Understanding Filaments

Understanding Filaments

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

The most popular filament for beginners.

Pros:
- Easy to print
- No heated bed required
- Biodegradable
- Low warping

Cons:
- Not heat resistant
- Less durable than ABS

PETG

A great all-around filament.

Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Good temperature resistance
- Food safe (some brands)
- Low odor

Cons:
- Can string more than PLA
- Requires higher temps

How Much Filament Will You Use?

How much filament a print consumes isn't just about the model's size — your slicer settings decide most of it. Experiment below and watch the filament estimate change:

Notice that walls and infill drive filament use far more than layer height — while layer height mostly trades surface quality against print time.

Storage Tips

• Keep filament dry in sealed bags with desiccant
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Use within 6-12 months of opening

Start with PLA, then experiment!