123-3D - 3D Printers and 3D filament - Homepage logo
 1000's products available for Next Day Delivery
 Lowest Price Guarantee
 3D Experts on hand to help
T: 0333 325 0011
E: info@123-3D.co.uk
Free delivery over £30

Shopping cart

Quantity Product
No products
Total: £0.00
(Incl. 0% VAT)
  • Home
  • Which 3D printer refill should I use?

Which 3D printer refill should I use?

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

Which 3D printer refill should I use?

When determining the type of filling or material that you need for your 3D printer, the printing technique is first and foremost decisive. SLA and DLP printers use resin and FFF or FDM printers use plastic filament.

Index

Are different types of filling available for my resin 3D printer?

Yes, there are different types of resins available for your SLA or DLP resin printer. The type of resin you need depends on the lighting method and the printing technique. Think of UV light, daylight or a laser. In addition, these variants are also available in different strengths and colours.  

Which resin should I choose for my SLA or DLP printer?

The right type of filling for your resin printer mainly depends on the desired application of your 3D print. If you mainly want to create visually appealing objects, the standard or clean resin is perfect. Do you want to print a storage box with a click mechanism? Then the use of durable resin is recommended.

To give you a complete picture of the resin range and its properties, we have created a comparison table below so that you can easily make the right choice.
 

Standard & Clean Toughness Durable Heat resistant Flexible Ceramic
reinforced
Force tolerance ⋆⋆
Fragility ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
Hardness ⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆ ⋆⋆ ⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆
Flexibility ⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
Suitable for... Visual prototypes,
detailed
objects
Sturdy and fixed
parts that
require little
force
Parts with
moving 
elements and
click-mechanisms
Mould and castings Ergonomic and
rubbery
products
Industrial and
functional 
parts
    View all resin 3D filling

Are different types of filaments available for my 3D printer?

Yes, there are different types of filaments available for your 3D printer. Almost all types of filaments are available in sizes 1.75mm and 2.85mm. Which variant you need depends on the extruder of your 3D printer. We also make a distinction in the material. PLA, ABS, TPE, HIPS, PETG, PVA, ASA and Nylon filament are the most common types of filling for your 3D printer. Although each of these named filament types has different properties, the basis is almost always formed by plastic.

What kind of filament should I choose for my 3D printer?

The right filament type depends on the 3D print you want to design. If you want to print a part for outdoor use with excellent mechanical properties, ASA filament is the best choice. Do you want to create a 3D print that only has to meet certain requirements from an aesthetic point of view? Then PLA filament is an excellent option. PLA is not only easy to process, but also available in many different colours and special designs, including wood filament and metal filament.

To give you a complete picture of the filament offer and its properties, we have created a comparison table below so that you can easily make the right choice.
 

PLA ABS TPE HIPS PETG PVA ASA Nylon
Strength ⋆⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆
Hardness ⋆⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆
Flexibility ⋆⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆
Heat resistance
Water resistance
UV resistance ⋆⋆⋆
Colour choice ⋆⋆⋆ ⋆⋆⋆
Melting temperature 180°C to 230°C 220°C to 260°C 210°C to 235°C 220°C to 260°C 230°C to 250°C 180°C to 230°C 220°C to 260°C 240°C to 260°C
Soluble in... - Acetone - D-limonene - Water - -
 

To help you on your way even further, we have created separate pages with extensive information about PLA, ABS, TPE, HIPS, PETG, PVA, ASA, Nylon and flexible TPE/TPU filament.
  View all 3D filament filling

Do you have another question?

Have you not been able to find the answer to your question in the overview above? At 123-3D.co.uk we are busy with 3D printing every day and we like to follow every development. We are happy to share the knowledge and experience that we have built up over the years with you in our 3D printing help centre!
  Back to the 3D printing help centre
Back to Printer FAQs