Filament is a material used to create 3D-printed objects. The selected filament can affect the printed object's strength, durability, and quality. As 3D printing continues gaining mainstream adoption, many 3D printing enthusiasts ask, "What is the Strongest Filament for 3D Printing?" This article will explore various filament options, from nylon to polycarbonate. Whether you're interested in flexible filaments, composite materials, or traditional options like ABS and PLA, we've got you covered. Also, we will break down terms like flexural strength and impact resistance, making it easy to understand how these materials enhance the 3D printing process.
Various filaments are available, which include PLA, ABS, Nylon, PETG, and TPU. While each filament has its unique properties, some are stronger than others. The strongest filaments on the market today are Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Polycarbonate (PC), and Nylon Carbon Fiber. These materials are not commonly used in hobby 3D printing due to their high cost and the specialized equipment required to print them.
Key Takeaways
- The strength and durability of 3D-printed objects depend on the type of filament used.
- The strongest filaments on the market today include PEEK, Polycarbonate, and Nylon Carbon Fiber.
- While these materials are not commonly used in hobby 3D printing, other strong filaments like Nylon and PETG are readily available.
Understanding 3D Printer Filament Types
3D printing filaments are the materials used in the additive manufacturing process to create three-dimensional objects. These filaments come in various types, each with unique properties and characteristics. Here are some common filament types used in 3D printing.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU belongs to the TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) family and is widely used for printing objects that require flexibility, such as phone cases and shoe insoles. It is resistant to oil, grease, and abrasion. TPU filament is compatible with 3D printers with a direct-drive or Bowden extruder and is available in different hardness levels.
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PLA is the most commonly used filament in 3D printing. It is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources such as cornstarch and sugarcane. It has a lower melting point than other filaments, making it suitable for 3D printers with heated and non-heated print beds.PLA is easy to use and produces high-quality prints with a glossy finish. It is also an affordable choice for beginners.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS filament is a thermoplastic polymer commonly used in 3D printing. ABS is known for its strong and durable properties, making it suitable for creating robust 3D-printed objects. It has a higher melting point than PLA filament, allowing ABS prints to withstand higher temperatures without deforming.
ABS is favored for its impact resistance, making it suitable for functional prototypes, automotive parts, toys, and electronic housings. Additionally, ABS has good layer adhesion, providing strength to the printed object. ABS is more challenging to print than PLA, requiring a heated bed to prevent warping.
Nylon Filament
Nylon filament is a thermoplastic polymer commonly used in 3D printing. It belongs to the family of polyamides and is known for its solid and flexible properties. Nylon is characterized by its high impact resistance, durability, and ability to withstand wear and tear.
In 3D printing, nylon filament is favored for creating functional and mechanical parts. It also has good layer adhesion, allowing for the production of durable and reliable prints. Nylon is more challenging to print than other materials, requiring a higher printing temperature and a heated bed.
Polycarbonate (PC) Filament
PC filament is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer used in 3D printing. Known for its exceptional strength, toughness, and heat resistance, polycarbonate is a popular choice for creating robust and durable 3D-printed parts. PC filament can withstand high temperatures and is suitable for applications where heat resistance is crucial. It also exhibits good optical clarity and is often used for transparent or translucent prints.
Polycarbonate is commonly used in engineering and industrial applications to produce functional prototypes, automotive components, and parts that require high-impact resistance. PC is more challenging to print than other materials, requiring a higher printing temperature and a heated bed.
Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Filament
PEEK filament is the strongest filament available for 3D printing. It is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, and abrasion. PEEK is commonly used to produce aerospace components, medical implants, and automotive parts. PEEK filament can withstand temperatures well above common 3D printing materials like ABS and PLA.
Characteristics of Strong Filaments
High Tensile Strength
Filaments with high tensile strength can withstand significant stress before breaking. This makes them ideal for creating parts that need to hold up under pressure, such as gears and brackets. Nylon, polycarbonate, and ABS are filaments with high tensile strength.
Heat Resistance
Filaments that can withstand high temperatures without deforming or melting are essential for creating parts that need to withstand heat, such as engine parts and kitchen utensils. High tensile strength reduces the likelihood of print failures, ensuring the printed object maintains its form and functionality over time. Some filaments with high heat resistance include PEEK, polycarbonate, and nylon.
Chemical Resistance
Filaments resistant to chemicals are ideal for creating parts exposed to solvents, oils, or cleaning agents. Chemical-resistant filaments are ideal for 3D-printed parts in the automotive and aerospace industries. Some filaments with high chemical resistance include PEEK, nylon, and ABS.
Flexural Strength
Filaments with high flexural strength can bend without breaking. This makes them ideal for creating parts that need to be flexible, such as phone cases and hinges. TPU, PETG, and nylon are filaments with high flexural strength.
Impact Resistance
3D-printed objects created with impact-resistant filaments can effectively absorb shock without breaking. This makes them ideal for creating parts that must withstand impact, such as protective gear and toys. Some filaments with high impact resistance include ABS, PETG, and nylon.
In conclusion, when choosing a filament for 3D printing, consider the properties of the filament to ensure that it is strong enough for the intended purpose. High tensile strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, flexural strength, and impact resistance are characteristics to look for in a strong filament.
Composite Filaments
Composite filaments in 3D printing refer to filaments composed of a base material combined with reinforcing additives or fibers. These additives are typically materials like carbon fiber, glass fiber, wood particles, metal powder, or other reinforcing agents. The purpose of composite filaments is to enhance the mechanical, thermal, or aesthetic properties of 3D-printed objects.
Carbon Fiber Composite
Carbon fiber composite filaments infuse carbon fibers into a base material such as PLA or ABS. These filaments are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, ideal for applications that require a strong and lightweight material. Carbon fiber composite filaments are also resistant to heat and chemicals.
Glass Fiber Infused
Glass fiber-infused composite filaments are produced by infusing glass fibers into a base material. This filament is known for its high strength and stiffness. It is ideal for applications requiring a solid and rigid material. Glass fiber-infused filaments are resistant to heat and chemicals, making them suitable for harsh environments.
Metal-Filled Filaments
Metal-filled composite filaments infuse metal particles into a base material. This filament type is known for its high strength and conductivity, making it ideal for applications requiring a strong and conductive material. Metal-filled filaments are also resistant to heat and chemicals.
In conclusion, composite filaments are great for 3D printing applications that require enhanced strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. Carbon fiber composite filaments are ideal for applications that require a strong and lightweight material. Glass fiber-infused filaments are suitable for applications that require a solid and rigid material. Metal-filled filaments are excellent for applications that require a strong and conductive material.
Filament for Specific Applications
Choosing the right filament for a specific application is crucial to ensure that the 3D-printed object can perform its intended function. Here are some guidelines on filament selection for specific applications.
Functional Prototypes
Functional prototypes are 3D-printed objects used to test a product's functionality before production. These prototypes must be durable and able to withstand repeated use and testing. ABS and polycarbonate (PC) filaments are good for functional prototypes. ABS is known for its toughness and resistance to impact.
Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its high strength and heat resistance. PC filaments are ideal for functional prototypes exposed to high temperatures.
End-Use Parts
End-use parts are 3D-printed objects that must be strong, durable, and have the ability to withstand the rigors of everyday use. Nylon and polycarbonate filaments are good choices for end-use parts. Nylon is known for its high tensile strength and resistance to wear and tear. Polycarbonate is known for its high strength and heat resistance.
Medical Applications
3D printing is used in the medical field to create custom implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools. Filament selection for medical applications is critical to ensure that 3D-printed objects are safe and biocompatible. PLA and PEEK filaments are excellent for medical applications due to their biocompatibility and strength properties.
PLA is a biocompatible filament commonly used in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic used in medical implants due to its biocompatibility and strength properties.
In conclusion, filament selection should be based on strength, durability, and biocompatibility properties. ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, PLA, and PEEK are filaments commonly used in functional prototypes, end-use parts, and medical applications.
Printing with High-Strength Filaments
Printing with filaments can be challenging. It is necessary to optimize the settings of the 3D printer before the printing process begins.
Optimizing Print Bed Temperature
Adjust the bed temperature to ensure the filament adheres to the bed. Many filaments, especially ABS, tend to warp if the bed temperature is not optimized. By setting the appropriate bed temperature, warping issues can be minimized. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance.
Hot End Temperature
In 3D printing, the hot end temperature refers to the temperature at which the hot end of the 3D printer's extruder operates. The hot end temperature is specific to the type of filament used, as different materials have varying melting points. Common filament materials like PLA, ABS, and PETG require specific hot end temperatures for optimal printing results.
Support Structures
High-strength filaments are more challenging to print and may require support structures. Support structures are temporary structures printed alongside the main print, supporting overhanging or complex geometries.
If the 3D design includes bridges (horizontal spans between two vertical supports), determine whether the bridges are within the printer's bridging capabilities. If not, support structures should be added to the print.
In conclusion, printing with high-strength filaments requires the appropriate print bed temperature, hot end temperature, and support structures. By following the manufacturer's recommendations and optimizing 3D printer settings, it is possible to produce durable and robust prints with high-strength filaments.
Strongest Filaments
Today, the market offers a variety of filaments. Some filaments, however, are known to be stronger than others.
One of the strongest filaments available on the market today is PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone). PEEK has a maximum strength of 97 MPa, making it ideal for parts that require high strength and resistance to high temperatures. PEEK is not commonly used in hobby 3D printing due to its high cost.
Another strong filament commonly used in 3D printing is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate has a maximum strength of 69 MPa and is known for its excellent impact resistance.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) has gained popularity in recent years. PETG has a maximum strength of 55 MPa and has gained a reputation for excellent layer adhesion.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a popular choice for 3D printing due to its affordability and ease of use; however, ABS is one of the weaker filaments with a maximum strength of only 40 MPa. Despite this, ABS is still a good choice for printing objects that do not require high strength.
While many filaments are available, PEEK, polycarbonate, PETG, and ABS are some of the most robust filaments for 3D printing. The choice of filament ultimately depends on the strength, stiffness, durability, and cost requirements of a 3D printing project.
Other Factors Affecting Filament Strength
A filament's crystalline or amorphous structure, moisture, and environmental factors can affect a filament's strength.
Crystalline vs Amorphous Structure
Filament strength is heavily influenced by its crystalline or amorphous structure. Crystalline filaments have a more ordered molecular structure, resulting in higher strength and stiffness. On the other hand, amorphous filaments have a disordered molecular structure, resulting in lower strength and stiffness.
Examples of crystalline filaments include Polycarbonate (PC), Nylon, and Acetal, while examples of amorphous filaments include Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
Moisture and Environmental Factors
Moisture and environmental factors can also affect filament strength. PLA and Nylon are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air. This can lead to filament degradation and reduced strength.
Additionally, harsh environments and outdoor use impact a filament's strength properties. Filaments exposed to high temperatures, UV radiation, and other environmental factors can weaken the material over time.
Store filaments in a dry, cool environment at room temperature to ensure maximum filament strength. Filaments should also be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
Choosing the Right Filament for Maximum Durability
The most durable filaments are highly resistant to heat, UV rays, impact, abrasion, and environmental factors.
One of the strongest filaments for 3D printing is Polycarbonate (PC) filament. It is known for its high-temperature resistance, excellent impact resistance, and durability. PC filament is widely used to produce bullet-proof glass, riot gear, phone cases, and scuba masks.
Nylon filament is known for its high tensile strength, excellent impact resistance, and abrasion resistance. Nylon filament is commonly used to produce gears, bearings, and other mechanical parts.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament is a great option for high UV resistance. This filament material has excellent impact resistance and high resistance to UV light. ABS filament is often used to produce automotive parts, toys, and electronic housings.
Carbon fiber composites are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent impact resistance, and abrasion resistance. Carbon fiber composites are commonly used in aerospace and automotive parts.
In conclusion, choosing the right filament for maximum durability depends on the project's specific requirements. Polycarbonate, Nylon, ABS, and carbon fiber composites are all excellent options for high strength and durability.