The world of FDM 3D printing filaments is vast and constantly expanding. From simple PLA printing to fibre-reinforced technical materials, choosing the right filament is crucial to the success of any project. In this comprehensive guide, we look at all the main materials available, their properties and ideal applications.
The basic materials
PLA (polylactic acid)
PLA is the most popular and easy-to-print filament. Derived from renewable resources, it does not require a heated plate (although recommended at 50-60 °C) and prints at 190-220 °C. Ideal for aesthetic prototypes, models and decorative objects. Limited by low heat resistance (around 60 °C) and brittleness. Available in a huge variety of colours and finishes: silk, matt, glitter, galaxy, wood-fill and many others.
PETG (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate)
PETG offers an excellent balance between ease of printing and performance. It prints at 220-250 °C with a plate temperature of 70-85 °C. More durable and flexible than PLA, with good chemical and heat resistance (around 80 °C). Ideal for functional parts, covers, containers and components exposed outdoors.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
Industrial-derived material with excellent thermal (approx. 100 °C) and mechanical resistance. Requires closed chamber, flat at 90-110 °C and good smoke ventilation. Can be sanded with acetone vapour. Ideal for technical parts, shells and components subject to heat.
Technical materials
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)
ASA is often described as a UV-resistant ABS. It offers similar mechanical properties to ABS but with excellent weathering resistance, making it perfect for outdoor applications. It requires similar printing conditions to ABS.
PA / Nylon (polyamide)
Nylon offers exceptional mechanical strength, flexibility, wear resistance and good chemical resistance. It is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and requires drying before printing. It prints at 240-270 °C with a closed chamber. Ideal for gears, mechanical parts and high-strength components.
PC (polycarbonate)
Polycarbonate is among the strongest filament materials available. It offers exceptional impact resistance, transparency and heat resistance up to 140 °C. It requires high temperatures (260-310 °C) and a closed chamber. Used for functional prototypes, lenses and structural components.
TPU / TPE (thermoplastic polyurethane)
Flexible filaments such as TPU and TPE allow elastic parts, rubbers and seals to be moulded. Hardness varies from very soft (Shore A 60) to semi-rigid (Shore A 95+). They require direct drive extruders and low printing speeds. Ideal for protective covers, seals, soles and cushioning parts.
Composite and filled materials
Carbon or glass fibre filled filaments offer superior stiffness and strength. Available in PLA, PETG, PA and PC, they are ideal for lightweight structural parts. Wood-fill, metal-fill and stone-fill filaments contain wood, metal or stone powders for unique aesthetic finishes. They require reinforced hardened steel nozzles to resist abrasion.
Support materials
For multi-material prints with complex geometries, soluble backing materials such as PVA (water-soluble, for PLA and PETG) and BVOH (water-soluble, more rapido than PVA) allow media to be removed without leaving marks, resulting in perfect surfaces.
How to choose the right filament
The choice depends on the specific application. For aesthetic prototypes, choose PLA. For general purpose functional parts, PETG. For thermal and mechanical resistance ABS or ASA. For outdoor applications ASA. For flexible parts, TPU. For maximum mechanical resistance, Nylon or PC. For lightness and rigidity, fibre-filled composites.
The filament offer DHM-online
On DHM-online you will find one of the widest selections of filaments for 3D printing in Italy, with brands such as Formfutura, AzureFilm, ColorFabb, TreeD Filaments, DSM, NinjaTek, 3DXTech, Lehvoss, Bambu Lab and many others.
Each product is accompanied by technical data sheets and recommended printing parameters. Filter by material, colour, diameter and brand to find exactly what you are looking for.
