Description of the 44 most important filaments for 3D printing

In the world of 3D printing, there is an almost endless variety of filaments with different properties. YouTuber Zack Freedman has addressed this topic in a detailed video and offers a comprehensive overview of different filament types – from inexpensive PLA to highly specialized high-performance polymers.

The widely used and inexpensive PLA forms the starting point of Freedman’s considerations. He praises the material’s easy printability, low costs and good overhangs. However, he also points out disadvantages such as low heat and UV resistance. According to Freedman, special variants such as SILK-PLA or Carbon-PLA offer optical and mechanical advantages, but are associated with losses in printability.

Freedman is focusing on technical high-performance polymers such as nylon, PEEK or Ultem. These polymers are characterized by excellent temperature, chemical and wear resistance and are widely used in industry. However, the YouTuber also emphasizes the challenges of 3D printing these materials, such as extremely high printing temperatures and a tendency to warp.

Freedman describes the versatile PETG as a balanced material with good layer and temperature adhesion. For special applications, he uses filaments such as conductive or antibacterial filament. “Such materials enable completely new applications in 3D printing, but often require special post-treatment,” says Freedman.

With his video, Zack Freedman provides a successful overview of the almost endless variety in the 3D printing filament sector. In the video you will find his tests. As the video lasts over 40 minutes in total, you will find the links to the respective materials below.