3D printing is a fairly expensive hobby. When you add up the cost of your machine, filament, and other necessary items to get started, it can be an expensive one too. However, as with most things in life – if you want something, it will cost you money. That being said, getting Started on a budget isn’t always going to be easy.
There are many cheap 3D printer filament alternatives available that will make your wallet cry – but how do you know which ones are worth investing in? We’ve done the research for you so that you don’t have to spend hours researching and testing different materials until you find the perfect one. Here are our top 8 cheapest 3D printer filament options
What is a 3D Printing Material?
A 3D printing filament is a material that is fed through an extruder to create a 3D print. The selection of 3D printing filament is important because it determines the aesthetic and functional characteristics of the print.
There are many 3D filament materials available on the market, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the application and task, one 3D printing material might be better than another. Some of the most commonly used 3D printing filament materials include PLA, ABS, wood filaments, and PVA.
Best Cheap 3D Printing Filament Materials
PLA – Since its introduction in the early 1980s, PLA has remained one of the most common 3D printing materials. It’s made from corn, so it’s renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally safe. PLA can be used with a variety of 3D printers. When using PLA, watch the extrusion temperature, as overheating can cause unwanted odours and unpleasant smells.
Polylactic Acid – Sometimes called PVA, this filament is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable. PVA can be used with a wide variety of 3D printers. PVA has good indoor printing characteristics, but it’s not recommended for outdoor use.
Which filament should you use for your 3D printer?
You’ve probably already figured this out, but what you should know is that the right filament can make a huge difference in the quality of your prints. Cheap filament will have lower quality and lower percentage of “fill” and will warp very easily. If you’re printing using PLA, you’re better off using a cheaper brand that’s on sale. If you’re printing using ABS, you should get yourself a better quality filament that can last you a long time.
FDM vs. SLA Printing
Fused Deposition Model (FDM) is the printing method that you’ll find on almost all consumer-grade 3D printers. It’s a great printing method, but there are pros and cons to FDM printing. Pros: The printing quality is great; it creates sturdy prints that don’t warp easily.
It’s a cheap method of manufacturing, making it easier to experiment with designs. It’s easy to set up and use with minimal training. Cons: It’s slower than SLA printing and has a higher chance of warping. It’s also more difficult to clean and has a higher chance of breaking.
PLA
Polyactic Acid (PLA) is a popular 3D printing filament that’s made from plant materials. It’s a great material to use for beginners because it prints at a low temperature, allowing beginners to print with a higher chance of a successful print. PLA also has a great strength-to-weight ratio, making it a good material for printing things such as cups and mugs.
You can also print intricate models that are made from PLA such as complex toys. PLA has some great advantages, but it’s not the best filament for everyone. While it’s a great filament for beginners, it’s not a great filament for those who want to print intricate models or for those who want to print at a higher quality.
Nylon Fibre Reinforced PLA (NFRPLA)
Nylon Reinforced PLA (NFRPLA) is a great filament for those who want to print with high-quality materials but don’t want to break the bank. Nylon filament is made from polymers and natural fibres, which give it superior strength and durability.
NFRPLA also has nylon fibres embedded in it so that the material is durable and strong but still incredibly lightweight. As a 3D printing filament, NFRPLA works well with both FDM and SLA printers and doesn’t have a lot of maintenance involved. It’s a great filament for those who want to print long-term projects like clothes, hats, and toys.
ABS Filament
ABS filament is a great material for those who want to print with high-quality materials. This is a thermoplastic filament that’s made from polyactic acid. ABS printing is the best for printing intricate models that you want to showcase in great detail.
It’s also a great filament for printing high-quality and detailed models. ABS is a great material but comes at a high price, making it a great option for those who want to print with top-of-the-line filament materials.
HIPS Filament
Hemostatic-Interactive Polymer (HIPS) is a filament made with biodegradable components that can be recycled after you’re done printing with it. HIPS is a great material for those who want to print with high-quality materials, but it’s also great for printing with multiple models.
HIPS is a great material because it can be recycled and reused multiple times, making it a great choice for those who want to print with high-quality filament materials. It’s great for printing with detailed models, too. HIPS can be used with almost any type of 3D printer including FDM, SLA, and DLP 3D printers.
Metal Filament
What if you don’t want to use plastic? You can also use metal filament in your 3D printer. While most metal filament is really expensive, there are a few that are really affordable. One example is Prusa’s Steel (US $29.99) which is made of steel and is available in various widths. Another affordable option is the Fäky Steel (US $6.82) which is made of carbon steel, aluminium, and copper.
If you want to use a stronger material, you can also choose titanium filament. This is an affordable and strong material that works best with FDM printers. If you are using an SLS printer, then stainless steel might be a better option for you.
Taulman Research 3D Printing Filament
Taulman Research 3D Printing Filament is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable. It has excellent heat resistance, strength, and stiffness properties, and is soft and elastic. Taulman Research 3D Printing Filament can be used with a wide variety of 3D printers, including FDM, SLA, and SLS.
Taulman Research 3D Printing Filament is available in a variety of colours, including black, blue, red, and white, making it easy to match any 3D printing machine. The filament has a consistent diameter and extrusion distance, making it ideal for high-quality large-scale printing.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. We’ve covered everything you need to know about the cheapest 3D printer filament materials. Now you can find the best material for your budget and start printing amazing designs. Remember, the best part about 3D printing is that you can create anything you can imagine.
So, don’t be discouraged if your materials cost more than you expected. Instead, use this information to find cheaper alternatives or create your own custom filament. Once you’ve printed a few objects, you’ll quickly realize how much fun this technology is and you won’t want to stop!
