Epoxy resin coating is the most reliable method to waterproof PLA 3D prints, though five other proven techniques can work depending on your specific needs. Without proper waterproofing, PLA prints start degrading within just two weeks of water exposure, potentially ruining your projects and wasting…
How to Waterproof PLA 3D Prints: 6 Easy Methods Read More
If you have a 3D printer, chances are you’ve heard of ABS filament.
While not the most popular filament material for FDM 3D printers, ABS is easily in the top 3. Many users prefer ABS over PLA and other materials for its high heat resistance, durability,…
ABS 3D Printing Filament: What is It & 9 Must-Know Secrets Read More
When it comes to 3D printing, ABS filament is one of the most widely used plastic materials. ABS plastic was originally developed in the 1940s and became popular in the automotive industry (among others) due to the plastic’s high heat resistance, decent impact resistance, and…
Is ABS Recyclable? 5 Truths About Recycling and Biodegradability Unveiled Read More
Acetone welding Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic (ABS) is quite a useful technique for all those times when you want to join two ABS parts (3D printed or not).
If you have ever faced a situation where you wanted to 3D print a large sword, but your…
Acetone Welding ABS: Mastering the Technique in 4 Simple Steps Read More
ABS and ASA are two very popular 3D printable filament materials, known for their exceptional strength and post-processing compatibility. While these two thermoplastics have similar names and are used for similar applications, the filaments are far from the same.
ASA filament costs slightly more than ABS…
ASA vs ABS Showdown: The Best Filament for Your 3D Printing Projects Read More
The first layer of an ABS 3D print is arguably the most important layer, as every subsequent layer depends on its success. And if you are dealing with ABS warping on the first layer, you open yourself up to a host of issues.
Warping, also known…
ABS Warping & Curling: 7 Proven Tips to Keep Prints Flat Read More
When it comes to 3D printing filaments, ABS isn’t typically the crowd favorite. While ABS filament is affordable and yields much more durable parts compared to PLA, the material is noticeably more difficult to print. Even more critical are its toxicity and safety concerns.
Unlike PLA…
Is ABS Toxic or Safe to 3D Print? (How to Avoid Risks) Read More
Prior to 2012, 3D printing wood on hobbyist 3D printers was a distant concept. Kai Parthy changed this notion by developing the first ever wood 3D printing filament in 2012 by mixing PLA with real wood fibers.
Manufacturers quickly jumped on this idea and released their…
Wood Filament: Supercharge Your 3D Prints with Nature’s Power Read More
First invented for creating astronauts’ visors, Polycarbonate has quickly caught on to become one of the most versatile plastic materials in use today. It’s UV-resistant, has a high-temperature tolerance, and is widely used in industrial as well as day-to-day applications.
Its versatility and tough mechanical characteristics…
Polycarbonate Filament: Unlock Its Potential With These Settings Read More
Although ABS filament is one of the more difficult materials to 3D print with, it’s still one of the most popular filaments available. And while 3D printer features like a heated bed are a given for printing ABS, whether you can 3D print ABS without…
3D Printing ABS Without Enclosure: The Complete Guide Read More
Despite its popularity, 3D printing ABS is usually a headache and a half (quite literally, if you aren’t careful with the fumes). Its high printing temperature and shrinkage rate make it especially prone to issues with warping, layer adhesion, and dimensional accuracy.
While it’s easy to…
ABS Alternatives: Discover the 5 Best Filaments for Easy 3D Printing Read More
Bridges and overhangs are some of the most challenging 3D printing techniques you can do. Add ABS to the equation and it’s even more challenging to pull off successfully.
Why? Because ABS is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, it doesn’t work well with a lot…
ABS Bridging: 5 Settings for Flawless 3D Printed Bridges Read More
Anyone who regularly works with 3D printing materials like PLA or PETG knows what a pain (literally) it is to get smooth and shiny 3D prints from sanding. A medium-sized print can take several hours to sand smooth, which just isn’t feasible for large-scale production.
That’s…
Smoothing ABS: Get Smooth 3D Prints with Acetone Vapor, Brushing & Baths Read More
PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a great material for 3D printing. The low price and high printability make it the material of choice for all newcomers to 3D printing.
Now picture this: One fine evening, you’re all set to 3D print your masterpiece. You have set…
PLA Print Settings: The Complete Guide for Perfect 3D Prints Read More
If you’re ready to upgrade your 3D printing experience past basic PLA, we’ve got some great news for you: you don’t have to lose your sanity jumping into more advanced filaments just yet. There are plenty of types of PLA filament you can explore.
These PLA…
PLA Filament Types Explained: Master 17 Versatile Variants Read More
PLA or TPU, which filament should you use for your project? While these two materials are both popular 3D printing filaments, they have vastly different properties and uses. Understanding when to use and how to combine them can take your 3D prints to a whole…
TPU vs (Flexible) PLA Filament: 8 Key Factors to Guide Your Choice Read More
Polycarbonate and PLA are two of the most popular 3D printing materials for good reason, but if you’re finding it hard to keep track of what they are and how to use them with so many other materials out there, that’s totally understandable!
That’s why we’re…
Polycarbonate vs PLA Filament: 4 Notable Differences Read More
Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most commonly used material in FDM 3D printing. This plant-based plastic is well-known for its ease of printing, reasonable cost, and wide assortment. Also, it’s better for the earth than other 3D printing materials.
Every 3D printing enthusiast or professional user…
PLA Filament for 3D Printing: A No-Nonsense Guide Read More
You’ve been using your 3D pen long enough that you know all the basic plastics. PLA, ABS, PCL—
Hang on, what the heck is PCL filament?!
Well, PCL is another 3D printing material that works great with 3D pens. Don’t worry if it’s new to you—it isn’t…
PCL vs PLA: A Fast Comparison of 3D Pen Filaments Read More
It’s the question heard ‘round the world in the 3D printing community: Is PLA biodegradable or not? PLA filament makers still say yes, even as their customers swear their prints won’t degrade.
So, what’s the truth about PLA plastics? And how can shoppers worried about plastic…
Is PLA Biodegradable or Not: Debunking 3D Printing Myths Read More
You have the perfect 3D printing project in mind. You think PLA is the best material for it and decide to use a roll you bought a few months ago. You have everything set and ready to go when the worst happens—your PLA filament snaps…
Brittle PLA Filament: 6 Tips to Avoid Snaps Read More
Do you have a spool or two of PLA filament that hasn’t seen the light of day in a year or two (or five)? If so, you may be asking yourself: does PLA filament go bad?
If you’ve already checked the label for an expiration date,…
Does PLA Filament Expire? 10 Truths About Its Shelf Life Read More
Did you leave a spool of 3D printing filament out in the open? Or maybe you’re trying to print with a filament that’s a bit past its prime. Either way, you’ve got a moisture problem and you need to solve it, stat.
Lucky for you, drying…
Drying 3D Printing Filament: 3 Effective Methods Read More
PLA is one of the easiest 3D printing materials to work with. It has a low printing temperature, practically no shrinkage, and little to no fumes while printing. However, even with its superior printability, many users have trouble with PLA not sticking to the bed…
PLA Not Sticking to Bed: 8 Ways to Fix It Read More
PolyLactic Acid (PLA) is one of the primary plastic filaments in 3D printing. It’s easy to 3D print, affordable, and comes in many colors and varieties. And with its popularity, many users are always looking to get the best PLA 3D prints possible. You can…
How to Melt and Dissolve PLA Filament: 5 Effective Methods Read More
Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) filament is a 3D printing material that has risen in popularity thanks to its UV stability and high heat tolerances. However, it can be a difficult material to work with if you aren’t familiar with it and its properties can vary…
ASA Filament: What is It & The Best 6 Brands Read More
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is one of the most common 3D printing materials thanks to its easy post-processing and high heat resistance. Since it’s such a popular material, there are countless options to choose from when buying a spool for your 3D printer.
In this article,…
The 10 Best ABS Filament Brands (2026) Read More
To 3D print well with PETG filament, you need a nozzle temperature between 210°C and 250°C, a heated bed temperature between 70°C and 80°C, and a print speed of 60mm/s or less. Set the cooling fan speed at 0% for the first few layers and…
3D Printing PETG Filament: Ideal Bed Temp & 5 Optimal Print Settings Read More
PEEK is the strongest 3D printer filament with an ultimate tensile strength of more than 7250 PSI. However, because PEEK requires high printing temperatures, Polycarbonate filament is an often preferred alternative that also offers high strength to your 3D prints.
The strength of your 3D printed…
What is the Strongest 3D Printer Filament? Read More
Stringing is an issue that happens often in 3D printing when a 3D printer has to travel over empty space to get from one part of a print to another. Thin strings of filament sometimes form between the two sections during this process. This can…
9 Easy Fixes for PETG Stringing & Blobs Read More
Are you interested in 3D printing with PETG filament but you don’t know what to look for? This is an understandable concern since there are so many brands and varieties of PETG on the market to choose from. But don’t worry! We can help you…
The 11 Best PETG Filament Brands in 2026 Read More
Are you interested in smooth PLA 3D prints but aren’t sure where to start? You’re not alone! PLA smoothing is one of the most common concerns among 3D printing enthusiasts who want glossy prints without the hassle of working with ABS.
While you won’t find a…
PLA Smoothing: How to Get Perfectly Smooth PLA 3D Prints Read More
PETG and ABS are two popular materials used in 3D printing that have excellent heat resistance and durability. While PETG is an excellent choice for easier printing and strong parts, ABS is a hobbyist favorite for its easy post-processing.
Once you’ve mastered using lower melting point…
PETG vs ABS: A 12-Point Insightful Face-Off Read More
Ready to start 3D printing with ABS filament but aren’t sure where to start? You’re not alone. ABS is one of the more difficult materials to use in 3D printing and needs the right print settings and environment for the best results.
In this article, we’ll…
ABS Filament: 8 Tips for Optimal Print Settings Read More
3D printing with flexible filaments opens up a world of possibilities for your projects. From soft washers to shoe insoles to phone cases, you can make all sorts of strong elastic parts from flexible materials. However, with so many different types of flexible filaments available…
The Best Flexible Filaments for 3D Printing Read More
Flexible filament can be difficult to use thanks to its elasticity, but it is extremely versatile once you get the hang of it. Using the right settings is essential for getting good results and print quality when 3D printing flexible filaments like TPU.
In this guide,…
3D Printing TPU: 9 Secrets to Achieving the Best Flexible Prints Read More
The Creality Ender 3 is a versatile budget 3D printer with a generously sized heated bed that makes it great for using all sorts of high-temperature and specialty printing materials that aren’t always feasible to use with cheaper 3D printers. Finding the best filament brands,…
The Best Filaments for the Ender 3 Read More
PLA filament is one of the most popular materials for 3D printing, thanks to its ease of use and forgiving properties. However, if you’re just starting out, it can be difficult to know which brand is the best PLA filament and what to look for…
The 10 Best PLA Filaments for 3D Printing Read More
If you’ve looked through Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, or other STL sharing sites, you’ve probably seen several kitchen utensils and other food-contact projects to 3D print. With PLA filament being the most common 3D printing material, “Is PLA food-safe?” is a common question.
In this article, we’ll explain…
Is PLA Filament Food-Safe? Industry Insights and 5 Safety Tips Read More
PLA and ABS are two of the most commonly used filament materials in 3D printing. They have very different material properties and are each utilized in different situations depending on the project and the 3D printer being used.
In this article, we’ll look at PLA vs…
PLA vs ABS Filament: 12 Factors to Guide Your Choice Read More
As one of the most commonly used 3D printing materials, PLA is a versatile and affordable bioplastic. Its material properties make it easy to print with and compatible with even the most basic 3D printers, making it a favorite with many beginner printing enthusiasts.
However, pure…
PLA vs PLA+ Filament: 10 Key Differences Read More
If you’re familiar with 3D printing, you’ve probably heard of the thermoplastics PLA and PETG at least once or twice. As two common materials used in the 3D printing process, both PLA and PETG have advantages and disadvantages in certain situations.
Ready to find out more?…
PETG vs PLA Filament: Which is Best for 3D Printing? Read More
