If you have a Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printer with an open filament system, then you have the opportunity to test many different 3D printing materials without voiding your manufacturer’s warranty. An open filament system means that you can print with third-party materials as much as you like, which opens up a whole world of new opportunities.
You see, Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) only go so far when it comes to application. To really test your 3D printer’s ability, and your own designs, you should expand your material portfolio. But what are the best alternative materials for FFF 3D printers? In this article, we’ll list some of the best examples with details on compatibility too.
Please note: We cannot guarantee that your 3D printer will support the materials listed below. If you are unsure, we recommend you err on the side of caution or contact us for guidance. Thank you.
ASA-X
Compatible with: FFF 3D printers with a heated print bed.
ASA-X is a high-performance, UV-resistant thermoplastic that prints with zero warping. It is more stable than ABS and boasts better chemical resistance and higher toughness. We have our own brand material called GoPrint3D ASA-X. It is available in black or white and in a 1.75mm or 2.85mm diameter. To print with ASA-X, your heated print bed must go up to 80-90˚C.
Ultimaker PC (Polycarbonate)
Compatible with: FFF 3D printers with a heated high-temp print bed.
Polycarbonate is an engineering-grade thermoplastic with excellent toughness, thermal stability and dimensional stability. It is what some food containers are made from. Ultimaker PC is an outstanding industrial-grade filament for 3D printing tough, transparent parts. It is also more stable than ABS. To print with this material, your heated print bed must go up to 115˚C.
Ultimaker CPE (Co-polyester)
Compatible with: FFF 3D printers with a heated print bed.
Ultimaker CPE is a prototyping material for models that require excellent chemical resistance and good dimensional stability. CPE is also stronger than ABS. This material also offers excellent interlayer adhesion, low warping, and low emissions. It is available in several colours and as a transparent filament. To print CPE, a heated build plate of 70˚C is needed.
PLA-X3
Compatible with: FFF 3D printers with a heated or non-heated print bed.
If you like the biodegradable and bioactive nature of PLA, PLA-X3 is a tougher and more durable option. It has similar mechanical properties to ABS but offers much faster print speeds which are closer to PLA (up to 120mm/s). It prints with a low sheen. We have our own brand product called GoPrint3D PLA-X3, which is available in a 1.75mm or 2.85mm diameter.
Z-ULTRAT
Compatible with: FFF 3D printers with a heated print bed.
Z-ULTRAT is manufactured by Zortrax. This is an outstanding material for prototyping because it offers a high level of detail and accuracy. It also has low elasticity, a low level of deformation and a high hardness level. It is more expensive than ABS and PLA but offers more detail in the final print. It is available in 10 different colours and comes as a 1.75mm filament only.
TPU98A
Compatible with: FFF 3D printers with a heated or non-heated print bed.
If you are looking for a highly flexible filament, look no further than TPU98A. This engineering-grade material has 450 per cent elongation at break and offers good chemical resistance. It is suitable for manufacturing functional prototypes and end-use parts. We have our own product called GoPrint3D TPU98A. It is available in clear or black to suit your needs.
PLA/PHA
Compatible with: FFF 3D printers with a heated or non-heated print bed.
If you want to keep the desirable properties of PLA but want something tougher, PLA/PHA is a good option. This plastic is a hybrid material that is compatible with most 3D printers that print PLA exclusively. It is tougher compared to normal PLA and less brittle. It is also more resistant to heat. It is available in several colours and retains the biodegradability of normal PLA.
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol)
Compatible with: FFF 3D printers with a heated or non-heated print bed.
If you have a 3D printer with two print heads, you could make use of PVA in addition to PLA for complex models. PVA is a water-soluble support material that works with PLA. By adding support structure to your designs, you will be able to print much more complex models without fear of warping. Ultimaker PVA is one of the better options on the market right now.