Unleashing Creativity Down Under: The Best 3D Printing Filament Options in Australia

Australia has become a hub for creativity and innovation, and 3D printing is no exception. With an increasing number of makers and designers using this technology to bring their ideas to life, the demand for high-quality 3D printing filaments has never been higher. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a newbie to the world of 3D printing, choosing the right filament can make all the difference in the final outcome of your project. In this article, we'll explore the top 3D printing filament options available in Australia. From PLA to PETG to ABS, we'll take a deep dive into the different types of filaments, their unique properties, and which ones are best suited for various applications. So, if you're looking to unleash your creativity and take your 3D printing game to the next level, read on to discover the best filament options Down Under.

Importance of choosing the right filament

Choosing the right filament for your 3D printing project is crucial to achieving the desired outcome. Filaments come in different materials and colors, and each has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. Using the wrong filament can lead to poor print quality, failed prints, and even damage to your 3D printer. Therefore, it's essential to understand the differences between filaments and choose the right one for your project.

The right filament can make all the difference in the final outcome of your project. If you're printing a functional part that needs to withstand high temperatures, you'll need a filament that can handle the heat. On the other hand, if you're printing a model, you'll want a filament that produces high-quality prints with excellent detail and surface finish. Choosing the wrong filament can lead to poor print quality, failed prints, and even damage to your 3D printer. Therefore, it's essential to understand the differences between filaments and choose the right one for your project.

When selecting a filament, consider the following factors:

- Material properties

- Printing temperature

- Diameter and spool size

- Color and finish

- Price

Types of 3D printing filament

There are several types of filaments available for 3D printing, each with its unique properties and characteristics. The most common types of filaments are PLA, ABS, and PETG. Let's take a closer look at each of these filaments.

PLA Filament

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable and eco-friendly filament made from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and cassava root. PLA is the most commonly used filament for 3D printing due to its ease of use, low printing temperature, and excellent print quality. PLA is perfect for printing models and decorative items that do not require high strength or durability.

One of the main benefits of PLA is that it's easy to print with. PLA requires a low printing temperature between 180-220°C, making it suitable for most 3D printers. PLA also has excellent adhesion to the print bed and produces high-quality prints with excellent detail and surface finish.

However, PLA has its drawbacks. PLA is not suitable for printing parts that require high strength or durability. PLA has a low melting point, which means it can deform in high-temperature environments. PLA is also brittle and can break under stress. Therefore, it's essential to choose the right filament for your project.

ABS Filament

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a durable and impact-resistant filament commonly used for printing functional parts and prototypes. ABS has excellent mechanical properties, making it suitable for parts that require high strength and durability. ABS is also resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, making it ideal for industrial applications.

However, ABS is challenging to print with. ABS requires a high printing temperature between 220-250°C, making it suitable for printers with a heated bed. ABS also tends to warp and shrink during printing, leading to poor adhesion and failed prints. Therefore, it's essential to have a 3D printer with a heated bed and a good adhesion method, such as a glue stick or ABS slurry, when printing with ABS.

PETG Filament

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a strong and durable filament that combines the best properties of PLA and ABS. PETG is a popular filament for 3D printing due to its high strength, durability, and ease of use. PETG is also resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, making it ideal for industrial applications.

PETG is easy to print with, requiring a printing temperature between 220-250°C. PETG also has excellent adhesion to the print bed and produces high-quality prints with excellent detail and surface finish.

Top 3D printing filament options in Australia

Now that we've explored the different types of filaments, let's take a look at the top 3D printing filament options available in Australia.

1. FormFutura Easifil PLA

Easifil PLA is a premium PLA filament that produces high-quality prints with excellent detail and surface finish. Easifil PLA has excellent adhesion to the print bed and is easy to print with, requiring a printing temperature between 200-220°C. Easifil PLA is also available in a wide range of colors and finishes, making it ideal for printing models and decorative items.

2. Formfutura ABSpro

Formfutura ABSpro is a high-performance ABS filament that produces strong and durable prints. Formfutura ABSpro has excellent mechanical properties and is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, making it ideal for industrial applications. Formfutura ABSpro also has a unique formulation that reduces warping and shrinkage during printing.

3. FlashForge PETG

FlashForge PETG is a strong and durable filament that produces high-quality prints with excellent detail and surface finish. FlashForge PETG is easy to print with, requiring a printing temperature between 230-250°C. FlashForge PETG also has excellent adhesion to the print bed and is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, making it ideal for industrial applications.

Comparison of the three filaments

Each filament has its unique properties and characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications. PLA is perfect for printing models and decorative items, while ABS is ideal for printing functional parts that require high strength and durability. PETG combines the best properties of PLA and ABS, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

PLA is the easiest filament to print with, requiring a low printing temperature and excellent adhesion to the print bed. However, PLA is not suitable for parts that require high strength or durability.

ABS is challenging to print with and requires a high printing temperature and good adhesion to the print bed. However, ABS produces strong and durable prints that are resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.

PETG is easy to print with, requiring a printing temperature between PLA and ABS. PETG also produces strong and durable prints that are resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.

Tips for storing and handling filament

Proper storage and handling of filament are crucial to achieving good print quality and prolonging the life of your filament. Here are some tips for storing and handling filament:

- Store filament in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

- Keep filament in its original packaging or in an airtight container with a desiccant to prevent moisture absorption.

- Avoid touching the filament with your bare hands, as oils and dirt from your skin can affect adhesion and print quality.

- Clean the print bed before each print to ensure good adhesion.

- Use a filament guide or spool holder to prevent tangling and ensure smooth filament feed.

Where to buy 3D printing filament in Australia

There are several places to buy 3D printing filament in Australia, both online and offline. Here are some of the best places to buy filament:

- AUSTiC Shop

You can also buy filament from our marketplaces stores on Kogan, Catch, Amazon and Mydeal.

Conclusion

Choosing the right filament is crucial to achieving the desired outcome of your 3D printing project. In this article, we explored the top 3D printing filament options available in Australia, including PLA, ABS, and PETG. Each filament has its unique properties and characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications. We also provided tips for storing and handling filament and where to buy filament in Australia. By understanding the differences between filaments and choosing the right one for your project, you can unleash your creativity and take your 3D printing game to the next level.