Standard Filaments
The printing cost for the standard 3D printing filaments offered at the Rapid Prototyping Centre is based on the total mass of material used, including supports. All 3 standard materials are compared below.
| Filament | PLA | PETG | TPU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to print | $0.06 per gram | $0.07 per gram | $0.08 per gram |
| Best for | Visual prototypes, figurines | Functional parts, jigs, fixtures, enclosures, parts needing chemical resistance | Flexible parts, wearables, vibration dampeners |
| Ease of Printing | Easiest | More difficult than PLA, requires higher temperatures and a heated bed | Most difficult, requires slower print speeds, prone to moisture absorption |
| Durability | Moderate strength; low impact resistance | High strength and durability; tough | Moderate; typically between PLA and PETG |
| Heat Resistance |
Low 50 - 60 °C |
Moderate to high 70 - 80 °C |
High 80 - 100 °C |
| Flexibility | Low | Moderate | Very high |
| Tensile Strength & Brittleness |
Higher (50-60 MPa) More brittle (snaps rather than deforms) |
Lower (40-50 MPa) More ductile (deforms rather than snaps) |
Highest (up to 100 MPa) Most ductile |
| Other Properties | Biodegradable | Good chemical and UV resistance, 100% recyclable | Good element resistance, flame-retardant |
Premium Filaments:
Below are the premium 3D printing filaments we are currently offering.
- Multicoloured PLA Printing: Colour dependant, generally $0.08-$0.10 per gram.
- Print in up to 5 different colours of PLA at once from our selection to create multicoloured prints with a uniform finish.
- Longer printing time and more filament usage than a single colour print.
- Carbon Fiber PAHT-CF: $0.13 per gram
- Need a material with tougher mechanical properties than our typical 3D printer filaments? Our carbon fiber reinforced nylon filament might be the material for you.
- Find more information on this material on Bambu Lab's website.
- Dedicated Support Material (PVA Water-Soluble Support): $0.20 per gram
- Now, with water-soluble support material, you can create more complex geometry previously not possible with break-away supports.
- Compatible with PLA and PETG prints, not recommended for use as full print body material.