What is a 3D Printing Filament? A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re just getting started with 3D printing or are curious about how a 3D printer works, you’ve probably come across the term 3D printing filament. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter?

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about 3D printing filaments—from what they are, the different types, and how to choose the right one for your project. Whether you’re exploring 3D printing in the Philippines for the first time or planning to invest in your first 3D printer, this guide is a great place to start.

On This Page

• What is a 3D Printing Filament?
• Common Types of 3D Printing Filaments
• Other Filament Types to Explore
• How to Choose the Right 3D Printer Filament
• Final Tips for Beginners

What is a 3D Printing Filament?

A 3D printing filament is the material used by an FDM 3D printer (Fused Deposition Modeling) to create physical objects. Think of it as the “ink” of the 3D printing world. But instead of spraying ink onto paper, the printer melts this plastic filament and builds up layers to form a 3D shape.

Related: Choosing the Best Filament: A Guide to FDM 3D Printing Materials

Filaments typically come in long strands, wound into spools, and are fed into the printer’s hot end where they are melted and extruded onto a heated bed. Once cooled, the material solidifies and holds its shape—layer by layer—until your final object is complete.

Common Types of 3D Printing Filaments

The type of filament you use can seriously affect your project. Different materials have different strengths, flexibility, durability, and finish. Some are great for detailed models; others are built for function and strength. Choosing the right filament is key if you want to get the best results out of your 3D printer.

Let’s break down the most commonly used 3D printer filaments, especially the ones that are popular and accessible if you’re doing 3D printing in the Philippines.

1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is often recommended for those new to 3D printing. It prints at relatively low temperatures (around 190–220°C) and doesn’t require a heated bed. If you’re printing toys, prototypes, or display models, PLA is a solid go-to.

Also, a little fun fact, PLA is made from renewable sources like cornstarch or sugarcane, making it an eco-friendlier option.

Best for: Beginners, general-purpose models, decorative prints

Pros:

• Easy to print with
• Low warping
• Biodegradable
• Available in many colors and finishes

Cons:

• Not very heat-resistant
• Brittle under stress
  

2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is tougher than PLA and ideal for parts that will be exposed to higher temperatures or stress. It’s commonly used in car parts, helmets, and even LEGO bricks. If you’re doing industrial 3D printing, ABS might be your go-to. Just make sure to print in a well-ventilated space or use an enclosure.

Best for: Functional parts, prototypes, durable objects

Pros:

• Strong and impact-resistant
• Better heat resistance than PLA

Cons:

• Prone to warping
• Requires a heated bed and enclosed print area
• Emits strong fumes when printing
  

3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

PETG offers a good middle ground between PLA and ABS. It’s more durable than PLA but easier to print with than ABS. Great for parts that need a bit of give, like phone holders or storage containers.

Best for: Functional prints that need strength and some flexibility

Pros:

• Strong and flexible
• Food-safe options available
• Minimal warping 

Cons:

• Can string if not dialed in properly
• Slightly more difficult than PLA
  

4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is used when you need parts that bend or stretch—think shoe soles, gaskets, or phone cases. Printing with TPU can be tricky for beginners, but it opens up a lot of creative options.

Best for: Flexible, rubbery parts

Pros:

• Elastic and durable
• Resistant to abrasion 

Cons:

• Slower print speeds required
• More prone to stringing
• Susceptible to moisture absorption
  

5. Nylon

If you’re new to 3D printing, it’s best to try nylon after you’ve mastered PLA or PETG. Nylon’s sensitivity to moisture and its high printing temperature can be tricky to manage without experience or the right printer setup.

It’s popular in industrial 3D printing applications, and also gaining traction in 3D printing in the Philippines for more advanced users and prototyping needs.

Best for: Strong, durable, and flexible parts used in mechanical or functional applications

Pros:

• Very strong and impact-resistant
• Slightly flexible (great for gears, hinges, tool parts)
• Resistant to abrasion and wear
• Can be dyed or colored after printing

Cons:

• Absorbs moisture easily (must be kept very dry)
• Requires higher print temperatures (230–300°C)
• Prone to warping (heated bed + enclosure recommended)

Other Filament Types to Explore

Aside from the four main filaments above, there are also specialty materials like:

• Wood-filled filaments: Mix of PLA and wood fibers, looks like real wood.
• Carbon fiber filaments: Reinforced with carbon fibers for strength.
• Metal-filled PLA: Contains metallic particles for a shiny, weighted finish.

These are usually used in more advanced 3D printing projects and may require specific printer settings or nozzles.

How to Choose the Right 3D Printer Filament

With so many options, how do you know which filament is right for you? Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Purpose of Your Print

Are you making something decorative, functional, flexible, or heavy-duty? Use PLA for decorative items, ABS or PETG for mechanical parts, and TPU for anything that needs to bend.

2. Your Printer’s Capabilities

Not all 3D printers can handle all filaments. Check the nozzle temperature range, if you have a heated bed, and if your printer can be enclosed.

3. Environmental Conditions

If you’re planning to get into 3D printing in the Philippines, be mindful of the humidity. Filaments naturally absorb moisture from the air, and this can lead to poor print quality—like stringing, bubbling, or weak layers. To prevent this, always store your filaments in airtight containers with desiccants, or invest in a filament dryer to keep them in top condition.

4. Finish and Aesthetic

Want a glossy finish? Go for PLA. Need something matte or textured? Specialty filaments might do the trick.

Final Tips for Beginners

• Start with PLA. It’s forgiving, cheap, and widely available.
• Always level your bed and calibrate your printer before starting.
• Experiment! Try out small prints using different filament types.
• Store filaments properly to avoid moisture-related issues.
• Don’t be afraid of trial and error—it’s part of the 3D printing journey.

Filaments might seem like a small detail, but they play a huge role in the success of your 3D prints. Understanding the different types, their pros and cons, and how they work with your 3D printer will help you avoid frustration and make better, cleaner prints.

Ready to start 3D printing in the Philippines as a hobby? Contact us today for beginner-friendly advice, product recommendations, or workshops near you.