This category covers plastics and extras for 3D printing, from filament and resin to 3D pen supplies and add-ons for desktop machines. It suits hobbyists, makers and small workshops that need to restock or try new materials. Brands in our range include 3DOODLER, ANYCUBIC, ELEGOO and QIDI.
Product types are mixed, so check each listing for the exact material or accessory.
How to choose plastics and extras for 3D printing
Material type. Filament is for FDM printers, which melt a plastic strand, while resin is for LCD or DLP printers that cure liquid in layers. The two are not interchangeable, so start with the kind of printer you own. Within filament, PLA is the easiest to print, PETG is tougher and handles more heat, and TPU is flexible.
Printer compatibility. Check the nozzle temperature, heated bed and enclosure requirements of the material. ABS and similar plastics usually need a heated bed and an enclosed chamber to avoid warping, while PLA runs on almost any machine. For resin, confirm that it suits the light source of your printer, as most consumer resin printers use UV light at around 405 nm.
Diameter and spool size. Most desktop FDM printers take 1.75 mm filament, and a few use 2.85 mm, so confirm this before ordering. A 1 kg spool is the usual size, and it is worth checking that your printer's spool holder fits it. Buying a few smaller spools is a sensible way to test colours or new materials.
Intended use. Display models, prototypes, functional parts and pen drawing each call for different properties. Choose a rigid, easy-to-print plastic for general models, and a heat-resistant or flexible one only when the part needs it. If you are buying for a 3D pen, make sure the plastic strands are the type that pen uses.
Brands we carry
- 3DOODLER: known for 3D pens, which draw with heated plastic strands, so its supplies suit freehand work rather than printers.
- ANYCUBIC: makes both resin and FDM printers, and its consumables are designed around those machines.
- ELEGOO: best known for its Mars and Saturn resin printers, and also offers resin and filament for them.
- QIDI: builds enclosed FDM printers with heated chambers, which suit engineering plastics.
- XTOOL: specialises in laser cutters and engravers, so its items here relate to that kind of fabrication.
- CREALITY: one of the most widely used makers of hobby FDM printers, with the Ender series as its best-known line.
- SUNLU: focuses on filament, with many PLA and PETG variants for standard 1.75 mm printers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between filament and resin?
Filament is a solid plastic strand that an FDM printer melts and lays down layer by layer. Resin is a liquid that an LCD or DLP printer hardens with UV light. Resin usually gives finer detail, but it needs gloves, washing and curing afterwards, while filament is cleaner and simpler to handle.
Which filament is best for beginners?
PLA is the usual starting point because it prints at lower temperatures and warps very little. It does not need an enclosure, and most FDM printers handle it without special settings. Move to PETG or ABS once you need more strength or heat resistance.
What filament diameter does my 3D printer use?
Most desktop FDM printers use 1.75 mm filament, and a smaller number use 2.85 mm. The correct size is listed in your printer's specifications or manual. Using the wrong diameter can cause feeding problems or jams.
Can I use any brand of filament or resin in my printer?
In most cases yes, provided the type and diameter match your printer. Filament from one maker generally works in another maker's FDM printer, and resin works in any printer with the right light wavelength. You may need to adjust temperature or exposure settings, as these vary between brands and colours.
