PLA (Polylactic Acid)

• Applications: Prototyping, decorative items, educational projects.

• Strengths: Easy to print, biodegradable, low warping, good detail.

• Weaknesses: Lower heat resistance, can be brittle.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Applications: Functional prototypes, automotive parts, toys (like LEGO).

• Strengths: Strong, heat-resistant, good impact resistance.

• Weaknesses: Prone to warping, requires a heated bed, emits fumes.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)

• Applications: Food containers, mechanical parts, durable prototypes.

• Strengths: Strong, flexible, moisture-resistant, low warping.

• Weaknesses: Can be stringy, may require tuning for best results.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

• Applications: Flexible parts, phone cases, wearables, seals.

• Strengths: Highly flexible, durable, good abrasion resistance.

• Weaknesses: Requires precise settings, slower print speeds.

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

• Applications: Outdoor applications, automotive parts, functional prototypes.

• Strengths: UV resistant, strong, weather-resistant.

• Weaknesses: Similar printing challenges as ABS, can warp.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

• Applications: Support material for ABS, prototypes.

• Strengths: Easy to print, dissolvable in limonene.

• Weaknesses: Less strength than ABS, can warp.

Wood Filament

• Applications: Decorative items, furniture prototypes, art pieces.

• Strengths: Aesthetic wood-like finish, easy to sand and paint.

• Weaknesses: Can clog nozzles, may require special settings.

Metal-infused Filament

• Applications: Jewelry, art pieces, decorative items.

• Strengths: Metallic finish, unique aesthetics.

• Weaknesses: Heavier, can wear down nozzles, usually requires post-processing.

Ceramic Filament

• Applications: Artistic pieces, custom tableware, heat-resistant components.

• Strengths: Can be fired to create real ceramics, high heat resistance.

• Weaknesses: Requires post-processing (firing), more challenging to print.

Flexible Filaments (TPE, TPR)

• Applications: Soft toys, gaskets, flexible parts.

• Strengths: Very flexible and durable.

• Weaknesses: Difficult to print, requires careful tuning.

Carbon Fiber-infused Filament

• Applications: Lightweight structural parts, drones, high-strength applications.

• Strengths: High strength-to-weight ratio, rigidity.

• Weaknesses: Abrasive to nozzles, requires hardened steel nozzle for printing.

Nylon

• Applications: Gears, functional parts, textiles.

• Strengths: Tough, flexible, impact-resistant.

• Weaknesses: Moisture-absorbing, can be difficult to print without proper setup.