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Like with any other production process, the cost of the materials you choose will influence how sustainable your project will be. You not only want to choose materials that will help you produce quality products but that are also affordable. The cost of your 3D filaments will therefore have a significant impact on the cost of the final product as well as how sustainable your 3D printing business or hobby will be.
There is a wide range of 3D printer filaments available in the market today. There are also various brands offering 3D printer filaments at different prices. It can be quite a challenge determining what 3D printer filament to purchase and at what price, especially when you're just getting started. Below, we discuss how much 3D printer filaments cost and what influences their costs. We also discuss how to choose the best 3D printer filament for your application.
Factors that Affect the Cost of 3D Filaments
If you're reading this article, you're likely planning your budget and want to know roughly how much you should spend on 3D printer filament. There are various factors that influence the cost of 3D filaments. Some of the most common factors are outlined below.
- The type of material
There is a wide range of 3D printer filaments available in the market. The cost of the 3D printer filament will largely depend on the type of material used in the filament. PLA is one of the most affordable 3D printing filaments available in the market, no matter what brand you choose to purchase from. It is also easy to use. Both of these factors contribute to making it one of the most popular choices for beginners.
The cost is also influenced by the type of materials added to the filament. You will often find that basic or standard filament that only features one type of material is often more affordable than specialty or hybrid filaments that include other materials such as carbon fiber or TPU.
- The quantity
This is obvious. The quantity of the filament you are purchasing will influence the cost of the filament. It is often more affordable to purchase filament in bulk rather than in smaller pieces. While you will have to spend more upfront for a bulk purchase, the cost per kg will be much cheaper when compared to purchasing smaller spools of filament. If you're running a business or spend a lot of time 3D printing, purchasing in bulk would be a good option.
- The brand or manufacturer
The cost of the filament will also depend on the manufacturer or brand that produces the 3d printer and the 3D printing filament. Different manufacturers will price their filaments at different levels. Some people opt to purchase open-source filaments. These are made by third-party manufacturers and can be used with different 3d printers. Using open-source filaments opens you up to many more options and various price points.
Cost of 3D Printing Filaments Based on Type
- PLA
Polylactic acid printing filaments are made from a biodegradable polymer. PLA is, without a doubt, the most popular type of material amongst 3D printing enthusiasts. Not only is it one of the most affordable types of 3D printing filaments, but it is also one of the easiest materials to handle. It also comes in a wide range of colors and provides an excellent finish.
The average price for a 1kg spool of PLA filament can be as low as $15 or as high as $50. It is important to consider quality when choosing your filament. You should therefore avoid the cheapest brands. High-quality filaments often go for between $30 and $50.
- PETG
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol is a popular printing filament, especially amongst professionals looking to achieve stronger and more durable parts. This material is similar to the plastic used to make plastic bottles and food containers. However, the addition of glycol makes it easier to use in 3D printing. PETG offers many benefits, including significant thermal and chemical resistance. It is also durable and is considered food safe. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find this filament being applied to products that will be used for packaging food or for other food-related applications.
PETG is more expensive than PLA. The average price of a 1kg spool lies between $18 and $60. Like PLA, PETG is available in various colors. The cost of the filament will be greatly influenced by its quality. It is best to go for a high-quality filament in the higher price range if durability and strength are important factors for your prints.
- ABS
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is plastic that is made of petroleum products. This filament is also popular amongst 3D printing enthusiasts. However, because it consists of petroleum products, it produces toxic, foul-smelling fumes when heated. It is also prone to shrinking when cooled. This makes it difficult to work with. You will need a heated printer bed, and should work within an enclosure for best results.
ABS is a great choice when you want to print more functional and durable parts. It is also an affordable printing material. The average price range for a 1kg spook is $15 to $50. This is quite similar to the cost of PLA spools. Therefore, you should also consider quality in purchasing your filaments. You're more likely to get better results in printing when you choose higher-quality ABS filaments. These cost $30 to $50 per 1kg spool.
Conclusion
There are various other types of filaments, and their prices can be as low as $15 and as high as $80, as is the case for carbon fiber filaments. It is important to consider the factors that influence the cost of 3D filaments when searching for the best filament for 3D printer. Choose a filament that is not only affordable but will also help you achieve the quality that you're looking for with your prints. Use the information discussed in this article as guidance.