Using our filaments, you can effortlessly 3D print ABS, PLA, or PETG. They are made in the United States and are intended for use by any manufacturer. Calpex 3D printing filaments are easy to print with and always reliable, whether you are seeking a manufacturing partner for your product, working on personal projects, or looking for a quick, economic prototype before moving into production.
How do 3D Printing Filaments work?
A thermoplastic is a type of plastic that melts rather than burns when heated, can be shaped and molded, and solidifies when cooled. It is heated to its melting point in a heating chamber in the printer’s extruder assembly.
After heating the filament to its melting point, it is extruded through a metal nozzle as the extruder assembly moves, following a path programmed into a 3D object file. Most 3D printer filaments use a single extruder, but some have dual extruders that can print objects in different colors or filaments.
Types of 3D printer filament
Calpex Plastics offers the following types of 3D printer filament:
PLA
It’s an excellent filament made from renewable resources for beginners and professionals commonly used in 3D printing. In addition to printing at lower temperatures than ABS and not warping as easily, PLA doesn’t emit an offputting odor during printing, so it doesn’t need a heated print bed.
It is an odorless filament and environmentally friendly. You can also get PLA filament in various colors and styles. In the exotics section, you’ll find filaments with conductive properties, glow-in-the-dark properties, or wood or metal-infused filaments.
ABS
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) applies to various household and consumer products, including bicycle helmets and LEGO bricks. They are durable and can withstand high temperatures, but 3D printer enthusiasts should be aware of their high printing temperature, tendency to warp when cooled, and intense, potentially hazardous fumes. Make sure you use a heated bed and a well-ventilated environment when printing.
PETG
Water bottles are commonly made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used in clothing fibers, food containers, and water bottles. PETG filament is an increasingly popular 3D printer filament and is best known for being the polymer used in water bottles.
As a 3D printing material, PETG is naturally clearer, less brittle, and, most importantly, easier to print than its base form. The “G” stands for “glycol.” PETG is an excellent middle ground between ABS and PLA, two other common 3D printer filament varieties. It is more flexible and durable than PLA and easier to print than ABS.
Since PETG is flexible, strong, and resistant to high temperatures and impacts, it stands out from other types of 3D printer filament. It is, therefore, ideal for 3D printer parts subject to sustained or sudden stress, such as mechanical parts, printers, and protective components.
The right 3D printing filaments for your next project
Filaments are a crucial component of 3D printing, and there are a variety of filaments to choose from. The type of filament you use will depend on the project you are working on. PLA is an excellent all-around filament for beginners, while more advanced users may want to try PETG or ABS filament.
If you’re unsure which filament is suitable for your project, contact Calpex today, and we can help you find the right one.