1. **PLA (Polylactic Acid)**: Biodegradable and easy to print, ideal for beginners. Used for prototypes, decorations, and non-functional parts. Low-temperature filament.
2. **ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)**: Durable and resistant to impact. Perfect for functional parts but requires high heat and enclosed chambers to reduce warping.
3. **PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)**: Strong, flexible, and moisture-resistant. Great for food-safe containers, mechanical parts, and outdoor items.
4. **Nylon**: Highly durable and resistant to wear. Suited for functional and industrial applications but absorbs moisture and requires drying before use.
5. **TPU/TPE (Thermoplastic Polyurethane/Elastomers)**: Flexible, rubber-like filament. Best for creating items like phone cases, seals, and wearables.
6. **PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)**: Water-soluble, commonly used as support material in dual-extrusion printers.
7. **Polycarbonate (PC)**: Extremely strong, heat-resistant, and transparent. Often used in automotive or industrial applications.
8. **Wood-Filled Filaments**: PLA-based filament with wood-like properties for aesthetic designs.
9. **Metal-Filled Filaments**: PLA or ABS mixed with metal powders, offering a metallic appearance but requiring care in printing.
**Advanced Filaments:**
- **Carbon Fiber Reinforced**: Added strength, lightweight properties.
- **HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)**: Used as a support material in ABS prints due to its compatibility and dissolvability in limonene.
- **Conductive Filaments**: For electronic applications like circuits.
- **Glow-in-the-Dark Filaments**: Unique aesthetic options for fun or decorative projects.
**General Considerations:**
- **Moisture Sensitivity**: Many filaments absorb humidity (like Nylon and PVA), requiring filament dryers for optimal print quality.
- **Temperature**: Each filament has specific temperature requirements for the nozzle and bed.
- **Strength vs. Flexibility**: Select filaments based on the balance between these traits for your project.
- **Eco-Friendly Choices**: PLA is biodegradable, but recycling programs exist for other filament types.
