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3D Print filament material guide

Introduction

This page is dedicated to the print filament requirements.

I've been using my Prusa MK4, MK4S and now Core One for a while now, and I have learned a few things about filament requirements. I struggled a lot with the filament requirements, so here are my notes.

Note: I never use glue or anything else to stick the print to the bed, I only use the sheet.

Filaments

  • PLA:

    • Can break easily, it shouldn't be used to support structures
    • Small/thin prints: use Smooth PEI sheet, it will stick better to the bed, so you can print without support most of the time
    • Other prints: use Satin Powder-Coadted sheet, it will stick well to the bed and will be easier to remove
    • Clean the bed with isopropyl alcohol before printing to maximize adhesion (I clean it around once every 10 prints)

  • PLA+:

    • Same as PLA, but ~10x stronger

  • PETG:

    • Never use Smooth PEI sheet, it will damage your sheet
    • Use Satin Powder-Coadted sheet, it will stick well to the bed and will be easier to remove
    • You can try Textured Powder-Coadted sheet, it will stick well to the bed less cleanly
    • Wait for the sheet to be fully cooled down before removing the print
    • Print with enclosure to avoid warping
    • If the filament is not glassy on printing, try to dry it
    • Strong print quality
    • Clean the bed with isopropyl alcohol before printing to maximize adhesion and wait ~1h before printing to maximize adhesion ** Use soap if you don't want to wait

  • TPU/FLEX:

    • Use Textured Powder-Coadted sheet, it will stick well to the bed and will be easier to remove
    • Print slowly
    • Don't use High Flow nozzle
    • On the Nextruder, loosen the idler
    • Keep the filament dry