3D printing has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people investing in their own 3D printers for personal use. However, one of the most important factors to consider when 3D printing is the cost of filament. Filament is the material used by 3D printers to create objects, and it can be made from a variety of materials, including PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG.
The cost of filament can vary widely depending on the type of material used, as well as the quality and brand. A typical 1 kg spool of PLA can cost anywhere from $15 to $40, while ABS can push the cost per spool to between $20 and $50, depending on the blend. Tougher materials like Nylon start to get more expensive, while the most expensive 3D printer filaments such as PEEK filament can set you back hundreds of dollars per kilo. It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of filament is an ongoing expense, as you’ll need to purchase more as you continue to print.
What is 3D Printing Filament?
3D printing filament is the material used by 3D printers to create three-dimensional objects. It is a thin, long strand of plastic that is fed into the printer’s extruder, melted, and then deposited layer by layer to create the final object.
There are many types of 3D printing filament available in the market, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Some of the most common types of 3D printing filament include:
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PLA (Polylactic Acid): This is the most commonly used 3D printing filament. It is easy to use, environmentally friendly, and produces high-quality prints. It is also biodegradable and comes in a wide range of colors.
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ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is a popular 3D printing filament that is known for its strength and durability. It is commonly used to create parts that require high impact resistance, such as toys, phone cases, and automotive parts.
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PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG is a newer 3D printing filament that is gaining popularity due to its excellent layer adhesion, strength, and flexibility. It is also food safe and recyclable.
The cost of 3D printing filament varies depending on the type of material, brand, and quality. On average, a spool of 3D printing filament can cost anywhere between $20 to $50. However, the cost can be higher or lower depending on the specific material and supplier.
It’s important to note that not all 3D printers are compatible with all types of filament. Before purchasing any filament, it’s important to check the specifications of your 3D printer to ensure compatibility. Additionally, the amount of filament required for a print depends on the size and complexity of the object being printed.
In summary, 3D printing filament is the material used by 3D printers to create three-dimensional objects. There are many types of filament available, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. The cost of filament varies depending on the type of material, brand, and quality. It’s important to ensure compatibility with your 3D printer and consider the amount of filament required for your print before making a purchase.
Factors That Affect The Cost of 3D Printing Filament
When it comes to 3D printing filament, there are several factors that determine the cost. These factors include the quality of the filament, the material type, and the brand name. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions when choosing the right filament for your 3D printing project.
Quality of Filament
The quality of the filament is one of the most important factors that affect the cost. High-quality filaments tend to be more expensive than low-quality ones. The quality of the filament affects the print quality, durability, and strength of the final product. High-quality filaments are less likely to cause problems during printing, such as clogging or warping.
Material Type
The material type is another factor that affects the cost of 3D printing filament. There are various materials available for 3D printing, including PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, and more. The cost of the filament depends on the material type. Specialty materials, such as carbon fiber and TPU, tend to be more expensive than standard PLA and ABS.
Brand Name
The brand name is another factor that affects the cost of 3D printing filament. Well-known brands tend to charge more for their filaments than lesser-known brands. This is because well-known brands have established a reputation for producing high-quality filaments. However, this does not mean that lesser-known brands produce low-quality filaments. It is important to research and read reviews before choosing a brand.
In conclusion, the cost of 3D printing filament depends on several factors, including the quality of the filament, the material type, and the brand name. It is important to choose the right filament for your 3D printing project to ensure high-quality results.
How Much Does 3D Printing Filament Cost?
When it comes to 3D printing, filament is one of the most essential components that you need to have. Filament is the material that is used to create the 3D printed object. Knowing the cost of filament is essential if you want to keep your 3D printing costs under control. In this section, we will discuss the average cost of filament by material type and compare popular brands and their prices.
Average Cost of Filament by Material Type
The cost of filament can vary depending on the material type you choose. The most commonly used materials are PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG. A typical 1 kg spool of PLA can cost anywhere from $15 to $40, with ABS pushing the cost per spool to between $20 and $50, depending on the blend. TPU and PETG are slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from $25 to $60 per spool.
Specialty filaments such as carbon fiber, wood, and metal-infused filaments can cost as much as four times the amount of regular filaments. These specialty filaments are often more expensive due to the added materials used in their production.
Comparison of Popular Brands and Their Prices
There are many brands of filament available on the market, each with its own unique characteristics and prices. Here is a comparison of some popular brands and their prices:
| Brand | Material | Price per kg |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchbox | PLA | $22.99 |
| Overture | ABS | $24.99 |
| eSun | TPU | $34.99 |
| Prusament | PETG | $39.99 |
| Proto-pasta | Carbon Fiber | $99.99 |
It is important to note that the prices listed above are subject to change and may vary depending on the retailer. It is always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
In conclusion, the cost of filament can vary depending on the material type and brand you choose. It is important to keep in mind that while cheaper filaments may save you money in the short term, they may not always produce the best results. It is always a good idea to invest in high-quality filaments that are specifically designed for your 3D printer.
Where to Buy 3D Printing Filament?
If you’re looking to buy 3D printing filament, you have a few options. You can either buy it online or from local retailers. Let’s explore both options.
Online Stores
There are many online stores where you can buy 3D printing filament. Some of the most popular ones are:
- MatterHackers: They offer a wide variety of filaments, including PLA, ABS, NylonX, PETG, TPU, TPE, Flexibles, Polycarbonate, and more. They have affordable options as well as professional-grade filaments.
- Amazon: They have a large selection of filaments from different brands. You can find budget-friendly options as well as premium filaments.
- 3DXTech: They specialize in high-performance filaments like carbon fiber, glass fiber, and more. They also offer standard filaments like PLA and ABS.
- Printed Solid: They offer a wide variety of filaments from different brands. They have options for different types of printers and different types of projects.
- ZYLtech: They offer affordable filaments like PLA, ABS, and PETG. They also have specialty filaments like wood and metallic.
Local Retailers
If you prefer to buy filaments from local retailers, you can check out these options:
- Walmart: They have a limited selection of filaments, but they offer budget-friendly options like PLA and ABS.
- Staples: They have a small selection of filaments, but they offer both PLA and ABS.
- Lowe’s: They offer a limited selection of filaments, but they have options for both PLA and ABS.
- Micro Center: They offer a wide variety of filaments from different brands. They have options for different types of printers and different types of projects.
- Grainger: They offer industrial-grade filaments like Nylon and PEEK. They also have options for more affordable filaments like PLA and ABS.
When buying filaments, make sure to check the diameter and compatibility with your printer. Also, consider the material properties and the intended use of the printed object.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of 3D printing filament varies depending on the type and brand of material you choose. As we have seen from the search results, the cost per spool can range from as low as $10 for PLA to as high as $100 for TPE.
It is important to note that the cost of filament is not the only factor to consider when 3D printing. Other factors such as print quality, durability, and ease of use should also be taken into account when selecting a filament.
When deciding on a filament, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your project. For example, if you are printing a functional part that needs to withstand high temperatures, you may want to consider using ABS or PETG filament.
Ultimately, the choice of filament will depend on your specific needs and budget. By doing some research and comparing prices, you can find a filament that meets your requirements without breaking the bank.
