion can cause objects to appear cloudy and whitish due to deflected light pathways. These methods can be employed for optimal transparency and more glass-like objects.

Printing Settings

In 3D printing, optically clear objects mean managing moisture, printing parameters, material extrusion, and surface finishes. Small deficiencies such as micro-bubbles, layer lines, and layer adhesion can cause objects to appear cloudy and whitish due to deflected light pathways. These methods can be employed for optimal transparency and more glass-like objects.

Drying Filaments

This is the most important phase. Dehydration-sensitive materials such as PETG, TPU, and nylon tend to create micro-bubbles upon being exposed to heat. It is important to dry the materials prior to use and then package and seal them to prevent them from getting wet again.

Increase the Printing Temperature

A slight increase in the nozzle temperature above the normal range can be beneficial for bonding layers, which reduces internal voids, then light is more likely to pass in a straight line inside. Thereby increasing transparency.

However, too much heat can compromise the material properties and strength and thus lower transparency. Therefore, it is very important to control the temperature range, generally, +5~15℃.

Reducing the Printing Speed

By printing at a slower rate, you allow extra time for the filament to melt and flow completely, which improves the interlayer adhesion strength and creates a smoother, clearer surface finish. Slower printing also creates less internal stress on the filament and fewer bubbles trapped within the filament. It is recommended to set the printing speed at 20~40 mm/s and make adjustments based on the specific situation.

Increase the Layer Height

By setting your layer height to a range between 0.2 ~ 0.28mm, this ensures fewer layers overall that end up being printed, thus creating fewer spots on each item that light scatters when passed through your print. A larger nozzle with a range between 0.6 and 0.8mm ensures greater clarity is achieved on prints due to the thicker lines produced by your nozzle. However, it is crucial that the printing temperature be simultaneously raised and the printing speed reduced to ensure that these thicker material layers can be fully fused to form a uniform whole. Otherwise, merely increasing the size will instead make the printing defects more obvious.

Enable Spiralize Outer Contour (Vase Mode)

For single-wall prints without top layers, Vase Mode creates a continuous, seamless extrusion. This eliminates layer seams and discontinuities, dramatically improving optical clarity in hollow or display-only models. Following is a transparent PETG lampshade printed in vase mode.

Using Transparent or Glossy Printing Plates

A smooth, reflective build surface improves the clarity of the bottom layer and reduces surface haze. Clean the plate thoroughly to avoid artifacts that propagate upward through the print.

Enable “Minimum Retraction” or Disable Retraction

Retraction can create micro-defects, stringing, or small blobs, all of which are very visible in transparent materials. Reducing or disabling retraction minimizes these marks. If needed, combine this with good pressure advance calibration for consistent extrusion.

Reduce the Infill Density

And finally, lower infill allows more uninterrupted light transmission through the model. For maximum clarity, use low-density infill or print hollow parts when the design permits.

Post-Processing

The transparency of a print can be greatly improved after it has been printed. When using a method called post-processing, a clear print looks like a piece of glass, if you will. The post-processing methods below will help you do just that.

Sanding

Sanding with progressively finer grits of around 600 to 3000 grit size is another way to remove surface imperfections and layer lines. This way you can allow more light to pass through your 3D printed objects. You still need to keep an even surface finish when sanding, as an unevenly-sanded surface will create distortion in the final print.

Polishing

Polishing the print with a mechanical or manual process gives the surface its shine and removes any tiny scratches from the sanding process. In the process of polishing your print yourself, plastic-safe material polish works best.

Epoxy Coating

Applying a thin layer of clear epoxy resin will fill the micro-gaps between printed layers and create a smooth and glossy transparent finish for your printed part. In addition to creating a smooth finish, epoxies will increase the strength of the printed part.

Steam Polishing (ABS Only)

Using steam, acetone vapors can melt the top layer of your ABS print to smooth out the layer lines and create a glassy finish. To avoid melting your print too much or damaging intricate details, it must be done very carefully.
More post-processing information, please refer: 3D printing post-processing.

Conclusion

With the help of a quality setup and although at first it may seem difficult to achieve clear and clean 3D printed precision parts using clear filaments, clear models can definitely be produced. This guide should provide you with all the needed information to successfully create your preferred styles of prints. Happy printing!

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One of these is called ASA, which is short for acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, and this filament is amazing for use outside as well as for projects where you need a solid and robust material that can withstand a number of different environments and last a long time. So let us take a closer look at the ASA filament.

What Is ASA Filament

Many people consider ASA plastic filament to be an upgrade over ABS, as both materials share many of the same properties. Where they differ lies in the difference between the acrylate used in ASA and the butadiene used in ABS. The difference is particularly important when it comes to prints being exposed to UV light, such as from the sun, since butadiene is not really resistant to these rays.

ASA, on the other hand, is developed to be a highly resistant material, thanks to the graft polymerization process using acrylate rubber. So when it comes to UV radiation, it is tough in terms of handling weathering from the environment, and even chemical reactions. In short, ASA filament is a better option for most outdoor projects and a good replacement for prints that normally call for using ABS.

Properties of ASA in 3D Printing

We’ve briefly touched on the overall ASA filament properties when used for 3D prints. Let us take a closer look at the specifics with our detailed table, providing an easy overview, making it easy to figure out the best bed temperature when printing ASA, for instance.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ASA Filament

Given the properties seen above, we can discuss the pros and cons of using ASA filament in 3D models, and more easily figure out what applications and specific designs are best suited for this material.

Advantages

The main advantage over similar types, such as ABS, or even PLA and PETG, is that ASA has an exceptional resistance towards UV radiation and weathering. This not only impacts the discoloring which often happens with other materials, but it also means the overall strength of your models will stay in much better shape for a longer time.

And speaking of mechanical strength, ASA is great when looking at numbers for impact resistance and tensile strength, due to the shared similarities to ABS. You can easily use ASA in both your prototype designs as well as functional projects, without worrying whether it will last.

ASA also has a great glass transition temperature score of around 100°C, which means the material can withstand environments or exposure to high temperatures. In fact, it even outscores PLA which is known to be a great  choice in scenarios where this matters. As a result, ASA will not deform when inside a car on a hot summers day for instance, unlike many other materials.

There’s also something to mention when it comes to chemical resistance: ASA can resist degradation from many of the most typical chemicals in our natural world. Both acids and alkalis are no match for ASA, with oils and greases also having a tough time with the filament. But you can still easily sand, paint or even glue ASA materials, making post-processing easy.

Disadvantages

There are two main disadvantages when it comes to ASA in 3D printing applications. The first one is warping and shrinking, since the individual components together make for a material that can more easily warp or separate layers, thanks to the high temperature during printing with ASA. Experienced 3D printing hobbyists can remedy this by using a well-heated print bed and improve further by enclosing the printer.

The other potential issue is the ​ASA filament fumes produced when printing. ASA releases what is called styrene fumes, that not only smell strongly but can also be irritating for some people. It is recommended to print with good ventilation or filtration systems when using ASA, or at least print in a garage or shed and only briefly be present while the process takes place.

Tips of Printing ASA Filament

There are quite a few different manufacturers producing ASA 3D filament, making it difficult to provide instructions that will work well for all. Therefore, we have used Geeetech ASA 3D printer filament as our baseline, where we have spent time tweaking the values during printing to find a set of perfect ASA print settings:

ASA vs ABS

Many people tend to be indecisive between ASA and ABS, therefore we think it is fitting to briefly discuss the differences between ASA and ABS in 3D printing. We’ve also written a more extensive blogpost on this particular topic, which you can find here:  ASA vs. ABS: Which Is the Ultimate Value Champion in 3D Printing.

If you wish to just get the quick explanation, ASA is better for UV resistance. ABS will often turn brittle and lose color when outside, while ASA will stay stable. They both share similar properties when it comes to mechanical strength. Use ABS for indoor, functional parts where cost is a key factor. Choose ASA for any part that will be exposed to sunlight, rain, or variable outdoor conditions.

Neither ABS nor ASA is super easy to print with, especially when looking at something like PLA as an alternative. However, if you have the necessary setup both ABS and ASA can produce great results without much trouble. ABS filaments are slightly better in this aspect, as they do not warp nearly as much in general. ABS can also be a bit cheaper.

Applications

There are many different areas, hobbies and industries where ASA is a great material. Below we’ve provided a list of examples based on three different categories, but there are of course many others. And when all is said and done, it will ultimately depend on your own preferences and needs for the model and application.

Outdoor Applications

• Planters
• Irrigation parts
• Tool handles
• Exterior trim
• License plate holders
• Custom side mirrors
• Electrical enclosures
• Outdoor sensor casings
• Mounting brackets for solar lights
• Drone bodies
• GoPro mounts
• Outdoor signage

High Mechanical Strength and Heat Resistance Applications

• Functional prototypes
• Dashboard components
• Engine bay brackets
• Air ducts
• Router enclosures
• Raspberry Pi cases
• Power tool housings
• Custom jigs and fixtures
• Machine parts
• End-use functional components

Long-Lasting Required Applications

• Architectural models
• Custom tools and jigs
• Replacement appliance parts
• Laboratory equipment housings
• Educational models and kits
• Museum displays and replicas
• Outdoor furniture components
• Industrial parts subject to wear

Conclusion

Whether you’re an engineer, a hobbyist, or a product designer, learning ASA can provide a world of opportunities to build practical and weather-resistant 3D printed models. When looking at ABS vs ASA filament, both are powerful and versatile materials, but ASA additionally provides great weather resistance.

What Is TPU?

In short, TPU filament (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)  is a popular filament among hobbyists and pros alike to work with in their 3D printers, and is generally considered a user-friendly and cost-effective soft material. It is valued for its unique combination of rubber-like flexibility and plastic-like processability, which is ideal for use in a wide variety of situations and applications.

However, it also happens to be hygroscopic, meaning that it will pick up moisture from the air. You should be aware of this, because it not only impacts the way you should be dealing with the material, but also how much you need to take into consideration when storing your used TPU 3D printing filament.

If you want to learn more about TPU properties, answering questions such as “Is TPU Waterproof?” we have already written another article covering the filament in more detail here: TPU Filament Guide.

TPU’s Hygroscopic Properties

As mentioned above, TPU has hygroscopic properties, which make the material susceptible to moisture absorption. This is due to the overall chemical structure of the filament, and not something that can be avoided with TPU.

On a high level, you can think of TPU as a blend of hard and soft segments, which together provide both strength and flexibility to your 3D printed objects. However, this also creates “holes”, which in scientific terms are called polar sites that allow hydrogen to bond with the material.

Below, we have highlighted the TPU’s hygroscopic properties, and what the molecular structure looks like for the more scientific readers.

Strong Polar Chemical Bonds

• Urethane Linkage (-NH-COO-): It is the basic chemical bond that constitutes the polymer backbone, which has a high polarity.
• Carbonyl (C=O) and Amide (-NH-) Groups: These groups are very polar and have a natural affinity to water molecules.
  

Hydrogen Bonding Mechanism

• Water molecules (H₂O) are also strongly polar.
• Oxygen (O) and Nitrogen (N) atoms on the TPU chain form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds with hydrogen (H) atoms in water molecules, effectively “trapping” them.
  

How to Identify Moist TPU Filament

Alright, now that you know TPU can absorb moisture, how do you figure out whether it is good for use, or whether you need to dry it before using in your 3D printer? Luckily, there are a few things you can do to identify wet filament symptoms. Below we have listed 3 different signs so you can identify moist TPU filament.

1. Hearing cracking or popping noises from the hot-end while printing.
2. Formation of small bubbles inside the filament or defects on the surface of a printed part or model.
3. Wet or moist filament tends to feel tacky and/or brittle, losing some of its flexibility.
   

The most important point is number 3, that can be tested before you start printing with the filament. So try handling the TPU filament in your hand, and see if it feels sticky, or whether it might It feels stiffer and bounces back faster when bent than you remember. As you know, TPU is a rather flexible filament, so you should be able to bend it quite a bit before it snaps.

How to Prevent and Dry Moist TPU Filament

The best way to avoid any type of moist TPU 3D filament in your prints, is to store all your materials properly. Of course, if moisture has already occurred, we can also remedy it.
Generally speaking, there are two different methods that yield the most consistent results, while maintaining the flexible 3d filament properties.

Proper Storage

• Use airtight, moisture-barrier bags, such as vacuum-sealable bags with desiccant.
• Use dry storage containers.

There are also other options you can use, such as normal plastic bags with zip ties or tape ensuring a solid seal, although these are not as reusable and practical for frequent printing, and also more prone to failure.

Dry Filament

If you believe your TPU filaments might have trapped some moisture inside it, no amount of correct storage can fix the issue. You will instead need to manually extract the water by drying your TPU filament at home.

• Ideally you would use a professional filament dryer, as it is the most effective method. In this case the recommended TPU drying temperature settings are 50–60°C for 4–6 hours.
• Alternatively, you can sometimes get away with using your conventional oven, although this is more of a DIY hack and difficult to truly control the precise temperature. So be careful if you try this at home.

If you are printing quite often at home, it might be worth investing in a special filament drying machine, as they are becoming cheaper now that more people are using them, and can save you quite a bit of money and time in the long run.

On the other hand, if you would rather save your money, sometimes you can find 3D printing workshops and makerspaces in larger cities, that will have one you can use for a small fee, or even for free on occasion. This can be a good way to achieve dry filaments and test out the dry machines, and maybe even connect with other hobby enthusiasts!

More tips for storing and drying filament: How to Dry And Store 3D Printer Filament.

Conclusion

In the end, TPU is both a strong and flexible 3D printer filament, but the downside is that its hygroscopic properties make it prone to moisture absorption, which can quickly ruin a print. But this isn’t a lost cause.

If you know how to identify the warning signs of a wet filament and recognize that adequate filament storage is your first line of defense, the problem can become much easier to deal with. If moisture enters your filament, bear in mind that a filament dryer is worth the investment to guarantee your 3D prints will be reliable and of quality. A little preventative maintenance will keep your all-purpose TPU filament ready for your next great project.

Why Should We Recycle 3D Printer Filament?

Every print that fails halfway through, or creates extra string and other unwanted extrusions, adds to the big pile of wasted filament that often just gets thrown out in the trash. This is especially true for multi-color 3D printers, since we not only deal with support rafts and test cubes, but also purge blocks and filament switches generated during prints.

The Environmental Aspect

This leads us to use way more filament than we really need to, which in turn can create an environmental impact in the long run, especially when thinking of printers around the globe creating a significant amount of waste on a daily basis.

The Economic Aspect

Throwing away perfectly good plastic not only wastes money, leading us to buy more and spend more on the material we waste, but potentially drives up the cost through supply and demand chains.

The Educational Aspect

Finally, if you are printing with your children, it can be a great way to look at recycling 3D printer filament in order to educate them about how to take better care of the environment and how to respect our planet. So let us take a closer look at some different methods and programs below.

Recycling by Companies

Many 3D printing material manufacturing companies have their own recycling programs, where the recycled plastic filament will be remade into fresh filament ready to be used for printers or other purposes. This is called “recycled filament”, and can often be cheaper but still a great overall material.

Other plastic product companies also place plastic recycling bins in the community to specifically collect filament and other types of plastic that can be recycled safely and effectively, so there are a few great alternatives to simply throwing out your old filament in the trash bin directly.

Recycling at Home

Another way you can recycle filaments is if you are willing to put in some more work at home, where you can use different methods in order to achieve some good results that are environmentally friendly, sustainable and cost-effective filament recycling.  

Step 1: Sorting the waste filaments

Typically, you will want to sort your different types of filament based on the material, so ABS in one pile, PLA in another pile and so forth. Different types of materials cannot be mixed as they have different chemical makeups. Next, you can also sort by color if you like.

Step 2: Shredding

If you have a messy ball of old stringy material, or half a 3D print that failed for some reason, you will need to process this. Typically, it is done by shredding, by putting the printing waste into a 3d printer shredder and then breaking it into small pieces.

Your goal should be to get small and uniform fragments, as this will help you later on when you have to melt and extrude the wasted filament. Not everyone has the money for a specially designed shredder, so an alternative is a pair of scissors or wire strippers to cut up the plastic into smaller chunks.

Step 3: Drying

Before you are ready to manipulate the waste filament, you should first ensure it is free of any moisture. This is done by drying your filament poops or scraps which have been shredded by you, either using a dedicated filament dryer, or some of the easily available tools at home, like an oven (preferably with a convection fan), a rice cooker (on “keep warm” mode) or similar methods. Below you will find our recommended settings for dedicated dryer machines.

Dedicated filament dryer settings:

For safety reasons, only PLA is chosen for home recycling as it does not release any toxic fumes and so on.

Oven:
Spread the fragments on a baking tray (lined with parchment paper). Set the oven to its lowest possible temperature (typically no higher than 65-80°C ), and leave the door slightly ajar to release moisture. Bake for 30-60 minutes, watching closely to prevent melting.

Rice Cooker:
Place fragments in the pot, turn on the “keep warm” setting, and leave the lid slightly open with a chopstick for 4-6 hours.

Step 4: Extruding/Melting and Molding

Professional:

If you are printing often, and tend to collect large amounts of waste material, then it can be a good investment to purchase a special filament extruder, also known as a 3d printer filament recycler, to help you create recycled filament at home. This makes it easy and efficient, as the machine will simply need to be fed the processed 3D printing materials, then it will “spit out” the correct type of filament in terms of size and consistency.

Household:

However, due to the high price of filament extruder, it is not cost-effective for home enthusiasts that print only rarely, or anyone on a budget. Luckily, there are some a creative workarounds, namely melting and molding. By following the steps below, you can get some good results with a little practice.

1. Fill the plastic fragments into a can, no more than 1/3 full with PLA filament fragments.
2. Hold the can steadily over the heat source with your tongs. Constantly move the can to distribute heat.
3. The fragments will first soften (1-2 minutes), then clump together, and finally become a viscous, molten liquid. At some point you will see it bubbling, this is any remaining moisture boiling away. Once the bubbling mostly stops, you have a thick, honey-like liquid.
4. This entire melting process typically takes 3 to 6 minutes per small batch. Do not overheat until it smokes, as this degrades the plastic.

1. Now it is time to pour. Carefully pour the molten PLA into your silicone mold.

Step 5: Spooling & Cooling

Professional:

If you have invested in a filament extruder, you might have gotten a special cooling tank or some other gadget to help with the cooling and spooling process, as the extruded hot filament needs to be cooled and set immediately through a fan or water-cooling tank. After cooling, it is evenly wound onto the empty spool through a reel.

Household:

If you are doing this on a budget you can also get some good results with some care. First you need to let the mold sit undisturbed and cool down. Smaller amounts of filament will typically be cool to the touch and solid in 15-30 minutes. Larger objects may take over an hour. Do not try to demold early, as the plastic can be flexible but still soft. Once the material is cooled down you can demold.

Conclusion

This was a quick guide on how to recycle 3D printing filaments. We could go into much more detail with each step, so if you are unsure about anything be sure to research even further to learn the different techniques, or even watch a video or two so that you fully understand all the steps. We hope this guide helped, and made you think about all the wasted material next time you print. Take care!

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.
Learn more information about ASA filament: The Ultimate Guide to ASA Filament for Durable and Weather-Resistant 3D Printing.

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!