3D printing materials are the consumables a 3D printer works with, mainly filament spools for FDM machines and liquid resin for resin printers. Our range in this category currently holds one product, from Toshiba, so it suits buyers who already know which material their printer needs.
How to choose 3D printing materials
Printer type. Filament is made for FDM printers, which melt plastic through a heated nozzle, while resin is made for printers that cure liquid with light. The two are not interchangeable, so confirm which technology your printer uses before anything else.
Material type. PLA is the easiest to print and suits models, prototypes and décor. PETG is tougher and handles moisture better, ABS and ASA tolerate more heat but usually need an enclosed printer, and TPU is flexible for parts such as grips and seals.
Filament diameter. Most desktop FDM printers use 1.75 mm filament, and some use 2.85 mm (often sold as 3 mm). Check your printer's specification, because the wrong diameter will not feed through the extruder correctly.
Temperature requirements. Every material has a recommended nozzle and bed temperature range. Make sure your printer can reach it, particularly for materials such as ABS, nylon or polycarbonate, which need hotter settings than PLA.
Spool weight and storage. A 1 kg spool is the usual size for filament, and smaller spools are handy for testing a new material. Since our range here is a single product, check its listing for the material, diameter and weight before ordering.
Brands in our range
- Toshiba: a Japanese electronics manufacturer best known for storage drives, laptops and other computing products, and the only brand currently listed in this category.
If you need a different material or colour, it is worth checking back, as the selection in this category is small at the moment.
Frequently asked questions about 3D printing materials
Which 3D printing material is best for beginners?
PLA filament is the usual recommendation for beginners. It prints at relatively low temperatures, does not normally need a heated enclosure and warps less than ABS. Most FDM printers handle it without special settings.
Can I use any filament with my 3D printer?
No, you need to match the filament to your printer. Check the diameter (usually 1.75 mm), the temperature range your hotend and bed can reach, and whether the printer is FDM or resin. Filament cannot be used in a resin printer, and resin cannot be used in an FDM printer.
What is the difference between PLA and PETG?
PETG is generally tougher and more resistant to moisture and moderate heat than PLA, while PLA is easier to print and gives sharper detail. PETG tends to string more and needs slightly higher temperatures. PLA suits display models, and PETG suits functional parts.
How should I store 3D printing filament?
Keep filament in a sealed bag or airtight box with a desiccant, away from damp and direct sunlight. Many filaments absorb moisture from the air, which can cause bubbling, stringing and weak layers. Nylon and TPU are especially sensitive, so seal them after each print.
