1PLA vs PETG — which should I buy?
PLA is easier to print and great for decorative models. PETG is stronger, more heat-resistant, and better for functional parts. Start with PLA if you're a beginner.
Resources
Learn About 3D Printing Filaments
Everything you need to know to get started — from material basics to storage best practices.
Beginner Questions
Common questions answered by the community.
2Why is TPU hard to print?
TPU (flexible filament) requires slower print speeds and a direct-drive extruder. Bowden tube setups often struggle with flexible materials due to the extra distance between the extruder motor and the hot end.
3Does filament absorb moisture?
Yes. Nylon, PETG, and ABS are especially moisture-sensitive. Store filament in sealed bags or a dry box with desiccant. Wet filament causes stringing, bubbles, and weak prints.
4Why does filament string (stringing)?
Stringing happens when filament oozes during travel moves. Common fixes: increase retraction distance/speed, lower print temperature, or dry your filament before printing.
5Why does my nozzle clog?
Clogs can be caused by wet filament, temperature set too low, debris in the filament, or a worn nozzle. Carbon-fiber and other abrasive filaments wear standard brass nozzles quickly — use a hardened steel nozzle for abrasive materials.
6Is ABS safe to print indoors?
ABS releases styrene fumes during printing. Ventilation is strongly recommended. Consider ASA or PETG as alternatives if you don't have a well-ventilated setup or enclosure. This is educational information — consult the filament manufacturer's safety data sheet for specifics.
7What is a filament dryer and do I need one?
A filament dryer heats your spool to remove moisture before or during printing. It is recommended for Nylon, PETG, ABS/ASA, and any filament that has been stored improperly or left out in humid environments. Popular options include the Sunlu S4 and PrintDry.
Filament Buying Guides
Short, practical guides to help you choose the right 3D printer filament before you buy.
PLA vs PETG: Which Filament Should Beginners Buy?
A simple comparison of PLA and PETG covering strength, print difficulty, and when to choose each.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →Best Filament for Beginners: A Simple First-Spool Guide
A practical guide for choosing your first filament spool without overthinking brands or materials.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →Why Does 3D Printer Filament Absorb Moisture?
Why filament absorbs moisture, how wet filament affects prints, and what to do before buying.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →Best Filament for Bambu AMS: What to Check Before Buying
A buying checklist for choosing filament that works well with Bambu Lab AMS systems.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →PLA, PLA+, PETG, TPU: A Simple Material Guide
A short guide to the most common 3D printer filament types and what each is best for.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →What Filament Should I Use for Outdoor Prints?
A practical guide to choosing filament for outdoor prints, including UV and heat.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →Why Is TPU Harder to Print?
Why flexible TPU is harder to print and what to check before buying your first TPU spool.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →What Is Price per kg and Why Does It Matter?
Why price per kilogram is the easiest way to compare filament deals across spool sizes.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →Filament Storage Guide: Dry Box, Dryer, and Simple Storage
A practical guide to storing filament, from sealed bags to dry boxes and filament dryers.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →Cheap but Reliable PLA Filament: What to Avoid
How to evaluate low-cost PLA without buying spools that cause tangles, clogs, or bad prints.
Published: July 20, 2026 · Updated: July 20, 2026
Read more →Where to Find Models
The best platforms for discovering free and paid 3D printable files.
MakerWorld
makerworld.com
Bambu Lab's platform with high-quality models and ready-to-use print profiles.
Visit MakerWorld ↗Printables
printables.com
Prusa's platform with a huge library of free models and an active community.
Visit Printables ↗Thingiverse
thingiverse.com
The original 3D printing model library with millions of free designs.
Visit Thingiverse ↗MyMiniFactory
myminifactory.com
Curated models especially great for miniatures, figurines, and tabletop gaming.
Visit MyMiniFactory ↗Storage & Drying
Keeping your filament dry is essential for consistent print quality.
Airtight containers
Store unused filament spools in sealed bins or zip-lock bags with silica gel desiccant packets.
Filament dryers
Active drying at a controlled temperature removes moisture from filament. Community favorites include the Sunlu S4 and PrintDry Pro.
DIY dry box
A cheap airtight plastic storage box with a hole for PTFE tube works well for printing directly off the spool.
Silica gel desiccant
Reusable silica gel packs absorb moisture from sealed containers. Bake at 120 °C (250 °F) for a few hours to recharge.
Useful Guides & Videos
Curated external resources to help you go further.
Teaching Tech filament guide (YouTube)
Comprehensive video series covering filament types, settings, and troubleshooting.
Read / Watch ↗Bambu Lab official filament documentation
Detailed print settings and recommendations for all filament types supported by Bambu printers.
Read / Watch ↗Prusa's filament guide — Know Your Filament
Prusa Research's in-depth breakdown of PLA, PETG, ABS, and more with recommended slicer profiles.
Read / Watch ↗Voron community materials guide
The Voron community's guide to materials suited for high-temperature and enclosed printers.
Read / Watch ↗
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