What Is Filament? Understanding Its Role and Uses in 3D Printing

Definition

Filament in the context of additive manufacturing refers to the thermoplastic material used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers. It is typically supplied as a spool of thin, flexible plastic wire that is fed into the printer’s extruder, where it is heated to its melting point and then extruded layer by layer to build a three-dimensional object. Common types of filament include PLA (Polylactic Acid), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), and more specialized materials like TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and carbon fiber-infused filaments.

Explain Filament like I’m 5

Think of filament like a long piece of spaghetti, but made of plastic. A special machine melts the plastic spaghetti and uses it to draw pictures in the air, layer by layer, until it makes a whole toy or object.

Why does this matter?

Filament is crucial because it is the raw material that FDM 3D printers use to create objects. The type of filament you choose can affect the strength, flexibility, and appearance of the final product. Different filaments have different properties, making them suitable for various applications, from simple prototypes to functional parts.

Real Talk

While filament-based 3D printing is popular for its affordability and ease of use, it has its limitations. The quality of the final print can vary based on the type of filament used, and some filaments can be tricky to work with, requiring specific printer settings and conditions. Additionally, parts printed with filament can have visible layer lines and may require post-processing to achieve a smooth finish. Filament-based printing is great for many applications, but it’s not always the best choice for high-precision or high-strength needs.