This video explores nine popular advanced filaments for 3D printing, comparing their properties, ideal applications, and reasons for their increasing popularity. The presenter aims to clarify the differences and benefits of each filament type, drawing on personal experience and expert consultation.
Nylon: Durable, high heat resistance, tough, good interlayer adhesion, ductile, and chemically resistant, but hygroscopic and prone to warping, requiring a dryer and enclosure. PA-12 is generally preferred over PA-6 for 3D printing due to its lower moisture absorption. Best for high-heat applications, parts subjected to repeated abuse, and applications requiring high ductility (e.g., gears, automotive parts, flexible hinges).
Polycarbonate (PC): Exceptionally clear, robust, superior heat resistance, strong interlayer adhesion, and high impact resistance. More rigid than Nylon, but less brittle than ABS or PLA. Budget-friendly alternative to PEEK for many high-performance applications. Hygroscopic, prone to warping, requiring an enclosed printer and heated bed. Best for applications requiring strength, clarity, and heat resistance (e.g., light housings, drone parts, clear containers, prototypes).
PLA-CF: PLA reinforced with carbon fiber, increases stiffness and strength (primarily in the axial direction), improves dimensional stability and reduces warping, but decreases interlayer strength. Considered a mostly aesthetic upgrade over standard PLA. Requires hardened steel nozzles due to abrasiveness. Best for lightweight components needing balanced strength (e.g., drone frames, RC car components, lightweight tooling, mounting brackets).
PETG-CF: PETG reinforced with carbon fiber, increases stiffness, strength, and heat resistance, retains some ductility compared to standard PETG, but requires abrasion-resistant hardware. Easier to print than other filaments with similar performance. Best for parts needing a balance of durability, cost, and lightweight design (e.g., enclosures, protective gear, robotics components). PET-CF is a superior alternative with better heat resistance and lower water absorption.
Carbon Fiber Nylon (PA-CF/PAHT-CF): Nylon reinforced with carbon fiber, combines Nylon's durability and heat resistance with increased rigidity, reducing ductility. Improves printability compared to pure Nylon. Best for rigid parts needing high heat resistance (e.g., caster wheel mounts, workshop tools, mounting brackets in heated enclosures).
ABS-CF: ABS reinforced with carbon fiber, improves rigidity, axial strength, and printability while maintaining the affordability and durability of ABS. Less hygroscopic and less prone to warping than PA-CF or PETG-CF. Requires an enclosure. Best for an all-around compromise of affordability, printability, durability, and rigidity (e.g., automotive parts, tools, rigid brackets).
ABS-GF: ABS reinforced with glass fibers, adds tensile strength over standard ABS at a lower cost than ABS-CF. May be preferable in environments involving electronics due to lack of improved electrical conductivity. Best for prototyping parts later to be printed with ABS-CF (e.g., electronics housings, tools, handles).
