3D printing has been growing more popular in recent years, with affordable 3D printers available for personal use. As a result, many people have questions about the different aspects of 3D printing, including the cost of 3D printer filament. 3D printer filament is one of the essential supplies needed for creating 3D prints. The filament is the material that is fed into the 3D printer, which heats the filaments and extrudes it out, creating a 3D object based on the design layout. There are several factors that determine the cost of 3D printer filament, including the material, size, and shape of the filament, which must be taken into account when choosing the right filament for your 3D printing needs. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that determine the cost of 3D printer filament and provide you with insight into where you can purchase it.
Determining the cost of 3D printer filament
The cost of 3D printer filament varies depending on several factors. Understanding these factors can be helpful in choosing the right filament for your needs and budget. Here are some factors that affect 3D printer filament cost:
- Material: The material used in your 3D printer filament is a crucial factor that determines its cost. Different materials have varying prices based on several aspects such as quality, availability, and production costs. Some of the most commonly used materials include ABS, PLA, PETG, Nylon, TPU, and more.
- Filament type: Filament types also impact the cost of 3D printing filament. For instance, some filaments come in the form of spools or reels that offer several advantages over other types. However, spooled filament can be more expensive due to the added features.
- Diameter: The diameter of 3D printer filament is another factor that affects the product’s cost. Standard filaments usually have a diameter of 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm, depending on the printer’s specifications.
- Length: 3D printer filament is typically sold by weight. However, the cost may vary depending on the amount of filament you need for your project. Longer filaments are costlier than short ones.
Now that we’ve covered the main factors that determine the cost of 3D printer filament, let’s dive deeper into 3D printer filament materials to understand how they affect the overall cost.
Comparing different types of 3D printer filament
As mentioned earlier, 3D printer filaments come in various materials, and the cost can vary depending on their unique properties. Here are some popular types of 3D printer filament and their average costs per kilogram:
| Material | Average cost per kg |
|---|---|
| PLA | $20-$30 |
| ABS | $15-$25 |
| PETG | $30-$40 |
| Nylon | $50-$75 |
| TPU | $50-$80 |
Here is a breakdown of each material and its unique properties:
- PLA: PLA is the most commonly used material in 3D printing and is a good choice for beginners. It is eco-friendly, easy to print, and affordable.
- ABS: ABS is a strong and durable plastic commonly used for automotive parts, toys, and electronic housings. It is affordable but requires high-temperature settings to print correctly.
- PETG: PETG is a strong and flexible material that is resistant to temperature and UV light. It is popularly used for 3D printing food containers, electronic parts, and toys.
- Nylon: Nylon is a very strong and highly durable material that is ideal for producing high-stress and high-impact parts like hinges, gears, and metal replacements.
- TPU: TPU is a flexible filament that is resistant to abrasion, oil, and chemicals. It’s perfect for printing phone cases, toys, and other objects that require some flexibility.
Interesting fact: Some 3D printer filaments like wood-fill filament have particles of wood mixed in with the plastic, creating a wood-like texture in the final product.
Now that we’ve gone over each material’s properties let’s examine where to buy 3D printer filaments. Recommending, you can visit online stores like Amazon, MatterHackers, or Filaments.ca to find these materials at competitive prices.
Where to Buy 3D Printer Filament: Prices and Options
If you’re wondering how much is 3D printer filament, it varies depending on the brand, material, and quality. However, you can find 3D printer filaments at different price points, starting from <$strong>15 to $50 per spool. Some filaments, such as carbon fiber, metallic, and glow-in-the-dark filaments, can be more expensive.
When you’re looking to buy 3D printer filaments, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to determine the type of filament for your project, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, or TPU. Different filaments have unique properties and strengths, and some are more challenging to print than others.
Next, you should consider the brand and quality of the filament. High-quality filaments tend to be more reliable and produce better prints, but they’ll also be more expensive.
Finally, you can decide where to buy your 3D printer filament. Many online stores offer 3D printer filaments, including Amazon, MatterHackers, and Printed Solid. These stores have a wide selection of filaments from different brands and materials, and some even offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
If you’re interested in buying 3D printer filaments in bulk, consider purchasing directly from manufacturers like eSUN, Polymaker, and ColorFabb. These manufacturers often offer discounts on bulk purchases and have unique filaments that you can’t find anywhere else.
In conclusion, the cost of 3D printer filament varies depending on several factors. When shopping for filaments, consider the material, brand, quality, and quantity of filaments you need. By shopping around and doing your research, you can find affordable 3D printer filaments that fit your project needs and budget.
Conclusion
The cost of 3D printer filament varies depending on its material, diameter, length, and manufacturer. It’s essential to research the different types of filaments and their unique properties before choosing one for your project. Then, consider the cost and shipping fee when buying it online. Some online stores offer discounts on bulk orders or free shipping. If you’re looking for specific filaments, you may need to purchase them from a specialty store or directly from the manufacturer.
In summary, the cost of 3D printer filament can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on the material and quality. PLA is the most affordable filament, while TPU is one of the most expensive ones. When deciding on a filament, consider its strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and transparency, depending on your project’s requirements. Keep in mind that some filaments may require special settings or modifications to work with your 3D printer properly. With a little research and preparation, you can find the right filament that meets your needs and budget, and start producing high-quality 3D prints. Happy printing!
