Which is the best filament for Ender 3? Read on to find out.
One of the cheapest 3D printers on the market is the Creality Ender 3. This printer has been voted multiple times as the best 3D printer for beginners.
If you have the Creality Ender 3, you may be wondering what kind of filament it requires.
The Creality Ender 3 works well with PLA filament. However, you can also use the printer to print 3D models using ABS filament, thanks to its heated print bed and maximum extruder temperature. Other users have also reported success with TPU and PETG filaments.
In this guide, we present the best filaments for Creality Ender 3.
Read on.
Best Filament for Ender 3
#1. PLA Filaments
PLA is rated the best filament for 3D printers. This biodegradable and non-toxic filament extrudes at temperatures ranging from 190°C to 230°C. The filament does not require the print bed to be heated for it to adhere to the build plate. If you wish to use a heated print plate, keep it between 60°C and 80 for the filament to adhere properly.
One of the notable features of PLA is its versatility. This filament is used to make metal, wood, glow-in-the-dark, and various hybrid filaments.
PLA Properties
- Is non-toxic
- Has a pleasant smell
- Easy to work with
- Fairly brittle
- Is of medium strength
- Medium durability
Best PLA for Creality Ender 3: Matterhackers Built PLA Series
is the best filament brand for Ender 3.
AVAILABLE ON MATTERHACKERS
Budget PLA for Creality Ender 3: ESUN PLA
AVAILABLE ON ESUN3DSTORE
Esun has some of the best PLA filaments on the market. Here is a model printed using Esun Black PLA filament:
Funky Colors Filament for Ender 3: Elegoo Silk PLA
AVAILABLE ON ELEGOO
PLA is rated the best filament for Ender 3. However, we only recommend it for beginners. If you are looking for find prints, you’ll be better off with PETG or TPU filaments.
#2. ABS Filament
ABS filament is more flexible and durable than PLA. Moreover, it can better withstand exposure to moisture and sunlight. For these reasons, the filament s usually preferred for printing prototypes and functional parts.
ABS prints at temperatures ranging from 210°C to 250°C. To use the filament, the print bed has to be heated at around 60°C to 110°C.
ABS Filament Properties
- Has a strong chemical odor
- Can be a little bit tricky to print with
- More flexible than PLA
- Durable and impact resistant
Best ABS for Creality Ender 3: Eryone
AVAILABLE ON ERYONE3D
Budget ABS for Creality Ender 3: MatterHackers
AVAILABLE ON MATTERHACKERS
There are a couple of things you should know if you are looking to buy ABS filament:
-
The filament is petroleum-based. Therefore, it will release toxic fumes. You will need to get your printer in a well-ventilated room. We recommend having a 3D printer ventilation system.
-
ABS filament is very sensitive to temperature drops. Therefore, you will need an enclosure to avoid shrinking the build. Download this guide on how to build your own 3D printer enclosure.
#3. PETG Filament
PETG filament is easy to use, eco-friendly, and delivers a tough, flexible finish. These properties make the filament almost as popular as PLA and ABS.
PETG is the best filament to use for models that require a clear material. The filament prints at temperatures ranging from 220°C to 240°C. You can print the filament with or without a heated print bed.
PETG Filament Properties
- Eco-friendly. Models made from the filament can be recycled
- Easy to use
- Good durability
- More flexible than both PLA and ABS
Best PETG for Creality Ender 3: eSUN
AVAILABLE ON ESUN
#4. TPU Filament
TPU filament is characterized by a firmer consistency, which makes it flexible than most filaments on the market. The filament produces durable, rugged prints that are bendable and flexible. For the best print results, the filament should be printed at slower speeds (below 30mm/s).
TPU filaments print best when the extruder temperature is between 220°C to 240°C and the print bed is around 60°C.
TPU Filament Properties
- Easy to print with
- Can be used for both consumer and industrial prints
- High heat resistance
- Excellent durability
- Produces flexible, bendable prints
Best TPU Filament for Creality Ender 3: Sainsmart
AVAILABLE ON SAINSMART
Bottom line:
There isn’t really a best filament for Ender 3. It all depends on your level of experience and what you want to print. Some filaments are better at particular jobs than others. However, generally, PLA is easier to print than ABS, especially on a printer without an enclosure, such as the Creality Ender 3.
Here is a quick guide that can help you in your selection:
- For daily use in basic colors, go for MH Build Series PLA
- For display pieces, Elegoo Silk PLA outshines other filaments
- For printing gifts, get PLAs from Polyalchemy and Filamentum. However, these filaments are quite expensive.
- PETG filaments are great for prints that need more strength and higher temperatures
- For printing busts, try Amolen Marble PLA. The filament produces a nice color and finish.
If you are looking for the best filament for Ender 3, any of the above options would work perfectly.
RELATED ARTICLES
Here Are the Best Filaments for Lithophanes
What is PLA Filament Made Of?
Best PLA Filament for Ender 3
){kind=link}