The current rapid development of society, with the progress of science and technology, 3D printing technology has gradually entered our lives and brought us many changes.3D printing technology greatly facilitates our lives, meets diversified needs through personalization and rapid prototyping, etc., and shows great potential in the fields of healthcare, education, manufacturing, etc.; at the same time, it has a far-reaching impact on the society and promotes the changes in the manufacturing industry, creating new employment opportunities, and providing more enjoyment of life to those who can use 3D printing to create.
If you also want to try 3D printing, let's learn how to choose filament.
What are the types of 3D filament?
The main 3D printing filament materials are PLA, ABS, TPU, TPE, PP, PETG, and Nylon, and we compare their properties and characteristics in table form below:
| Material type | Main Ingredients | Characteristics | Application Scene | Remarks |
| PLA | Organic material such as corn or sugar cane | iodegradable, low melting point, low printing temperature, low strength | Proof-of-concept modeling, rapid prototyping | Suitable for beginners and hobbyists |
| ABS | Three monomers made from petroleum: acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene | High strength, good heat resistance, some flexibility | Functional prototypes, end-use parts | Higher temperatures and good ventilation required for printing |
| TPU | Blend of rubber and hard plastic | Highly elastic, abrasion resistant, oil and water resistant | Flexible parts, seals, shoe soles, etc. | Degree of elasticity measured by Shore hardness scale |
| TPE | Various thermoplastic elastomers | Flexible, stretchable, multiple hardness options | Flexible toys, sports equipment, automotive parts | Various types including TPU |
| PP | Polypropylene | Good chemical resistance, good temperature resistance, lightweight | Medical devices, food packaging, automotive parts | Difficult to print, requires specific printers |
| PETG | Polyethylene terephthalate | High transparency, high strength, good chemical resistance | Packaging materials, display models, machine parts | Temperature control is required when printing |
| Nylon | Polyamide | High strength, good abrasion resistance, good heat resistance | Functional parts, high-strength components | Requires dry storage and printing environment |
What are the 3D printing filament diameters?
In the 3D printing industry, the most common printing filament diameter is 1.75mm, followed by 3.0mm and 2.85mm. for example, ABS and PLA are two of the most common 3D printing materials, and they typically offer different diameter options as well. While the diversity of specific diameters may vary by manufacturer and material type, here are some common diameter specifications:
1. 1.75 mm
The 1.75 mm diameter filament is one of the most common and is suitable for a wide range of 3D printers and materials, including PLA and ABS. 3D printing filaments currently available on the residential market are basically dominated by the 1.75 mm diameter and are also compatible with the vast majority of 3D printers on the current market.
2. 3.0mm
The diameter of 3.0mm is much less compared to 1.75mm, and this diameter is usually used for occasions that require faster printing speeds or larger strength prints.
3. 2.85mm
The 2.85 mm diameter filament is only offered by some manufacturers, and it falls between 1.75 mm and 3.0 mm for certain specific 3D printers and printing needs.
It is important to note that different filament diameters may be suitable for different 3D printers and printing needs. For example, larger diameters may be suitable for fast printing or large prints, while smaller diameters may be more suitable for high-precision printing. Therefore, when choosing a 3D printing filament, you should consider not only the diameter, but also the compatibility of the printer and the desired printing results, and just choose the one that suits you.
Why is 1.75mm filament recommended for beginners?
Generally for beginners, 1.75mm diameter 3D printing filament is usually recommended, mainly reflecting the following 3 factors.
1 Compatibility
1.75mm is the most common filament diameter on the market, and almost all models of 3D printers support this diameter. This means that beginners can more easily find compatible equipment and materials. Due to the popularity of 1.75 mm filament, there is a wider variety of materials and colors available on the market, which provides more room for beginners to explore and experiment.
2 Ease of handling
Smaller diameter filaments are easier to pass through the printer extruder and are easier to control during the printing process, which is an advantage for users who are just starting to learn 3D printing.
3 Fine Printing
1.75mm filament is suitable for finer prints, which is particularly useful for creating detailed models or small parts.
Of course, the choice of filament diameter should also take into account the specific needs of the individual, the printer model and the desired print results. But in most cases, a 1.75 mm diameter filament is definitely a good starting point for beginners.
How many 3D printers are compatible with 1.75mm filament?
Printers that support 1.75mm diameter filament are very common in the 3D printing market. According to the information I reviewed, 1.75mm 3D printing filament is the most common size on the market. This finer filament is typically used for smaller or complex print models that require higher precision and smaller print nozzle diameters.
For example, some of the best 3D printers in the 2025 Versus rankings, such as the Creality K1, Creality K1 Max, Creality K1C, Bambu Lab A1 Mini, Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus, and Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus, support a 1.75mm wire.
Additionally, the choice and settings of FDM (Fused Deposition Molding) 3D printing materials have a direct impact on print quality. While I haven't found detailed data on whether or not each specific printer model supports 1.75mm wire, it's safe to assume that most 3D printers on the market support this specification.
For DIY 3D printers, the choice of 1.75 mm or 3 mm wire usually depends on the design of the printer and the aperture size of the printhead. In general, printheads below 0.5 tend to use 1.75 mm wire, while printheads above 0.5 tend to use 3 mm wire.1 1.75 mm wire provides more precise print control due to its thinner nature.
To summarize, most 3D printers on the market, especially those for fine printing, support 1.75 mm wire.
The 1.75mm diameter filament is currently available at the UJOYBIO3D store, with high print quality, and is on sale for the New Year's event, so it's well worth picking it up.
