{"id":4093,"date":"2020-03-11T06:17:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-11T06:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimakerstage.wpengine.com\/learn\/"},"modified":"2023-05-19T06:52:01","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T06:52:01","slug":"3d-printing-materials-filaments-and-filament-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimaker.com\/it\/learn\/3d-printing-materials-filaments-and-filament-production\/","title":{"rendered":"3D printing materials: Filaments and filament production"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"filament-blog-hero\"<\/div>\n

3D printing materials: Filaments and filament production <\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n

In part one<\/a> and part two<\/a> of our series on 3D printing materials, we have taken a look at a wide variety of material-related topics, from the FFF process itself to specific use cases and mechanical properties. In the third and final installment, we\u00a0will cover\u00a0all things filament,\u00a0from\u00a0the additives and blends that give materials mechanical properties to an overview of\u00a0filament\u00a0production.<\/p><\/div>\n

What is\u00a03D\u00a0printing filament?\u00a0<\/h2>\n

From the\u00a0first part<\/a> of our 3D printing materials series, we\u00a0know that FFF 3D printing uses thermoplastic \u2013\u202fa plastic polymer that becomes pliable and moldable when\u00a0heated, and\u00a0a solid when cooled.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A polymer\u00a0(\u201cpoly\u201d meaning \u201cmany\u201d)\u00a0is a substance that consists of\u00a0multiple\u00a0molecules\u00a0called monomers\u00a0(\u201cmono\u201d meaning \u201cone)\u00a0that are able to bond in long chains in a process\u00a0known as\u00a0\u201cpolymerization.\u201d Chains of\u00a0repeating\u00a0monomers give polymers unique properties such as flexibility or rigidity.<\/p><\/section>\n

\"monomer\"<\/div>\n
An illustration of a monomer<\/div><\/div>\n
\"polymer\"<\/div>\n
An illustration of a polymer<\/div><\/div>\n

A copolymer, on the other hand, is a substance consisting of multiple monomers of differing type bonded together.\u00a0In FFF 3D printing, copolymers can offer different mechanical properties needed for specific applications and use cases.<\/p><\/section>\n

\"copolymer\"<\/figure><\/div>\n
An illustration of a copolymer<\/div><\/div>\n

How\u00a0filament\u00a0is made\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The process of creating 3D printing filament<\/a> is called “compounding.” First, raw plastic resin in the form of pellets is produced.\u00a0These pellets can be mixed with additives to obtain desired mechanical properties.\u00a0The mixture is then dried, extruded to the desired width (usually 1.75 or 2.85\u00a0mm),\u00a0and\u00a0wound on a spool. Once wound, the material is ready to be used in 3D printing.<\/p><\/section>\n

\"material<\/figure><\/div>\n
The filament production process<\/div><\/div>\n

Additives\u00a0and blends\u00a0<\/h2>\n

As we know, additives are added to plastic resin\u00a0to obtain specific mechanical properties. Fillers, including glass or carbon fibers<\/a>, can make filament stronger and heavier. Pigments add color. Antioxidants can be used to create filaments with UV and chemical resistance.\u00a0\u00a0Antistatic agents offer electro-static discharge (ESD) protection. Additives can also be used to reduce impact resistance, create flame-retardant properties, or increase flexibility.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Blends, meanwhile, are created when two or more polymers are\u00a0mixed together\u00a0and used to create 3D printing filament.\u00a0Pellets of polymers are combined at the beginning of the filament manufacturing process.\u00a0Blends are used to combine the strengths of different polymers to create a filament that\u2019s better suited for its applications.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Find the perfect material\u00a0<\/h2>\n

With\u00a0Ultimaker\u2019s\u00a0open material system and the\u00a0Ultimaker\u00a0Material Alliance<\/a>, you can almost certainly find a filament that\u2019s suited to your needs.\u00a0And be sure to visit the Ultimaker Marketplace<\/a> for an overview of all filaments from\u00a0Ultimaker\u00a0and our partners. There, you can download print profiles that will allow you to achieve the results you want, as quickly and easily as possible.<\/p><\/section>\n

Discover Ultimaker materials<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n