The 30 best 3d printing filament brands
SainSmart, MAKERBOT and Sunlu lead our ranking of 30 3d printing filament brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
3D Printing Filament brands, ranked
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1
SainSmart
Sainsmart is a brand that helps empower makers to make things they are passionate about. They provide hardware supplies to those who have ideas but do not have the resources to do so. They believe products can be innovated anywhere, in a classroom, basement, or workshop, and do not necessarily require full-scale production. They have CNC and Engraving Machines with Nano Blue Coating and Titanium Coating.
Website: sainsmart.com |Brands like SainSmart
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
MAKERBOT
MakerBot thinks that everyone can be an innovator. The brand sets the bar in dependability and ease of use as a global leader in desktop 3D printing by providing efficient strategies for every stage of the desktop 3D printing process. The company also reinvented what's possible for creators of all kinds from the beginning by introducing numerous industry firsts. Currently, the company is pleased to have had the world's largest 3D printer install base as well as the world's largest 3D design community.
Website: makerbot.com |Brands like MAKERBOT
Popularity 9.6/10
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3
Sunlu
SUNLU has successfully created PLA, ABS, PCL, HIPS, PE, PC, PETG, PVA, luminous variable, conducting, and a futuristic model of 3D printing pens and Panda Technology's smart LCD tablet. The company has its copyright patent formula and a professionally developed production line. It has several applications in a variety of disciplines. The company is forging ahead, focusing on boosting the world's screen printing industry's innovation and development.
Website: sunlu.com |Brands like Sunlu
Popularity 8.5/10
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4
Gizmo Dorks
Gizmo Dorks is the leading retailer of 3D printing accessories. They are dedicated to bringing you fantastic quality items at the lowest possible price from anywhere globally. They collaborate with the most outstanding manufacturers to provide you with more essential items for a fraction of the cost of their rivals. With them, you earn great things at a low price and free shipping. They provide you with the finest and most clean printing accessories on the market.
Website: gizmodorks.com |Brands like Gizmo Dorks
Popularity 8.2/10
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5
Kodak
From your printing needs to motion pictures of the modern world, this company delivers it all. One can also experience the difference and uniqueness in quality and machine progress. Kodak holds the title of the first in the world to introduce the fastest inject press. The machine has been designed to handle the highest capacity runs, which indirectly boosts your business. Kodak believes in growing together and revitalizing creativity, committed to sustainability.
Website: resources.kodak.com |Brands like Kodak
Popularity 6.9/10
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6
ESUN
Modern Technology has brought many perks into our lives, including entertainment and communication. But the one we overlook most is 3D printing. While it may sound simple, 3D printing has helped many industries thrive with its application. Architects use it to visualize their designs. Medical applicants use it to understand for research. Industrial manufacturers use it for precision and much more. With eSUN, 3D printing has never been easier and more accessible for everyone.
Website: esun3d.net |Brands like ESUN
Popularity 5.9/10
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7
Geeetech
Geeetech is an enterprise involved with the manufacture and sale of 3D printers and their parts. Since its founding in 2011, Geeetech has been rising to the top in China and worldwide. They aim to make 3D printing accessible and affordable and get more people to experience the joys that come with it. They cater to people worldwide irrespective of their social demographics; as long as the customer is enthusiastic, they will happily serve them.
Website: geeetech.com |Brands like Geeetech
Popularity 5.8/10
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8
ColorFabb
High-end filaments for 3D printing are produced by this company. Extending the variety of cutting-edge and valuable materials. The development of premium filaments for FDM 3D printing has been pioneered by colorFabb throughout the last 6years and established itself as such. To guarantee quality on all fronts, a diverse team of professionals develops and produces the filaments in-house and conducts quality control and testing on a range of printers.
Website: colorfabb.com |Brands like ColorFabb
Popularity 5.8/10
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9
Creality 3D
Technology is constantly changing and upgrading. 3D printing is one of the newest ways of bringing life to your idea. With Creality, this process becomes more manageable than usual. The company focuses on researching, designing, and producing 3D printers and...
Website: creality.com |Brands like Creality 3D
Popularity 5.0/10
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10
inland
Inland goods, Inc. is a computer accessory company. For almost 20 years, inland goods have been in the computer accessory market. Their items are made both in the United States and in other countries. Detail to absolute quality begins on...
Website: inlandproduct.com |Brands like inland
Popularity 4.4/10
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11
Anet
Anet is the top open-source 3D printer and accessory manufacturer. They have a wide choice of goods that cater to all types of consumers, from beginners to pros, ranging from low-cost to expensive professional machines. Anet products have an outstanding...
Website: anet3d.com |Brands like Anet
Popularity 4.2/10
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12
HATCHBOX
Hatchbox puts its 3D printing enthusiasm into every 3D material they manufacture and sell. Their 3D printer filaments selection is a method for customers to choose the appropriate material and color for their one-of-a-kind and lavish creations. Whether the clients...
Website: hatchbox3d.com |Brands like HATCHBOX
Popularity 4.2/10
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13
Printrbot
We live in a day where we can obtain anything we desire. Printrbot is the company that burst on the stage in 2011, and now they're back. They have a wide variety of 3D printers with different optimization and valuable...
Website: printrbot.com |Brands like Printrbot
Popularity 3.7/10
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14
Prusa
The Prusa i3 is the model of desktop 3D printer that is the most widely used. Prusa Research began building and developing 3D printers to provide manufacturers with open-source, reasonably priced, and dependable 3D printing solutions worldwide. Upgradability is one...
Website: prusa3d.com |Brands like Prusa
Popularity 3.4/10
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15
Matterhackers
MatterHackers was formed by individuals with a strong interest in technology that allows you to create things. With this unwavering focus, I tinkered the ability to create anything. The crew at MatterHackers is dedicated to providing the type of service...
Website: matterhackers.com |Brands like Matterhackers
Popularity 3.4/10
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16
Dremel
Dremel DigiLab 3D printers are state-of-the-art 3D technology for your home and workplace. These printers will assist you in bringing your thoughts to life by converting them into physical items. The principle behind 3D printing is to build an object...
Website: digilab.dremel.com |Brands like Dremel
Popularity 3.1/10
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17
Flashforge
Flashforge provides 3D printers that are simple to operate and have excellent print quality and speed. They are so tiny yet powerful that they can produce incredible prototypes from the digital domain, making actual products faster than ever before. It...
Website: flashforge.com |Brands like Flashforge
Popularity 3.1/10
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18
XYZprinting
XYZprinting is an emerging brand that serves globally to the public by producing 3D printers that integrate three-dimensional printing effects on our documents and school projects. The engineers working behind the grind are professional and focused on their tasks. They...
Website: xyzprinting.com |Brands like XYZprinting
Popularity 3.1/10
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19
MakerGear
MakerGear is a 3D printer manufacturing company and the exclusive maker of the DLP 3D printers. The 3D printing industry has rapidly evolved, with innovations being introduced daily. They take pride in being one of the market's most reliable brands,...
Website: makergear.com |Brands like MakerGear
Popularity 2.4/10
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20
Overture
3D printers are a new-age technology that is evolving with time. Overture is a company that manufactures 3D printer filaments, 3D printers, and accessories. The company aces in its department, and they have hired skilled professionals who know their job....
Website: overture3d.com |Brands like Overture
Popularity 2.4/10
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21
Zortrax
Zortrax is a well-known Polish manufacturer of 3D printers, software, and filaments. They have received several significant accolades, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and excellence. Their primary objective is to make 3D printing available to everyone on the planet. You...
Website: zortrax.com |Brands like Zortrax
Popularity 2.4/10
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22
LeapFrog
LeapFrog is very well named when it comes to educational toys for kids. They are carefully developed with vibrant colors, music, and light effects to pique your child's interest. They help youngsters create abilities that will last a lifetime, from...
Website: store.leapfrog.com |Brands like LeapFrog
Popularity 2.0/10
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23
Verbatim
Verbatim has been leading the data storage technology industry since its founding in 1969. From Floppy Disks to USB Drives, it has witnessed and participated in the evolution of technology. Even today, over 48 years later, it maintains its recognizability,...
Website: verbatim.com |Brands like Verbatim
Popularity 2.0/10
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24
Stratasys
Stratasys provides a complete range of polymer 3D printing solutions that work in every product life cycle stage. 3D printing can change the world, and they are on a journey to empower people to create without limits for an economical,...
Website: stratasys.com |Brands like Stratasys
Popularity 2.0/10
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25
Monoprice
Monoprice is an affordable brand that offers high-quality cables used in PCs and home theatre systems. They also provide other electronic accessories and products like Subwoofers and Electric guitars. The company is primarily known for being very affordable without compromising...
Website: monoprice.com |Brands like Monoprice
Popularity 1.4/10
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26
ANYCUBIC
In today's world of rapidly developing technology and the consequent rise in sophisticated digital needs and demands, 3-D printing has assumed a great time. Anycubic is a trusted name in the industry for creating world-class 3-D printers. Created out of...
Website: anycubic.com |Brands like ANYCUBIC
Popularity 1.4/10
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27
Creality
The 2014-founded company Creality specializes in developing, studying, and manufacturing 3D printers and items linked to 3D printing. Creality uses a patented manufacturing process to create distinctive, cutting-edge products while considering its customers' requirements. Their goal is to produce goods...
Website: creality.com |Brands like Creality
Popularity 1.4/10
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28
Ultimaker
Ultimaker BV is a Dutch 3D printer organization that was established in 2011 by MartijnElserman, Erik de Bruijn, and SiertWijnia. The organization opens fabricating, gives open and incorporated frameworks, and offers information, information, and instances of best practices. It makes...
Website: ultimaker.com |Brands like Ultimaker
Popularity 1.4/10
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29
3D Solutech
3D Solutech is a premier provider of PLA filament and ABS filament for 3D printers. Explore our wide lineup of filament and 3D printer accessories today.
Website: 3dsolutech.com |Brands like 3D Solutech
Popularity 1.4/10
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30
Proto-Pasta
A unique and properly brewed concept boosts the popularity of businesses tenfold. It helps the firm enjoy the benefit of the public's interest. Proto-Pasta brings forward a similar idea of getting Polylactic acid in a wide variety of material options...
Website: proto-pasta.com |Brands like Proto-Pasta
Popularity 1.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SainSmart | sainsmart.com | /groups | pin | @Sain_Smart | – |
| MAKERBOT | makerbot.com | /makerbot | – | @makerbot | – |
| Sunlu | sunlu.com | /groups | sunlu_china | @sunluofficial | SUNLU Official |
| Gizmo Dorks | gizmodorks.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kodak | resources.kodak.com | /kodak | kodak | @Kodak | kodak |
| ESUN | esun3d.net | /ESUN-3D-Printing-101800791201912 | esun3dprinting | @esun3dfilament | – |
| Geeetech | geeetech.com | /geeetech | – | @geeetech | – |
| ColorFabb | colorfabb.com | /ColorFabb | colorfabb_official | @ColorFabb | colorfabbfilament |
| Creality 3D | creality.com | /Creality3DService | creality3d | @Creality3dP | – |
| inland | inlandproduct.com | – | – | – | – |
3D Printing Filament Buying Guide
3D printing is one of the most exciting technologies that have emerged recently. For those who are just starting out, choosing a 3D printing filament can seem daunting. With so many different types, colors, and materials available, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Here, we have put together a comprehensive buying guide that will help you choose the right filament for your needs. Whether you are a hobbyist, a professional, or need to create 3D prototypes, this guide will help you select the right material, diameter, and quality for your project.
Types of 3D Printing Filaments
Before we dive deep into the different types of 3D printing filaments, it’s important to note that different filaments are used for different types of printers. FDM 3D printers use thermoplastic filaments that are extruded through a nozzle to create a model. On the other hand, SLA/DLP printers use photopolymer resins that are cured by UV light to create a model.
Now, let's take a look at some of the most commonly used 3D printing filaments:
1. PLA Filament
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is one of the most popular filaments used in 3D printing because of its ease of use, low price, and availability. This biodegradable material is made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane, making it an environmentally friendly option for 3D printing. It is also easy to handle, has low warping, and produces high-quality prints. However, it is not suitable for printing objects that need to be exposed to high temperatures, as PLA melts at around 180°C.
2. ABS Filament
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is another popular filament used in 3D printing. This material is known for its durability and strength, making it suitable for printing mechanical parts and structures. ABS is also resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, making it ideal for creating objects that need to withstand harsh environments. However, it is more difficult to print with than PLA, as it requires a higher extrusion temperature and has a tendency to warp if not printed on a heated bed.
3. PETG Filament
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is a transparent and glossy filament that is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. It has the strength and durability of ABS but is easier to print with than ABS. PETG is also more flexible than PLA and has low warping properties. It is an ideal filament to use for creating functional objects such as phone cases, toys, and parts for electrical appliances.
4. Nylon Filament
Nylon is a strong and durable filament that is often used for creating functional parts and prototypes for industrial use. It is heat resistant and has excellent layer adhesion, making it an ideal filament for parts that need to withstand high temperatures and mechanical pressure. Nylon also has a low coefficient of friction and can be used to print gears and sliding parts.
5. TPU Filament
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible filament that is almost rubber-like in its properties. It is perfect for printing phone cases and other objects that need to be flexible and soft to the touch. TPU has excellent layer adhesion and low warping properties, making it suitable for printing objects with intricate shapes.
6. Carbon Fiber Filament
Carbon Fiber Filament is a composite material made of carbon fibers and a thermoplastic resin such as PLA or ABS. This filament is known for its high strength, stiffness, and durability. It is perfect for printing objects that require high structural integrity and stability such as drones, RC models, and car parts. However, this filament is more expensive than other filaments and requires a printer with a high-temperature extruder.
Filament Diameter
The most commonly used filament diameters are 1.75 mm and 3 mm. The diameter you choose will depend on the type of printer you have. Most printers will only accept one of these two diameters, so it’s important to check your printer’s specifications before buying a filament.
Filament Quality
Filament quality is an important factor to consider when buying a 3D printing filament. Poor quality filament can cause issues such as clogged nozzles, inconsistent layering, and poor adhesion. Here are some factors to consider when looking for a high-quality filament:
1. Diameter Tolerance
The diameter of the filament should be consistent along its length. A variance in diameter can cause uneven extrusion and poor print quality.
2. Roundness Tolerance
The filament should be perfectly round. Any imperfections can cause clogs or other issues during printing.
3. Print Temperature
The recommended print temperature for the filament should be within a certain range. If the temperature is too low, the filament will not flow properly, and if it is too high, it will melt and become stringy.
4. Print Speed
The recommended print speed for the filament should be provided. If the print speed is too high, the filament may not be able to keep up, causing underextrusion and poor print quality.
5. Spool Quality
The spool should be well-made and have an even winding tension. If the winding tension is inconsistent or the spool is not well-made, it can cause tangling or knotting of the filament during printing.
Conclusion
When choosing a 3D printing filament, it’s important to consider the type of filament, diameter, and quality. Each filament has its own set of properties that make it suitable for different types of prints. The diameter of the filament should match the specifications of your printer, and the filament should have a high-quality standard to ensure the best print quality. With this guide, you’ll be able to choose the right filament for your needs and get started with your 3D printing journey.
