Alexei Volkov
The cost of plastic for 3D printers depends on the type of filament and its brand. The cheapest PLA filaments can range from $15 to $18, while specialty filaments can cost between $40 to $60. ABS, another popular filament, is reasonably priced at $20 to $27 per kg. Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is similar in price to ABS, while polycarbonate (PC) is more expensive due to its durability and strength.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of 3D printer filament | $15 to $60 per kg |
| Cost of specialty filaments | $40 to $60 per kg |
| Cost of ABS | $20 to $150 per kg |
| Cost of PLA | $10 to $100 per kg |
| Cost of Polycarbonate (PC) | More than most filament types |
What You'll Learn
- The cheapest PLA filaments cost $15 to $18 per kg
- ABS is reasonably cheap and costs $20 to $150 per kg
- Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is similar to the PET plastic used in making bottles
- Polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely strong FDM 3D printing filament
- Metal-filled filaments are more expensive than standard 3D printer filaments
The cheapest PLA filaments cost $15 to $18 per kg
The most popularly used filaments in 3D printing, PLA and ABS, cost around $20 to $27. Buying from an open-source 3D filament manufacturer usually results in savings. ABS is reasonably cheap when used in FDM 3D printing, with an average price range of $20 to $150 per kg.
Specialty filaments, such as wood, carbon fibre, or metal-filled filaments, usually have PLA or ABS as their base material. They are designed to imitate the physical attributes and some of the mechanical properties of real wood, carbon fibre, or metal. However, they are still considered plastic materials with improved properties, and hence, the pricing is relatively higher than standard 3D printer filaments.
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ABS is reasonably cheap and costs $20 to $150 per kg
The cost of 3D printer filament varies depending on the type of filament, its brand, quality, and colour. The cheapest PLA filaments can range from $15 to $18, while specialty filaments can cost between $40 to $60 per kg. ABS is another commonly used filament, which is reasonably cheap and costs $20 to $150 per kg. It is made from petroleum and is frequently used in injection moulding. ABS can be difficult to print without a heated build plate, but if the process is correctly controlled, it can deliver parts with good mechanical properties.
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Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is similar to the PET plastic used in making bottles
The cost of 3D printing plastic depends on the type of filament and its brand. The cheapest PLA filaments can range from $15 to $18, while specialty filaments can cost between $40 to $60. PLA and ABS are the most popular filaments in 3D printing, costing around $20 to $27. Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is similar to the PET plastic used in making bottles. It is reasonably cheap when used in FDM 3D printing, with an average price range of $20 to $150 per kg. Polycarbonate (PC) is another strong and durable FDM 3D printing filament used in rugged and industrial applications. It costs more than most filament types due to its high strength and good electrical resistance. Specialty filaments, such as wood, carbon fibre, or metal-filled filaments, usually have PLA or ABS as a base material and are designed to imitate the physical attributes and mechanical properties of real materials. However, they are still considered plastic materials with improved properties, and their pricing is relatively higher than standard 3D printer filaments.
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Polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely strong FDM 3D printing filament
The cost of 3D printer filament varies depending on the type of filament and its brand. The cheapest PLA filaments can range from $15 to $18, while specialty filaments can cost between $40 to $60. The most popular filament, PLA, is supplied in different blends and grades, with standard filaments being the cheapest. Special filaments like silk PLA or colour-changing PLA are more expensive, with an average price range of $10-$100 per kg. ABS is also a commonly used filament and is reasonably priced, with an average price range of $20-$150 per kg.
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Metal-filled filaments are more expensive than standard 3D printer filaments
The cost of 3D printer filament varies depending on the type of filament and its brand. The cheapest PLA filaments can range from $15 to $18, while specialty filaments can cost between $40 to $60. The most popular filament, PLA, costs around $20 to $27 per kg, while ABS, another commonly used filament, falls within the same price range. Tougher materials like Nylon are more expensive, while the most expensive 3D printer filaments, such as PEEK, can cost hundreds of dollars per kg due to their strength, heat resistance, and industrial use.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of 3D printing plastic depends on the type of filament and its brand. The cheapest PLA filaments can range from $15 to $18, while specialty filaments can cost between $40 to $60.
PLA and ABS are the most popular types of filament for 3D printing. PLA is the most popular, and costs between $10 to $100 per kg. ABS is reasonably cheap and costs between $20 to $150 per kg.
Standard filaments tend to be the cheapest. The cheapest PLA filaments can range from $15 to $18. Buying from an open-source 3D filament manufacturer can also provide savings.
Specialty filaments such as wood, carbon fibre, or metal-filled filaments tend to be the most expensive. These filaments usually have PLA or ABS as a base material but are designed to imitate the physical attributes and some of the mechanical properties of real wood, carbon fibre or metal.
